[It's too late to ask now] The real reason why microphone cables affect sound quality [5 recommendations]
[It's too late to ask now] What's the real reason why microphone cables change sound?
When you hear that "cables change the sound," many people probably honestly think this.
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Isn't the brand the deciding factor in price?
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"Maybe it's just a matter of feeling that expensive cables sound better?"
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"Do you really know the difference anyway?"
This question is quite natural, and in fact not everyone notices a clear difference.
So why do professionals and advanced amateurs still say that "cables change the sound"? This time, we will try to explain this point as objectively as possible from an expert's perspective.
What is the role of the cable?
To put it simply, cables do not "create" sound. Their role is very simple:
・"To transmit sound signals as accurately as possible."
In other words, the cable is not the source of the sound, but a "pathway."
This road is unstable,
It's easy to pick up noise from outside,
If the electrical resistance is high,
As a result, the impression of the sound that is received changes significantly.
The real reason why cables affect sound
The impression of sound can change for reasons mentioned above, but the essential reason is that "the clarity of sound transmission varies depending on the pitch (frequency) of the sound."
In technical terms, this is called "frequency characteristics."
For example, if you compare the sound picked up by a microphone to water, the cable is like the hose or waterway that carries that water.
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One hose is good at forcefully transmitting low sounds (bass).
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Another hose is good at delivering sparkling high-pitched sounds (high frequencies) without clogging.
In this way, the design of each cable determines "what pitch of sound it can transmit and how smoothly it can transmit it (transmission efficiency)."
Every person has their own unique vocal range.
The human voice has "important frequency bands" that determine a person's individuality. The quality of the recording depends greatly on how smoothly (efficiently) the signals in this band can be transmitted.
Let's take a look at the specific frequency ranges that our voices are made up of.
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The foundation of the voice (fundamental frequency): This is the vibration of the vocal cords themselves, the base part that is recognized as pitch.
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Male speaking voice: approximately 85Hz to 180Hz
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Female speaking voice: Approximately 165Hz to 255Hz (Note: The average everyday conversational frequency for Japanese women is higher at 300Hz to 350Hz). Smooth transmission of this range will express the depth and calmness of a person's voice.
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Soprano vocals can reach frequencies around 2,000 Hz (2 kHz) . The key to bringing out the singer's true potential is being able to transmit this high level of energy without loss.
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Clarity and Contour (1,000Hz to 2,000Hz / 1kHz to 2kHz): This frequency range governs the crispness of speech. When this range is transmitted without muddiness, speech is clear and your voice will reach the listener's ears easily.
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Brilliance and presence (3,000Hz to 4,000Hz / 3kHz to 4kHz): This frequency range conveys the brilliance of vocals and the "characteristics of the voice" that symbolizes delicate expressiveness.
"Compatibility" determines the recording results
For example, there are cables that are said to be "good at recording female vocals and conversations." These cables do not process the sound in any way, but rather have a design that transmits signals very efficiently in the frequency range specific to women (around 165Hz to 350Hz, etc.), delivering the full beauty of female vocals .
On the other hand, if you choose a cable with weak transmission characteristics for the frequency range of your voice, the original appeal of the cable will be lost along the way, and you will likely end up sounding "somehow lifeless and muffled" (※Of course, this depends on the performance of the microphone, interface, and microphone preamplifier, but the influence of the cable, which is the input, cannot be ignored).
Each manufacturer determines the materials and internal structure down to the millimeter to achieve the desired performance. Whether or not the frequency range of your voice can be transmitted smoothly is an important criterion for choosing a microphone cable that will not disappoint.
"Expensive does not necessarily mean good!" The surprising relationship between sound quality and noise suppression
It is often thought that "the more expensive the cable, the better the sound," but in fact the world of sound is not that simple. In terms of sound purity alone, it is even possible that "cheaper cables may sound better."
The "dilemma" of noise suppression and sound quality
Microphone cables are "shielded" to block external noise, but this noise suppression is a double-edged sword.
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The fate of shielding: The more you strengthen noise countermeasures (using multiple layers of various shields), the less fresh the sound becomes, and the worse the sound that is received tends to be.
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Advantages of cheap cables: Because the structure is simple and the shielding (noise prevention) is thin, there is less unnecessary interference, and depending on the environment, the sound may ``suddenly become brighter and clearer.''
The real reason why high-end cables are so expensive
So why are professional-grade cables so expensive? It's because they employ impenetrable noise suppression measures while also using every possible solution possible in terms of materials and construction to address the difficult challenge of "how not to degrade the sound quality."
Completely suppressing noise without losing the freshness of the sound. This "battle against contradictions" is costly.
"Price" also reflects exchange rates and global situations
Another thing you should know is the background to the price. Products from overseas manufacturers are particularly susceptible to exchange rates. For example, the price of the renowned Belden 8412 has nearly doubled in the last 10 years.
Rather than blindly believing the price, it may be wise to consider whether it is the "design cost to combat noise."
I understand the logic, but which one is the right choice?
Some people may think so. Even professionals have trouble finding the perfect cable for them from the seemingly endless number of cables available. That's why we've selected five carefully selected cables from a cable specialty store that you can intuitively choose based on your vocal range and recording environment.
[Recommended] 5 microphone cables selected by "voice band" from a cable specialty store
1. MOGAMI 2534 XLR Microphone Cable
Fully captures the brilliance of 3kHz to 4kHz
This four-core masterpiece, known as "Mogami of the World," delivers delicate sound while blocking external noise.
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Preferred frequency band: Excellent transmission efficiency around 3,000Hz to 4,000Hz (3kHz to 4kHz) , clearly reproducing the "brilliance" and "presence" of the voice.
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Recommended for: Those who want to cherish the delicate nuances of high frequencies, such as female vocals (165Hz to 350Hz) and soprano vocals.
It is very flat and has no quirks, and conveys even the delicate nuances of female vocals.
2. BELDEN 8412 (Strength and security)
Emphasizes the "thickness and core" of 85Hz to 180Hz
This is a legendary American machine that has symbolized "thick sound" in music production for decades.
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Strong range: It is characterized by a very strong push from the low to mid range around 85Hz to 180Hz .
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Recommended for: Those who want to give a solid, solid "core" to their male speaking voices, or those who want to give their narration a persuasive, profound feel.
This is a great product loved by male vocalists and narrators who want to have a solid voice with its rich mid-low range. Its tough construction means it can be used for a long time, making it a lifelong companion.
3. CANARE L-4E6S - The Japanese Standard for Flat Sound Quality Across the Entire Frequency Range
It is the trusted standard used most frequently by Japanese broadcasting stations and studios.
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Strong frequency band: Boasts extremely flat conduction efficiency from 100Hz to over 4,000Hz.
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For those who want to objectively check the individual characteristics of their voice without emphasizing any particular frequency range. We recommend using this as a starting point.
4. MOGAMI 2549 - 2-core structure creates "overwhelming clarity across the entire frequency range"
A 2-core type with a simpler structure than the 2534 (4-core). "Sometimes simpler is better for sound." A masterpiece for connoisseurs.
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Preferred frequency range: Due to the low electrostatic capacitance of the structure, it passes energy around 2,000Hz (2kHz) without loss and has the characteristic of extending smoothly into the high range.
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Recommended for: People who prioritize "bright sound" and "good transmission across all frequency bands" that are better than those of higher-end models in environments where excessive noise control is not required, such as when there are few electronic devices nearby .
5. KLOTZ MC5000 – Overwhelming noise resistance and sound fidelity
This is a high-end microphone cable that is highly trusted by German broadcasting stations and studios.
Normally, making the shield thicker reduces the "freshness of the sound," but the KLOTZ MC5000 uses a special structure that thoroughly repels noise with a "double shield" and also "physically separates the audio line from the shield."
This allows it to achieve two elements that are normally impossible to achieve together: ``impenetrable noise protection'' and ``clear sound without any muddiness'' at a high level.
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Specialized frequency range: The unique double shielding structure thoroughly eliminates external noise. With extremely low loss across the entire frequency range , the microphone transmits the sound picked up "as is" with extremely flat frequency response from 1Hz to 20kHz, making it easy to use and accurate for any application.
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This is perfect for those who want to minimize post-recording editing and are looking for professional-quality sound in environments with a lot of electronic equipment and noisy environments.
Summary: Choosing the "best fit" for your voice
The most important thing when choosing a microphone cable is not to judge simply by price, but to choose the right one that suits your vocal range and recording environment .
Just like sound quality, what professionals value on the job is "physical compatibility."
In fact, the terminals on the audio interfaces and mixers that you use often use parts made by NEUTRIK, an industry standard.
Onkodo uses Neutrik plugs for its cables not just because they are famous, but because it gives us peace of mind in the field, knowing that "using a plug from the same manufacturer as the socket (equipment) ensures a perfect fit and minimizes problems such as poor contact."
We chose Neutrik because it allows us to concentrate on the music without the stress of sound cutting out or loose terminals during recording.
Cables are the important bridge that connects your voice to your listeners.
Choosing the right cable is an investment in your expressiveness. We don't compromise just because everyone else is using it, but we have a thorough understanding of the frequency range and compatibility with your equipment, so please try out our custom cables in your own environment.
