XLR connections

[Panamax]

Well, I've just upgraded to the point where everything has XLR connections so I paid some modest cash (not the crazy "premium brand" prices) and bought a pair of XLR leads.

The components of the system are already quite hefty but, get this, the male XLR plug is a full 4" long and then the fat cable out the back is reluctant to turn any tight corners. Means the equipment needs to be an astounding 6" away from the back wall, so is currently overhanging the front edge of the cabinet.

After an afternoon clicking on Amazon I've just ordered a set of four right angle XLR plugs, two male and two female. Next trick is to find anywhere that'll sell me half a metre of good quality microphone cable. If only life was easy.

(Yes, the equipment has balanced circuitry. This isn't solely a matter of connections.)

[Junglebert]

XLR connectors are my everyday world, if you want some bespoke right angled ones making, I can put you in touch with my wireman.

[Junglebert]

Or, I can send you some cable if you’re happy to make your own.

[Panamax]

Junglebert said:

Or, I can send you some cable if you’re happy to make your own.

That's the direction I'm heading. I've ordered the plugs so am hoping to track down some cable this week. If I get stuck I will, if I may, take you up on that very kind offer. I'm just trying to make up 2 x 30 cm leads.

[Junglebert]

I can sort that, if you need, just let me know.

[Panamax]

Junglebert said:

I can sort that, if you need, just let me know.

Excellent, I have a question. I've got hold of some Supra EFF-I cable which has,

• Two insulated conductors, each shielded in a foil wrap, and
• One uninsulated conductor (which I shall connect to pin 1).

Am I right in thinking the foil wrap should simply be trimmed away when fitting the plugs? After all, it's in contact with the uninsulated conductor right along the cable.

[Mr Pointy]

Panamax said:

Excellent, I have a question. I've got hold of some Supra EFF-I cable which has,

• Two insulated conductors, each shielded in a foil wrap, and
• One uninsulated conductor (which I shall connect to pin 1).

Am I right in thinking the foil wrap should simply be trimmed away when fitting the plugs? After all, it's in contact with the uninsulated conductor right along the cable.

Yes. The bare wire is the earth/ground/drain for the sheilding foil.

[Panamax]

Ta!