Building your own diy XLR cable can be a fun and rewarding experience, giving you complete control over xlr cable length, quality, and budget. By following the steps below, you’ll learn how to select the right materials, properly solder connections, and test your handmade xlr cables.
Table of Contents
Why DIY XLR Cable?
- Cost Savings: Purchasing bulk cable and DIY xlr connectors can be more affordable than buying premium pre-made cables.
- Customization: You get to choose the exact xlr cable length, cable thickness, and even color coding to suit your gear setup.
- Skill Development: Learn valuable soldering and troubleshooting skills that will be useful for future audio projects.
Tools and Materials
Bulk Audio Cable
Look for quality microphone or balanced audio cable with a robust shield (e.g., copper-braided or dense spiral shield).
XLR Connectors (Male & Female)
- Variety of Contact Finishes:
XLR connectors come in different types and finishes—nickel, silver, or gold plating. Gold-plated xlr plugs often provide better corrosion resistance and may offer improved audio performance over time, as they maintain cleaner contact points. However, they do tend to be pricier, so weigh your budget against performance needs. - Brand Recommendations:
Reputable xlr manufacturers like Neutrik or Amphenol are known for their durability, robust design, and ease of soldering. - Correct Gender:
For a standard microphone or balanced line cable, you typically need a male xlr connector on one end and a female xlr connector on the other.
Essential Tools
- Wire Strippers: For precise removal of the cable’s outer jacket.
- Wire Cutters: To trim cable ends cleanly.
- Soldering Iron & Solder: Choose a solder that contains flux; keep the iron around 350°C (660°F).
- Heat-Shrink Tubing or Electrical Tape: For insulating and reinforcing solder joints.
- Multimeter: For checking connectivity and detecting short circuits.
Step-by-Step DIY XLR Cable
Step 1: Measure and Cut
- Determine the desired length for your cable.
- Cut the audio cable cleanly with wire cutters, leaving a small margin in case you need to trim later.
Step 2: Strip and Prep
- Use wire strippers to remove about 2–3 cm (1 inch) of the outer jacket.
- Expose the inner conductors: you’ll typically find two insulated wires (hot and cold) plus a shield (ground).
- Twist the shield into a single strand for easier soldering.
Step 3: Place the Wire in the Connector
- Disassemble the XLR male connector and put it on the wire. Be sure to put it on first, don’t rush to solder.
- It is important to distinguish the positive and negative poles of the wire and the xlr plug.
Step 4: Solder the XLR Male Connections
- Disassemble the XLR connector by removing the outer shell and loosening the cable clamp.
- Identify the pins on the connector:
Pin 1: Ground (Shield)
Pin 2: Hot (+)
Pin 3: Cold (–) - Align each conductor with the correct pin. For instance:
Shield → Pin 1
Red → Pin 2
Blue → Pin 3 - Heat the connection point on the pin, then apply solder so it flows and secures the wire in place. Avoid excessive heating.
Step 5: Solder the XLR Female Connections
- In the same way, solder the female xlr plug.
Step 6: Tighten the Sleeve
- Slide the connector sleeve over the cable and screw it into the threads on the connector’s metal shell.
- As you tighten the sleeve, it pushes the end of the plastic sleeve inward, securing the cable in place and providing strain relief.
- You should hear a click when the connector sleeve is tightened.
Step 7:Test Your Work
- Use a multimeter set to continuity mode to confirm each pin (1–1, 2–2, 3–3) is correctly connected.
- Check that there is no continuity between different pins—this would indicate a short.
- (Optional) Plug your cable into audio gear and do a sound test for peace of mind.
Some FAQs
Can you make your own XLR cable?
Yes. By selecting quality cable and connectors, then soldering the wires to the correct pins, you can build a reliable XLR cable. This allows for customized lengths, better materials, and potential cost savings.
What are the 3 wires in an XLR cable?
An XLR cable typically has three conductors: a “Hot” (pin 2), a “Cold” (pin 3), and a Ground/Shield (pin 1). This balanced design reduces noise and interference.
Can you daisy chain an XLR cable?
Generally, you can link XLR cables end-to-end. However, daisy-chaining multiple long runs may increase signal loss or noise. For critical audio applications, a dedicated distribution system or shorter cable lengths are preferred.
How are XLR cables wired?
XLR cables follow a standard pin configuration: pin 1 is Ground, pin 2 is Hot, and pin 3 is Cold. The Hot and Cold conductors carry out-of-phase signals, minimizing external noise when combined.
Conclusion
Creating your own diy xlr cable is a rewarding process that puts you in control of cable length, quality, and budget. With a few essential tools and proper soldering techniques, you can customize your cable to meet specific audio requirements while gaining a deeper understanding of balanced connections. This hands-on approach not only enhances signal reliability but also builds valuable DIY skills you can apply to various audio projects.
