How to Make a Microphone Cable
A microphone cable is used to connect a microphone to a mixing or output device. While some microphones use a regular instrument cable with 1/4" connector, most microphones require an XLR connector. Soldering an XLR microphone cable can be achieved simply with a bit of soldering skill.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Bulk Microphone Wire
- Soldering iron
- Tin-Lead-Rosin Solder
- Electrical tape
- Wire strippers
- Small screwdriver
- Pliers
Instructions
-
Soldering
-
1
Determine what kind of connector you want your microphone cable to have. Types of microphone connectors include balanced and unbalanced 1/4" connectors and XLR cables.
-
2
Depending on your choice of connector and the quality of sound you wish to have, choose your cable wire type. The more professional-level the cable, the more balancing features and sheathing protection it will have to help protect the cable from sound interference.
-
-
3
Warm up your soldering iron. While the soldering iron is heating, use the wire stripper to strip all of the covering from the ends of the wires you intend to solder.
-
4
With the hot soldering iron, choose one end of the cable and the coinciding connector, and lightly warm the first pair of wires to be connected. By warming the wires, you will ensure a better connection between the solder and the connecting wires.
-
5
Once the connecting areas are warm, carefully use the hot soldering iron to apply the solder to the correct wires in the cable to the coinciding areas on the microphone connector.
-
6
Continue to the next connection, warming and soldering one connection at a time. Repeat the process with the other side of the wire and opposite connector. Test the function of the wires with a digital multimeter.
-
7
After ensuring that the cable is functional, secure the connectors to the cable. On an XLR connector, this requires that a small screw be tightened to strengthen the connection. If there are remaining exposed areas of wire, it may be necessary to wrap the exposed areas in electrical tape to protect the wire.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The types and number of wires within your microphone cable and your microphone connector will vary, so be sure to check the schematics to make sure the cable is properly soldered. See resources for cable types, connector types, soldering information and details specific to your microphone cable.
Be careful to use the soldering iron out of the way of children or foot traffic, in a clear workspace. Do not leave the hot soldering iron unattended.
