XLR leads

I understand I need 2x 1/4" TRS to XLR male for connection to club equipment.

I have seen ones with mono 1/4 plugs or stereo like this.





I think its the stereo ones?

Also is there a max length for the XLR leads, would I be as well getting 2 x 5m over 3m ones?

I guess I should also take phono cables as well, I have a good 5m lead. Is that too long for un-balanced?

 

The design for XLR cables are supposed to be balanced. If you use the "one notch" version on the tip (called tip-sleeve or TS), the cable is unbalanced as it only sends the signal and a ground. You should use the "two notch" version (called tip-ring-sleeve or TRS) because it sends the signal, an out-of-phase signal, and a ground (called balanced). Balanced cables are better because if noise is picked up along the cable path, it is canceled out by the phased signals.

The maximum length before signal degradation occurs in balanced cables is around 200 feet - same as unbalanced cables - but since there's "noise protection," most use balanced cables for runs more than 15 feet.

At that length (20'), you are risking that noise will affect the signal.

-KLH

 

i came across this link somewhere - possibly even on these forums.

is this what you're after?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10244&cs_id=1024402&p_id=4761&seq=1&format=2

 

5m is fine. Just be aware that the photo's you have posted are Female XLR and you need male. And you need TRS as described by KLH

 

I've run into your situation before. As opposed to cables (personal preference, I hate using cables that convert 1/4 to XLR or RCA to XLR) I use a Behringer DI20 direct box. My experiences have found that I have less issues with those cables that don't seem to work. Only drawback is now you're carrying two sets of cables, the ones out from your S4 to the DI box (either 1/4 to 1/4 or RCA to 1/4) and then from the DI Box to the club system (XLR to XLR).

 

When going from 1/4 in TRS (Balanced) to XLR (Balanced), there is absolutely no benefit in using a DI.

A DI only helps if you are going from 1/4in TS (unbalanced) to XLR (balanced) or from RCA (unbalanced) to XLR (Balanced).

This is especially true for the Behringer DI's as they colour the sound and make it sound crap.

 

go for the balanced. (the jack with two black rings)
price difference is nearly nothing...sound difference is significantly "something".
I purchased by mistake the unbalanced ones....it works...but it has all problems that will not appear with balanced ones.
as longer the cable...as more significant

replaced that at deealer...up price was 4 euro for BOTH. (so nothing )