Balanced XLR Interconnect Cables for Hi-Fi & Studio Use
XLR cables are balanced audio interconnects used to carry analogue signals with reduced susceptibility to noise and interference. Unlike unbalanced connections, balanced XLR cables transmit the signal across two conductors with an additional earth connection, allowing external noise to be cancelled before it reaches the receiving component. This makes XLR connections particularly effective in systems where electrical interference, longer cable runs, or complex signal chains are present.
In hi-fi systems, XLR cables are commonly used between balanced sources, preamplifiers and power amplifiers to maintain signal stability and consistency. In studio and professional environments, they are the standard connection for microphones, mixers and monitoring equipment for the same reasons. XLR cables are typically chosen over RCA interconnects when both components support balanced inputs and outputs, or where minimising noise and preserving signal integrity is a priority.
In systems without balanced inputs or where cable runs are short, unbalanced connections are often sufficient, and users may instead use RCA cables, which remain widely supported across hi-fi and AV equipment—covered in our RCA cables range.
