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DIY XLR Cables: Questions

Hi All,

I'll be putting together several runs of balanced XLR cables, doing a bunch of soldering, putting Neutrik connectors on Mogami Neglex 2534 microphone cable. Any advice on that, besides getting the pin arrangement right (1=ground, 2=positive, 3=inverted). The cable has 4 conductors (2 pairs of like color) and a braid. Each like color pair gets twisted together and goes to one pin. The braid gets gathered up, twisted into one, and to the third pin. Does it help to tin the braid prior to soldering to the pin? Ditto for the other twisted pairs?

Also, do you think there is any significant difference in sound quality between "standard" Neutrik plugs and more expensive models, such as "black" (e.g. NC-FX), "gold", etc?

Thanks for any advice that can be offerred. Peter
peter_s

Showing 1 response by buff

buff's avatar
buff
210 posts
 
Definately tin the braid, maybe even solder a small piece of regular wire to the braid to facilitte easy connection to the XLR connector.

The higher gade XLR connectors offer a slight edge, but I would look at the overall budget for the project and determine if the cost difference is acceptable.
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