{"id":1563,"date":"2022-05-31T17:27:24","date_gmt":"2022-05-31T17:27:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/?page_id=1563"},"modified":"2024-02-19T15:26:53","modified_gmt":"2024-02-19T15:26:53","slug":"microphone-cables-and-stands","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/microphone-cables-and-stands\/","title":{"rendered":"microphone cables and stands"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9829bf6a\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>The essential cables and stands for the home recording studio<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-contrast-2-color has-text-color\"><strong>Choose the best microphone and audio cables to connect your equipment together<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cable-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"microphone cable\" class=\"wp-image-1086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cable-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cable-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cable-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/cable.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-655eba47\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p>Once you have all the equipment, and you&#8217;ve addressed any <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/acoustic-treatment\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/acoustic-treatment\/\">acoustic treatment<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/how-to-soundproof-a-room\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/how-to-soundproof-a-room\/\">soundproofing<\/a> issues, it&#8217;s time to get some cables and stands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Microphone-cables-(XLR)\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Microphone-cables-(XLR)\">Microphone cables<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Audio-Cables\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Audio-Cables\">Audio cables<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#USB-cables\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#USB-cables\">USB cables<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Thunderbolt-cables\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Thunderbolt-cables\">Thunderbolt cables<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Firewire-cables\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Firewire-cables\">Firewire cables<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#Microphone-Stands\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Microphone-Stands\">Microphone stands<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-322ef0f2\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Microphone-cables-(XLR)\"><strong>Microphone cables (XLR)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Microphones transmit such a low level audio <a href=\"https:\/\/online.stanford.edu\/courses\/sohs-ymusic0001-audio-signal-processing-music-applications\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/online.stanford.edu\/courses\/sohs-ymusic0001-audio-signal-processing-music-applications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">signal<\/a>, that when they&#8217;re amplified, all the background noise is amplified as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They need a special type of microphone cable, called XLR. These are &#8216;balanced&#8217; cables, with the electrical signal running along 3 wires. This eliminates as much interference as possible on the way from the mic to the audio interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The microphone cable is shielded with a ground wire layer, and a protective PVC layer on the outside. At each end of the cable is a connector, called an XLR connector. Normally one end is male, with 3 prongs, and the other end female, with 3 sockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s many qualities of microphone cable, some with poor shielding, or construction issues, which make them more susceptible to damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/types-of-microphones\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/types-of-microphones\/\">expensive mic<\/a> and a <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/best-audio-interface\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/best-audio-interface\/\">good audio interface<\/a>, the microphone cable will be the weakest point in the chain. So it makes sense to buy the best quality. Don&#8217;t order much longer than you need, as the signal will degrade slightly with every extra metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for the best quality XLR cables, look for cables with Neutrik connectors, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/XLR-neutrik-6foot\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/XLR-neutrik-6foot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-a2100ea3\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Audio-Cables\"><strong>Audio Cables<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Balanced (TRS)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Another type of &#8216;balanced&#8217; audio cable is the \u00bc\u201d TRS cable. These are commonly used for connecting pro audio equipment. They&#8217;re the same quality as XLR microphone cables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on your needs, you might use a balanced cable with an XLR connector on one side, and a \u00bc\u201d connector on the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Unbalanced (TS)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>These are called TS cables, and they&#8217;re much simpler than the TRS. They&#8217;re used for plugging guitar into amps, or wherever reducing interference is less important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They look very similar \u2013 the only way to distinguish them is by the tip of the connector. The TS has one black ring, the TRS has two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1\/8\u201d mini jacks<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Both TRS and TS cables can also come with the smaller 1\/8\u201d mini connectors. These are very common on headphones.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/connectors-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"microphone cables\" class=\"wp-image-1087\" srcset=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/connectors-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/connectors-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/connectors-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/connectors.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-aa40bc56\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"USB-cables\"><strong>USB cables<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might need a USB cable for connecting a <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/midi-controller-keyboard\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/midi-controller-keyboard\/\">MIDI controller keyboard<\/a> to you computer. Or to connect your <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/best-audio-interface\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/best-audio-interface\/\">audio interface<\/a> to the computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working it which type of USB cable you need can be tricky, as there&#8217;s a lot of variations around. You&#8217;ll need the correct type:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>USB-A<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the classic looking USB cables, commonly used around the home or in the office<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>USB-B<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>USB-B is a variation of type A, with more of a square shape. These used to be common on printers, and can be found on a lot of home recording gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Micro-USB<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are tiny variations of type A. They can be found on cameras and other small bits of equipment. You probably won&#8217;t be using these in the studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>USB-C<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>USB-C is the latest incarnation of USB. It has a faster transfer rate than USB-A or USB-B. They&#8217;re now pretty standard on new computers and audio interfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>USB 2 or USB 3?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s 2 generations of USB, each with different bandwidth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>USB 2 has a maximum bandwidth of 480 mbps, where as USB 3 has 10 times that, at 4.8 Gbps.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4b73646a\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Thunderbolt-cables\"><strong>Thunderbolt <\/strong><strong>cables<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally championed by Apple, Thunderbolt has become standard on many of the latest audio interfaces. It has a much higher transfer rate than both USB and Firewire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Thunderbolt 4 is the latest incarnation, audio interfaces are equipped with Thunderbolt 3 Connectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They&#8217;re the same shape as USB-C connectors, and often share the same port.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e84affba\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Firewire-cables\"><strong>Firewire <\/strong><strong>cables<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Firewire is an older digital cable format, not seen as much as USB or Thunderbolt in the recording studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first generation of Firewire was Firewire 400, roughly comparable with USB 2, but with lower latency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The later Firewire 800 doubled the previous bandwidth.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c786bf3e\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Microphone-Stands\"><strong>Microphone Stands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as microphone cables, you&#8217;ll need a couple of stands for the mics you regularly use. I suggest going for a good quality boom stand, with a tripod base like the <a href=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/KandM-21020-stand\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/geni.us\/KandM-21020-stand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">K&amp;M 210\/2<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boom stands have an adjustable arm, which allow you to position the mic in the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re using an expensive heavy microphone, make sure to get a heavy stand with a sturdy base, to stop it from toppling over.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-00cd36d8\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Next Steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully you now have an idea of the difference between microphone cables, audio cables and digital cables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re wondering what sort of microphones to get for your home recording studio, check out this <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/different-types-of-microphones\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/different-types-of-microphones\/\">Ultimate Guide to Microphones<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or if you&#8217;re wondering how to set up a whole studio, <a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/home-recording-studio\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/home-recording-studio\/\">start here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7e3c3c2f\">\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><em>Education is the key to getting a pro sound.  I&#8217;ve made a guide to help you choose the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/best-online-music-production-courses\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/best-online-music-production-courses\/\">Best Online Music Production Courses<\/a><\/strong> available right now<\/em><\/h5>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1d978f4e\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d52ab48b\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-base-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-base-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Reviews-Editor-Paul-Narang\"><strong>Author: Daren B<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-10aa8ec3\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b1d4d836\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b1d4d836\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"899\" src=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/belgrade-bandw.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-659\" style=\"width:180px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/belgrade-bandw.jpg 729w, https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/belgrade-bandw-243x300.jpg 243w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-fc408449\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc408449\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n\n<p>Daren studied classical piano and composition at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trinitylaban.ac.uk\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.trinitylaban.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trinity College of Music<\/a>, at undergraduate and postgraduate level.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/darenbanarse.com\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/darenbanarse.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">His music<\/a> has been performed&nbsp;at the Southbank Centre, Tate Modern, and the Courtauld Institute, and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and countless TV shows, including The Apprentice, Top Gear and Horizon.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Daren is a former lecturer on the BA Music Course at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gold.ac.uk\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.gold.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Goldsmiths College<\/a>, University of London.  He is also a qualified psychotherapist and Alexander Technique teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The essential cables and stands for the home recording studio Choose the best microphone and audio cables to connect your equipment together Once you have all the equipment, and you&#8217;ve addressed any acoustic treatment or soundproofing issues, it&#8217;s time to get some cables and stands. Microphone cables (XLR) Microphones transmit such a low level audio &#8230; <a title=\"microphone cables and stands\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/soundref.com\/microphone-cables-and-stands\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about microphone cables and stands\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1563"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1563"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6705,"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1563\/revisions\/6705"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soundref.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}