Does using too long of a XLR affect quality?

M

Mark-P

Well-known member
Does using too long of an XLR cable for either a handheld or boom mic affect the quality of sound if the extra slack is wrapped up while it is being used?

Thanks.
 
Well, I am referring to possibly using a 50 or 75-ft cable when only 6-10ft are actually needed. I know that I should just have shorter XLR cables with me. I'm just curious if this can affect the sound quality.

Thanks.
 
50 or 75ft is nothing if you have a balanced connection (XLR). It can probably go hundreds of feet without serious interference.
 
XLR cables are indeed good to a couple hundred feet. The only issue you might run into with the cable coiled up is a coil of cable becomes an inductive antenna. If you coil an excessive amount of cable, coil it up in a figure-8 pattern to reduce the chance of picking up interference.
 
as above, balanced audio connections use a 3rd wire to carry ground which allows the positive & negative charges in the other 2 wires to travel a great distance. if you're using unbalanced connections (2 wires, with the ground wrapped around one of the wires) you should only travel up to 10, 15 feet. but that's really only for instruments and other devices that you won't be seeing in field recording normally.
 
Unless you're using damaged cable or are running parallel to a power cable, 50 feet is nothing to worry about. On a couple of occasions I've used 500 and 1000 foot lines (with phantom power) and experienced no problems.

Other than hauling around heavy cable reels, that is.

If you're still a bit concerned, bring along a spare 50 footer. Its always prudent to bring extra cables in case one is damaged.
 
think of audio like plumbing... a few things to consider when trying to achieve the best flow (sound) gauge, length, quality of materials. but to the everyday listener's ear... it really doesn't matter.
 
Thanks everyone for the great responses. Up until now I have just been ordering cables from BH without really paying attention to gauge or quality. Does the gauge of cable become a factor with cable that is 75ft or less? What about the quality? Is there a particular brand that I should look into or stay away from?

Thanks!
 
For XLR cable, the industry standard is Canare Starquad cable and Neutrik connectors. As a general rule, the heavier gauge cable is the way to go, although lighter more flexible cable is preferable for shock-mount jumpers (they transmit less mechanical vibration into the mic).
 
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