How to Make an XLR-to-1/4-Inch Microphone Cable
- 1). Cut your cable to your desired length with the wire stripper/cutters. Strip 1 inch of the rubber shielding from both ends of the cable.
- 2). Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the two inner wires at each end of the cable. Twist the bare wire together into a single strand.
- 3). Open the casing of the XLR connector. Remove the small screw with a Phillips screwdriver, and slide out the inner connector.
- 4). Solder the bare wire at one end of your cable to the number 1 contact of the XLR connector, the red wire to the number 2 contact and the black wire to the number 3 contact. (Each contact will have its number imprinted next to it.)
- 5). Open the housing of the 1/4-inch connector. In most cases, you'll open it by unscrewing a small barrel from the plug by hand.
- 6). Solder the bare wire of your XLR cable to the sleeve contact of the 1/4-inch plug. Solder the black wire to the ring contact, and the red wire to the tip contact. Although these contacts will not have labels, look carefully from the bottom and you will see which contact connects to each part of the plug.
- 7). Allow the solder joints to cool for several minutes. Replace the 1/4-inch plug cover, and replace the housing of the XLR connector with the screw.
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