XLR

XLR cable is one of the most commonly used signal cables in the event industry. Whether connecting a microphone, mixer, or amplifier, in all cases, the connection is likely to be an XLR connector.

XLR connectors come in different types and from different manufacturers. However, the most commonly used variant is the 3-pin XLR. In fact, when you ask a technician for "an XLR cable," you will always be handed a 3-pin cable.

The reason XLR cables are widely used in the event industry is because they are highly resistant to interference. While at home, connecting your CD player with RCA cables may work fine, over longer distances, it often causes problems. This is due to the way the signal travels through the cables and connectors. RCA cables are not as resistant to external influences. Power cables and power supplies that come too close to the signal cable quickly cause buzzing or other distortions.

In the case of XLR cables, this problem is much less of an issue. This is because there is an electronic trick that allows the noise and interference to fade out. As an additional advantage, an XLR connector locks in place when it is in use, significantly reducing the chances of it being accidentally disconnected.