XLR vs. 3.5mm

R

RedChalice

Active member
I was wondering if there was a difference in recording quality between a mic hooked up to a recorder via 3.5mm cable, and the same mic hooked up via XLR cable.

I have a Tascam DR70d, & a Rode Videomic Go, which I hook up via 3.5mm cable into the DR70d's EXT IN 1/2 (plug-in power). I'm considering getting a longer 3.5mm cable to use this same mic on a boom pole and was wondering if anyone else works with a similar setup. I've also seen on B&H, cables with an XLR on one end, and a 3.5mm jack on the other.

Is using a long 3.5mm cable an acceptable workflow to use with a boom pole?

Figured I'd give it a try before I invest in a new mic that needs an XLR w/ phantom power.
 
Most XLR cables are protected against interference, 3.5mm are not (is the metal net beneat the surface of the cable). So, maybe if you use a long 3.5mm cable you will hear "electric noise" from the house you are at. Sorry for my bad english
 
Hi
Your results will vary with many factors which can get technical real quick. To keep it simple and directed towards your situation try the following: All cables are not created equal. Get a high quality pro 3.5mm audio cable. Try to keep it as short as possible. Start there because it is cheap compared to buying a new mic. If it works, good. If your are getting noise then you will need to go to a balanced XLR type setup. Remember the noise (interference) is in the environment you record in, so what works at home will not work everywhere else.

The XLR / 3.5mm cable with XLR on one end and 3.5mm on the other will not serve as a balanced cable. If for no other reason, and there may be other reasons, the 3.5mm jack you plug it into will not be balanced. To work it has to be balanced end to end including the electronics on both ends.

Best of luck
 
RedChalice said:
I was wondering if there was a difference in recording quality between a mic hooked up to a recorder via 3.5mm cable, and the same mic hooked up via XLR cable.
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The connector BY ITSELF isn't going to make any significant difference. HOWEVER, a 3.5mm connector implies that you are running unbalanced, and that is more vulnerable to noise and interference, especially over longer length cables.

I have a Tascam DR70d, & a Rode Videomic Go, which I hook up via 3.5mm cable into the DR70d's EXT IN 1/2 (plug-in power). I'm considering getting a longer 3.5mm cable to use this same mic on a boom pole and was wondering if anyone else works with a similar setup.
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Yes, it is possible to use a 3.5mm cable extension without significant loss or interference. However, as Mr. Suarez mentioned, many (perhaps MOST) 3.5mm extension cables are either not shielded, or have very poor shields. That is because they are typically made for use with headphones/earbuds which don't require shielded wire. So first you must be SURE to get an extension cable that is FULLY SHIELDED.

I've also seen on B&H, cables with an XLR on one end, and a 3.5mm jack on the other.
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If the microphone is unbalanced, and the destination is unbalanced, there is no particular advantage to using an XLR cable. Except that there is some benefit in using a short 3.5mm to XLR and then short XLR to 3.5mm adapter with a conventional XLR cable for the majority of the length. That allows you to use conventional mic cables which essentially guarantees it is shielded properly, and is readily available in a variety of lengths, etc.

Is using a long 3.5mm cable an acceptable workflow to use with a boom pole?
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Yes, it can be if you are careful.

Figured I'd give it a try before I invest in a new mic that needs an XLR w/ phantom power.
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Yes, that is a significant escalation in gear expense (and quality).
 
I say, get an XLR.

The mic you're now using, a Rode Videomic Go, was $100, right? Sell that, and spend a couple hundred dollars or so --- at least --- on a good, used XLR microphone.

I've been down the road you're considering. It isn't worth it: not worth your own daily pain, not worth the hit in quality.

 
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