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How to Wire an XLR Cable

XLR cables are used for many applications in audio engineering and live sound reinforcement. Most commonly used as microphone cables, they also connect to direct boxes, mixing consoles, and outboard rack gear. Having the ability to make and repair your own XLR cables can save time and money over store bought cables. Create custom length cables to fit the needs of your particular stage or studio, which will help to keep your work areas organized and free of tangles and clutter.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire strippers
  • Precision screwdrivers
  • Soldering iron
  • Silver solder
  • XLR connectors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your cable to the desired length with the cutting side of a wire stripper tool. Strip one inch of the rubber sheath from each end using the stripping hole marked for 14 gauge wire. Be careful not to cut into the inner wires, which are just underneath the rubber sheath.

    • 2

      Separate the three inner wires at each end of the cable. Strip 1/4 inch from the insulated ends. The bare wire is usually wrapped around the other three. Gather the strands together with your fingers and twist them into a point to form a single multi-strand wire for soldering.

    • 3

      Open the housings of the XLR connectors by unscrewing the base or removing a small screw to gain access to the inner contact points. You will see that there are three contact points inside. Each contact point will have a number 1, 2 or 3 imprinted next to it.

    • 4

      Solder the bare wires to the number 1 contacts of each connector. Solder the red wires to the number 2 contacts and the black wires to the number 3 contacts.

    • 5

      Replace the connector housings after the solder joints have cooled for several minutes. Slide the casings back over the contact assembly and screw them back on, or secure them with the included screw, depending on the type of connector you purchased.

Recording Music

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