[For female vocal streaming] How to choose a microphone cable that brings out clarity
A microphone cable that makes the most of high-quality microphones
The Complete Guide to Recording Beautiful Whisper Soprano
We have been receiving more and more inquiries like this recently.
"I started singing covers"
"I'm streaming my live performances."
"I use the audio-technica AT4050."
"I want to cherish the clarity of whispers and sopranos."
And it always continues like this.
What microphone cable should I choose?
In this article,
Specializing in female vocal distribution and home recording
We will thoroughly explain how to choose a microphone cable.
So that even beginners can choose without hesitation,
We will carefully organize everything from the theory to specific product names.
What is a microphone cable?
What is a microphone cable?
This cable is used to connect a microphone to an audio interface.
The most commonly used cable is the XLR cable (Canon cable).
Its feature is the "3-pin structure."
This is not just a shape.
Inside
・Positive phase signal (Hot)
・Negative phase signal (Cold)
・Shield (GND)
There are three systems:
This structure is called a "balanced connection."
Balanced connections have a mechanism to cancel noise,
It is the standard for long-distance transmission and high-quality recording.
Why XLR is used in professional studios
It's not because the sound becomes flashy,
This is because it is resistant to noise and provides a stable signal .
If you want to know more about how to choose an XLR cable from the basics,
Please also see the comprehensive article below.
▶ Recommended XLR microphone cables! A comprehensive guide to choosing the right cable and the differences in sound quality
Why is the right cable important for female vocalists?
Female vocal recordings are very sensitive.
especially
・Whisper voice
- High-frequency components of soprano
・Air vibrations caused by breathing
・Three-dimensional harmonic overtones
These are "fine signals."
The minute signal
✔ Noise
✔ Conductor resistance
✔ Shielding performance
✔ Cable Structure
It has the characteristics of being easily affected by
However, in a short-distance home recording or distribution environment,
In many cases, the impression of sound is more influenced by a design that transmits signals faithfully than by excessive noise suppression.
for example,
- There is minute noise in the background
・The "sa" sound is rough
・It becomes difficult to remove
The atmosphere is lost
These phenomena are
The problem may not just be with the microphone, but also with the cable.
Female vocals are also a recording material that is prone to cable effects .
First, sort it out: What is your environment?
Pattern 1: Using a USB microphone
→ XLR cable is not required (USB cable only)
Pattern 2: Audio interface is using
→ XLR microphone cable required (subject to this article)
High-resolution condenser microphones like the Audio-Technica AT4050
Because it picks up delicate nuances, it is also susceptible to the effects of cables.
How to Choose the Right Female Vocalist for Your Streaming Job [5 Steps]
STEP 1: Decide on the length
▶ For desk recording, 1.2m to 1.5m is ideal.
▶ If you're singing standing up, 2m to 3m is also an option
▶ 5m or more is generally not necessary for streaming purposes
XLR is a balanced connection,
There is no significant deterioration in sound quality at a distance of around 3m.
but,
The longer the cable, the greater the chance of picking up external noise.
・Increased chances of crossing power cables
・Excess cables approach the noise source
The length itself is not bad,
The problem is that the risk increases with length.
Measure the distance from the recording position to the interface,
The optimal solution is the required length plus a little extra.
STEP 2: Choose 2-core or 4-core
For home recording and distribution purposes, Generally, two-core tends to be more advantageous .
4-core (star-quad) cables are generally used in field applications and are effective at suppressing noise over long distances (approximately 10m or more), but their disadvantages become more noticeable over short distances indoors.
Therefore, when it comes to streaming female vocals or recording at home, the safest choice is to start with a "2-core" design.
In addition, "3-core cables" are often used for condenser microphones, which can be a very logical choice depending on the application.
■ 2-core cable (basic for home recording and streaming)
・The most recommended basic configuration for home recording and streaming
・Many models focus on high sound quality, which tends to result in higher prices
- Tends to favor high-frequency response and clarity
The two cores transmit one positive phase and one negative phase.
In environments where cable lengths are short, such as home recording and streaming, this two-core structure is the easiest to handle and tends to offer advantages in terms of sound quality.
If you want to emphasize "transparency," "naturalness of the 'sa' sound," and "three-dimensionality of the breath," it will be easier to organize things by first using two cores as a basis.
■ 4-core (star-quad) (suitable for noise suppression in the field and for long cables)
・Basically, it is often used for on-site applications.
・Effective for noise suppression when used over long lengths (10m or more)
・On the other hand, the disadvantages may be noticeable over short distances indoors.
The 4-core cable has two sets of conductors, which increases noise resistance.
However, when recording or streaming at home, there are few cases where long cables are needed in the first place, so the benefits of 4-core cables may not be readily apparent indoors.
Therefore, it is best to avoid the assertion that "four-core cables are safe for distribution purposes," and instead to consider two-core cables as the basic standard, and four-core cables only when necessary (long length, special noise environments).
■ 3-core cable (often chosen for condenser microphones)
・Often used for condenser microphones
・Depending on the model, it is easy to achieve both low noise and delicate expression.
When using a condenser microphone for female vocal streaming, a three-core cable can be a very viable option.
Even when you are undecided between 2-core and 4-core, if you choose the 3-core design concept, it will be an easy choice in terms of both transparency and low noise.
STEP 3: Choose the sound characteristics (how to create transparency)
What are the important elements for female vocals?
✔ Transparency
✔ Naturalness of the "sa" sound
✔ Three-dimensional breath
✔ High frequency extension
What's important here is simplicity rather than flashiness.
For home recording and streaming, the cable length is short,
The impression of sound is determined more by the "naturalness of the signal" than by excessive noise suppression.
Therefore, the basic idea is to use two cores as the axis.
The most foolproof way to choose is to fine-tune based on the sound characteristics.
■Faithful to the original sound
- Less coloring
・Natural overtones
・It creates an airy feeling
Whisper, soprano, etc.
It is suitable for those who want to make the most of delicate nuances.
This direction is the first standard when streaming female vocals.
■ Resolution-oriented type
・Clear outline
・Sound image comes forward
・Tight impression
Those who edit and mix after recording,
It is suitable for those who want a more forward sound image.
However, depending on the environment, the high frequencies may feel strong.
It's important to balance your preferences.
If you are just starting out with female vocal distribution,
It's safest to start with a type that is faithful to the original sound.
STEP 4: Choose from the models available at Onkodo
◆ First, the conclusion: If you want to record a beautiful whisper soprano
If you want to prioritize clarity (breath, consonants, and airiness) when streaming female vocals, these two elements are the key.
✔ Faithful to the original sound and emphasis on clarity (genuine transparency)
MOGAMI 2549 XLR Microphone Cable (2-Core)
- It has little coloration and is easy to bring out the nuances of breath.- It has a natural rise in the high range and is easy to create a sense of openness.It is a strong choice for those who value the ``true transparency'' of whisper and soprano sounds.
cable : 2549
Price: From 3,520 yen
To product page >>
✔ Low noise and sensitive balance (closer to condenser microphone) 
GOTHAM GAC-3 XLR Microphone Cable (3-core)
- Low noise design prevents delicate expression from being distorted - Good balance of high frequency extension and calmness
This model is easy to maintain clarity even if you are concerned about environmental noise around your PC.
cable : GOTHAM GAC-3
Price: From 3,350 yen
To product page >>
◆ I want to pursue even greater clarity in the high frequencies (a zone where preferences tend to differ)
If you're looking for a more clear sound or more forward-thinking high frequencies, then here are some options: 
KLOTZ MC5000 XLR Microphone Cable GOTHAM GAC-2 PUR XLR Microphone Cable
These two headphones are attractive for their high-frequency clarity, but they may feel harsh depending on the environment and your preferences.
In that case, it is less likely to fail if you first change it back to 2549.
cable : KLOTZ MC5000
Price: From 4,500 yen
To product page >>
◆ A classic and reliable product (if you're unsure what to use as your standard) 
MOGAMI 2534 XLR Microphone Cable, NEUTRIK Gold Plated
This is a classic model that has been in production for decades, and is a "standard" cable that is flat and easy to handle.
It gives me peace of mind to know, "If I'm unsure, I'll go with this."
cable : MOGAMI 2534
price: From 3,520 yen
To the product page >>
◆ Emphasis on resolution and recording accuracy (highest priority given to the visibility of subtle sounds) 
GOTHAM GAC-2 UltraPro Hi-End XLR Microphone Cable
It has very strong internal noise countermeasures, and the high resolution that comes from low noise is an attractive feature.
It is suitable for those who want to "improve accuracy" with the intention of editing or mixing.
cable : GOTHAM GAC-2 UltraPro Hi-End
Price: From 5,400 yen
To product page >>
STEP 5: Summary by use
✔ Prioritize the clarity of whisper soprano (standard for faithful sounding types)
→ MOGAMI 2549 XLR Microphone Cable
✔ I want to achieve both low noise and sensitivity with a condenser microphone
→ GOTHAM GAC-3 XLR microphone cable
✔ I want to pursue more high-frequency clarity (preferences vary)
→ KLOTZ MC5000 XLR microphone cable / MOGAMI 2549 XLR Microphone Cable / GOTHAM GAC-2 PUR XLR Microphone Cable
✔ The standard in studios, broadcasting, and on-site recording worldwide → MOGAMI 2534 XLR microphone cable, NEUTRIK gold plated
✔ If you prioritize resolution and recording accuracy, try the GOTHAM GAC-2 UltraPro Hi-End XLR microphone cable.
Other uses (instrument recording, live use, studio use, etc.)
If you want to compare a wide range of XLR cables,
The comprehensive article is also helpful.
▶ Recommended XLR microphone cables! A comprehensive guide to choosing the right cable and the differences in sound quality
summary
The microphone cable is
It's not just for "connecting" sounds.
The delicate breathing of the female vocals,
The soprano's smooth high range,
The atmosphere of Whisper
This is an important element for delivering the product as is.
By choosing according to the purpose,
Recorded sound The impression will be more attractive.
The inherent charm of your voice
To communicate more clearly and naturally.
Choose the best one,
Please enjoy a richer musical life.
