Karaoke Forums

1. Can I use microphone cables to connect other equipment such as power speakers, mixers, amplifiers, besides microphones? I'm confused because of the word "microphone" in "microphone cable".
2. What is a Lo-Z (high-Z) microphone cable? Should I buy them rather than a regular microphone cable?
3. I intend to buy my microphone cables from a local Guitar Center store so I don't have to wait for mailing. Is the price at Guitar Center reasonable compared with internet sites?
4. If I have a choice of using XLR connection or 1/4 inch connector, which one should I use and why?
5. Is the high price of a Monster microphone cable worth it?
6. If I have only 1 Monster cable and a bunch of generic cables, should I use the Monster cable for the microphone or for which equipment to receive its most benefit?
7. Can you suggest a website for microphone cables?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I can answer #5 and #4.
5:Yes it is because it is guarenteed for life.
4: if your mixer accepts xlr then get xlr to xlr.
6: I would use nothing but monster cables but if I had to choose then I would get monster cables for the speakers.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Here's my take, others mileage will differ:

1. Yes, mic cables are just XLR-->XLR cables, used for many things.
2. Don't mess with Hi-Z (two wire) unless you have a "dj mixer" or "karaoke mixer" which only accepts those 1/4" TS plugs. You want Lo-Z with any pro mixer.
3. Yes, the price at Guitar Center is reasonable. Get (in my opinion) their LIve Wire cables with the lifetime guarantee, then save the receipts. You never have to buy them again. (Yes, Monster and Mogami give the same deal, but I find them overpriced.)
4. XLR, because it is more secure and doesn't pull out as easily, sometimes having a latch. Also, you are assured of a balanced connection.
5. Sort of. I think you can do better with Live Wire myself. They use Belden cable and Neutrik connecters, and it doesn't get much better than that. Monster is better than generic cables, for sure.
6. The mic, for sure. The speaker cables will only get strain once a night when you plug them in, and you can arrange them so people won't be pulling on them. The mic cable is under constant strain. I bough the 18 cables for $99.00 special for Whirlwind 20' cables at zZounds, and use those (sometimes daisy-chaining to reach 40') for everything except mics. I might use them on the DJ mic, too. But the singer mics are only the top-quality cables. They lay flatter, don't kink, and stand up to the abuse.
7. zZounds.com for that special I mention, otherwise go to Guitar Center to make it easier to exchange on the lifetime guarantee.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

1. There are two kinds of line cable: HiZ (like 1/4' guitar cable) &LoZ (mic cable also called XLR(Z is impedance). Hi has two conductors(ground and signal) and lo has 3 conductors (ground, +signal & -signal). You can connect -signal to ground to connect to lo Z to hi Z. Lo Z is designed for better signal quality and reduced noise and interference. Remember these line cables are not speaker cables. Be careful.
There are adapters to go from one to another.

Guitar Center is fairly reasonable. Bargain or look for specials. They have a website too.

If the Monster Cable has a lifetime warranty it may be worth it.

A mic is a good bet since it is the focal-vocal point of the sound.