Musiversal's Review of the Best XLR Cables in 2024

By
Sarah Better
,
August 23, 2024

5 min read

Introduction

When it comes to recording high-quality audio, every component of your setup matters, and XLR cables are no exception. Choosing the right XLR cable can make a significant difference in your recordings. At Musiversal, we’re committed to helping you capture the best sound possible. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best XLR cables for microphones, ensuring you have the tools you need to create and produce with confidence.

What to Consider When Choosing an XLR Cable

Before diving into our top picks, let's briefly cover some key factors to consider when choosing an XLR cable:

  • Build Quality: Look for cables with robust connectors and durable jackets to ensure longevity.

  • Noise Rejection: Good XLR cables should offer excellent noise rejection to minimize interference.

  • Length: Choose a length that suits your recording setup, keeping in mind that longer cables can sometimes introduce more noise.

  • Price: Consider your budget and weigh the cost against the quality and features offered.

  • Warranty: A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Close-up of Mogami Gold Studio XLR Cable in Musiversal's 2024 review of the best XLR cables for professional audio production.

 Mogami Gold Studio XLR Cable

Why We Love It: Mogami is renowned in the audio industry for producing cables that deliver exceptional performance and reliability. The Gold Studio XLR Cable, priced at $49.95 for 10 feet, features high-quality construction with 4-conductor cables and a spiral shield to provide excellent noise rejection and clear audio quality. This cable is perfect for studio environments where clarity and precision are key. The Mogami Gold series is noted for its negligible signal loss and robust build, making it a favorite among professionals. 

✅ Pros:

  • Negligible signal loss
  • Rugged and durable build
  • Lifetime warranty

❌ Cons:

  • Higher price point compared to other cables
  • May be overkill for casual or entry-level users

Close-up of Canare Star-Quad XLR Cable in Musiversal's 2024 review of the best XLR cables for professional audio production.

Canare Star-Quad XLR Cable

Why We Love It: At an affordable price of $25.95 for 10 feet, the Canare Star-Quad XLR Cable is another favorite among audio professionals. Its unique 4-conductor design offers superior noise rejection, making it ideal for environments with a lot of electromagnetic interference. This cable is well-suited for both live performances and studio recordings, ensuring that your sound remains clean and unaltered​.

✅ Pros:

  • Superior noise rejection
  • Flexible and easy to handle
  • Robust connectors

❌ Cons:

  • Slightly stiffer than other cables
  • Limited availability in shorter lengths

Close-up of Planet Waves Classic Series XLR Cable in Musiversal's 2024 review of the best XLR cables for audio production.

Planet Waves Classic Series XLR Cable

Why We Love It: Planet Waves, a D’Addario company, is known for producing high-quality cables at an affordable price. The Classic Series XLR Cable costs $18.99 for 10 feet and combines durability with performance, making it a great choice for musicians on a budget. Its oxygen-free copper conductors and low capacitance design ensure reliable signal transmission and minimal signal loss​.

✅ Pros:

  • Affordable without compromising quality
  • Durable PVC jacket
  • Lifetime guarantee

❌ Cons:

  • Not as high-end as premium options
  • May not be suitable for professional studio use

Audio-Technica AT8314 premium microphone cable with sturdy connectors, reviewed in Musiversal's 2024 guide to XLR cables.

Audio-Technica AT8314 Premium Microphone Cable

Why We Love It: Audio-Technica is a trusted name in the audio industry, and their AT8314 Premium Microphone Cable lives up to the reputation. This cable is designed to provide maximum signal transfer with minimum interference, thanks to its high-grade materials and meticulous construction. At $27 for 10 feet, it's a solid choice for both professional and home studio setups.

✅ Pros:

  • Excellent signal transfer
  • High-grade materials
  • Reliable and durable

❌ Cons:

  • Slightly higher price compared to similar cables
  • Can be less flexible than some alternatives

Durable GLS Audio XLR cable coiled with high-quality connectors, featured in Musiversal's review of the best XLR cables.

GLS Audio XLR Cable

Why We Love It: For those who need high-quality cables in bulk, the GLS Audio XLR Cable offers great value. At $29.99 for a 2-pack of 15 feet each, these cables are designed to perform well in various settings, from live sound to studio recording. With their heavy-duty construction and high-quality components, GLS Audio cables ensure that your audio signal remains clear and strong​.

✅ Pros:

  • Affordable bulk option
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • High-quality connectors

❌ Cons:

  • Bulkier and heavier than some other cables
  • May not offer the same noise rejection as premium cables

Hosa HMIC Pro XLR cable with robust connectors, ideal for professional audio setups, featured in 2024 Musiversal review.

Hosa HMIC Pro XLR Cable

Why We Love It: The Hosa HMIC Pro XLR Cable is known for its rugged construction and affordability. At $18.45 for 15 feet, this cable features a high-quality design with a durable jacket and reliable connectors, making it a good choice for both live sound and studio recording​.

✅ Pros:

  • Durable jacket
  • Affordable price
  • High-quality connectors

❌ Cons:

  • Not as flexible as some premium options
  • May not offer the same level of noise rejection as higher-end cables

LyxPro balanced XLR cable with sleek design and reliable connections, highlighted in Musiversal's audio cable guide.

LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable

Why We Love It: LyxPro Balanced XLR Cables offer excellent value for money, combining solid performance with affordability. Starting at $14.99 for 10 feet, these cables feature high-quality materials and robust construction, making them suitable for various applications, from live performances to studio recordings​.

✅ Pros:

  • Balanced design for noise rejection
  • Durable construction
  • Affordable

❌ Cons:

  • Heavier than some other cables
  • May not be as durable as premium options

Close-up of Monster Prolink Performer 600 XLR cable, known for its high durability and performance.

Monster Prolink Performer 600 XLR Cable

Why We Love It: Monster Prolink Performer 600 XLR Cable is designed for professional use, offering excellent sound quality and durability. At $39.95 for 20 feet, this cable features high-quality components and a rugged design, making it ideal for demanding live and studio environments​.

✅ Pros:

  • High-quality sound
  • Rugged design
  • Reliable performance

❌ Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Heavier than some other cables

Conclusion

At Musiversal, we understand the value of reliable gear, which is why we’ve highlighted these top XLR cables to help you make an informed choice. However, remember that the quality of your XLR cable is not the thing that’s going to make the biggest difference to the quality of your music. While a good cable can be benefitial, it's the creativity and authenticity of your music that truly makes the biggest impact. So, while we’ve highlighted some top XLR cables for you, don’t stress too much about finding the perfect XLR cable— focus on creating awesome songs that will resonate with your audience. With that in mind, nearly any XLR cable will do. For more tips on gear, music theory, songwriting, and production, be sure to check out our Musiversal blog.

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