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Pro audio cables buying guide

How to choose the right cables for your pro audio gear

Pro audio cables get plugged in and unplugged hundreds of times. They get stepped on, tugged at, twisted around, and occasionally doused with beer. At the end of a show, they get hastily coiled up and tossed in a bin for transport to the next gig. And they're not supposed to fail in the middle of a performance. So they have to be built tough. 

Musician on stage with cables

What's a "balanced" cable?

Long cable runs, like those used in many PA setups, are susceptible to external noise from sources like electrical wiring or RF interference. This can introduce distortion and noise into the signal path.

Typical home audio cables have two internal wires – a signal wire and a ground. Balanced cable construction incorporates two signal wires and a ground. The two signal wires carry the same audio information, but in opposite polarity. This design helps cancel noise.

Types of connectors

Each different type of connector has a “male” and a “female” version. Remember that the male version of the connector will have a pin or pins that plug into holes on the female version of the connector.

It’s not unusual for cables to have different types of connectors at each end, depending on the requirements of your gear. For example, a typical microphone cable has an XLR female connector on one end and either an XLR male or TRS male connector on the other. 

Keep in mind which type of connectors your gear requires and purchase accordingly.

Here’s a quick look at the most common types of connectors you’ll find:

XLR

XLR connectors are used in many pro audio applications. The most common variation has 3-pins and a locking tab so it can’t be accidentally unplugged. XLR connectors are common used in mic cables and other applications.

XLR connector

Balanced XLR cables connect microphones and powered speakers to your mixing board. 

TRS

TRS stands for “Tip, Ring, Sleeve.” This describes the configuration of the connector. It's a common type of pro audio patch cord, also known as a 1/4" stereo patch cord.

While TRS cables don’t have to be a specific size, the 1/4" jack size is most common for pro audio applications.

The ubiquitous 1/8”, or “minjack” cable is another type of TRS cable. It's used to connect audio components to computers, digital recorders, or portable audio devices.

TRS plugs can also be used to combine two unbalanced signals. For example, this insert cable can connect an outboard effects processor to the "Channel Insert" jack on your mixing console. The insert cable has two TS plugs on one end and a TRS plug on the other.

TRs and XLR connectors

Balanced 1/4" cables have TRS connectors. The two black rings separate the tip, ring, and sleeve. 

TS

Also known as a 1/4" mono patch cord or an instrument cable. This unbalanced version of the TRS cable is usually used for connecting instruments to amplifiers.

The name describes the metal tip, a single insulating band, and then the sleeve of the connector. There's no metal ring in between the tip and sleeve as on the TRS connector.

TS connectors

Instrument cables have TS (tip and sleeve) connectors on both ends.

NL4 Speakon®

There are a couple of different types of Speakon connectors. The NL4 variant is what most people refer to when they're talking about Speakon connectors. 

Speakon connectors are used primarily for speaker cables. Their twist and lock mechanism ensures a tight connection that can't be accidentally unplugged.

Speakon connectors

Some speaker cables have NL4 Speakon connectors as shown above. Some have TS connectors.

Snakes

snake is a pre-assembled bundle of cables used to connect a mixing board to an array of mics on a stage.

snake

A snake combines multiple cables into a single bundle, linking the performance space to the mixing board

What to look for

Connectors: Note the types of connectors used on the pieces of equipment you’re connecting. It’s not unusual to need cables with different connectors on each end.

Length: Be sure to get cables that are long enough to get from point A to point B. Take into account how you’ll need to route your cables.

Construction: Cheap cables are a false economy. If you’ll be setting up and tearing down your equipment regularly, spend the extra money on cables designed to take a beating.

Adapters

Need a Y-adapter, a cord coupler, or a widget that changes the type or gender of a connector? We stock dozens of different kinds of adapters and connectors

Questions?

If you have any questions, contact our advisors via phone, chat, or email. They'll help you get exactly the cables you need.

  • Michael S from Los Lunas

    Posted on 11/21/2020

    I have used Crutchfield products and the highly competent staff for several years. I depend on their area of expertise to enable me in whichever brain storm I attempt. The knowledge that I have gained is priceless. I highly recommend any serious audiophile home or pro to sit down and ask,listen,and then create the best sound possible using the Crutchfield knowledge.

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 11/23/2020

    Thanks for the kind words, Michael! We're glad we've been of service over the years and we appreciate the recommendation!
  • Pat from McDonough

    Posted on 5/21/2020

    I have Yamaha 400bt system and purchased an active stage monitor. For outside performances what is best cable to use. I have connectors for both Xlr and trs. Thanks for info above. I'm new to this.

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 5/22/2020

    Hey Pat, thanks for the question. Personal preference here, but I prefer to use XLR cables. I like the security of the connection. Good luck with your performances!
  • John H Few from Bells

    Posted on 12/2/2019

    I am measuring for speaker cable lengths from a power amp to two speakers. One length is 100 ft. The other is 70 ft. Should I connect both with 100 ft cables to maintain the same cable length resistance ?

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 12/3/2019

    John - Thanks for your question. The amount of resistance in your cable run will vary depending upon the gauge of the wire. You can use a calculator like this one - https://www.cirris.com/learning-center/calculators/133-wire-resistance-calculator-table - to determine the actual resistance for your application. In your case, I wouldn't worry about the differences in length.
  • Cory from O'Fallon

    Posted on 7/31/2017

    I have XLR cables connecting Powered Speakers to my mixer, and my speakers always lose sound during events. What can be the cause of this and how do i fix the problem to where sound will not fade and go away? Thank you.

  • Jon Tisch from Akron

    Posted on 1/7/2017

    Best 1/4 inch cable for a Yamaha stagepass 600i? Using for speakers looking for 25-30 ft.

  • Lawrence Vaalburg from GLEN MILLS, PA

    Posted on 11/27/2016

    Connecting a Yamaha keyboard with two 1/4 inch outputs to two powered speakers with 35ft cords. The speaker inputs can take either a 1/4 inch jack or xlr input. what kind or cord should I use? Thanks, Larry

  • Commenter image

    Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield

    Posted on 3/24/2016

    Corey, if it's an unpowered monitor, you absolutely should not use a guitar cable to run from the amp to the speaker. If it's a powered stage monitor with a 1/4" input, you can use a guitar cable to connect your mixer's 1/4" monitor output to the speaker.

  • corey weathers from lafayatte

    Posted on 3/22/2016

    Can you use a quarter inch patch cord from a guitar to hook up a stage monitor just because we didn't want a long cable will that damage our equipment someone said it will burn up the amp true or false

  • onohwo from warri

    Posted on 10/6/2015

    Thanks am so joyous

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