XLR microphone vs. 1/4" phono?

[bigjon]

I know XLR is low impedance and 1/4" phono is high impendance, and if I remember correctly low impedance is better (less noise?). I want to install a couple XLR microphone jacks in the floor and plug our XLR mikes in there.

What kind of cable is required for XLR mikes? I want to make a cable with a mail XLR plug on one end (for the amp input) and wire the other end to the in-floor jack. Is XLR 3-conductor? The only microphone cable I've found is this (http://www.parts-express.com part# 100-225), but is it OK for XLR or just phono??? Thanks!

PS Sorry about the link/search# - you can't directly link to an item on their site

 

[Adrian Tung]

Yup, that cable should do. XLR connections are "balanced" connections, which require two center conductors, and an outer wire mesh "shield". If you intend to plug one end into 1/4" connectors then you need a balanced/stereo/tip-ring-sleeve plug, not the usual unbalanced plug.


Hope that helps,
atwl

 

[bigjon]

Thanks a lot for the info! I won't be needing to convert between XLR and 1/4" since the microphones are XLR and the amp has XLR inputs. I did see some XLR-1/4" adapters that used transformers though, and they aren't too cheap as far as adapters go!