XLR Connectors. Pros & Cons

Nick_1234 · 24th November 2009

When it comes to XLR connectors, it seems that most people rely heavily on Neutriks.

My question is what is the benefit of using their ends over another brand using the same exact cable? Is there a drop in signal strength, or is it more of a durability issue?

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing some of your responses.
-N

tourtelot · 24th November 2009

At least in America, there are only a couple of "professional" grade XLR connectors. Neutrik, as you mentioned, Switchcraft, and perhaps, Cannon (if they are still manufactured).

Any of them should be perfectly suitable as far as performance is concerned and I know that Neutriks and Switchcrafts come in a variety that includes gold plated contacts which tarnish less (none) than the nickel over brass.

I use Neutriks almost exclusively on my XLR cable assemblies because they are robust, and easy to assemble. As well, Neutrik is pretty good about correcting ideas that don't work so well in their designs. It is really just a matter of choice. The Switchcraft connectors have as good a rep, and I use other of their connectors as "first call" all the time. These include the 1/4" phones, mini-phones, the TA series, their RCA, etc. Great stuff.

So pays yer money and takes yer choice.

What's the word in this style of connector in the EU and in Asia? Anyone?

D.

rumleymusic · 24th November 2009

Some people swear by Switchcraft, claiming they have better connection with the gender counterpart, but I hate them. Their standard XLR assembly is clumsy, breaks easily, and is hard to remove. Neutrik has the very easy to use, and very effective chuck assembly that clamps the chord more effectively. They also look betterthumbsup. Definitely worth the extra $1 I think.

boojum · 24th November 2009

Neutrik 100% except for TA3's which are Switchcraft.

bishopthomas · 24th November 2009

I also like Neutrik XLR's soley because they're easy to put together. For 1/4", though, I typically choose Switchcraft (or since I usually order from Redco, I'll go with their less expensive version).

DCtoDaylight · 24th November 2009

For what it's worth, I talked to the guys at Redco about this a few months ago, and they also felt like the engineering on the Neutriks was better in terms of strain relief, solderability, etc.

They did say, though, that for road applications where connectors are apt to get stepped on or otherwise abused, Switchcraft gear can be a bit more robust.

chris319 · 25th November 2009

We had Neutriks at a national cable network and after experiencing audio breakup in the mic lines they were all replaced with Switchcrafts. Never had a problem after that.

I see Amphenol XLR connectors marketed in Australia but I'm not sure about the U.S.

Rick Sutton · 25th November 2009

Switchcraft preferred here

John Willett · 25th November 2009

Definitely Neutrik for me - never had a single problem in 30 years or so.

For new cables, though, I have upgraded to the new Neutrik EMC XLRs.

RobAnderson · 25th November 2009

I have found that Neutriks are tougher to mate with Neumann mic's than the Switchcraft - for some reason it's a tight fit. The Switchcraft goes in much more easily.

That being said, I use mostly Neutrik XLR's - ease of assembly and repair over the Switchcraft.

John Willett · 25th November 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

I have found that Neutriks are tougher to mate with Neumann mic's than the Switchcraft - for some reason it's a tight fit. The Switchcraft goes in much more easily.

That's because the Neumann has the corrugated rubber ring in the bottom of the XLR - this is needed for the Switchcraft connector to stop it moving.

With the Neutrik connector, you can take out this ring and it will mate perfectly and easily.

24th November 2009	#1
Nick_1234 Gear Head Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 73 Thread Starter	XLR Connectors. Pros & Cons When it comes to XLR connectors, it seems that most people rely heavily on Neutriks. My question is what is the benefit of using their ends over another brand using the same exact cable? Is there a drop in signal strength, or is it more of a durability issue? Thanks, and I look forward to hearing some of your responses. -N __________________ "Whenever notes that are correct affect men, a corresponding good spirit responds to them; and when this good spirit accomplishes its manifestations, sublime music is the result." -Confucius "I only act like I don't give a make love." -Atmosphere "Dreams don't hurt people, dreamers do."

24th November 2009	#2
tourtelot Gear addict Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 458	At least in America, there are only a couple of "professional" grade XLR connectors. Neutrik, as you mentioned, Switchcraft, and perhaps, Cannon (if they are still manufactured). Any of them should be perfectly suitable as far as performance is concerned and I know that Neutriks and Switchcrafts come in a variety that includes gold plated contacts which tarnish less (none) than the nickel over brass. I use Neutriks almost exclusively on my XLR cable assemblies because they are robust, and easy to assemble. As well, Neutrik is pretty good about correcting ideas that don't work so well in their designs. It is really just a matter of choice. The Switchcraft connectors have as good a rep, and I use other of their connectors as "first call" all the time. These include the 1/4" phones, mini-phones, the TA series, their RCA, etc. Great stuff. So pays yer money and takes yer choice. What's the word in this style of connector in the EU and in Asia? Anyone? D. __________________ Douglas Tourtelot, CAS Seattle, WA "Recording sound is merely problem solving. Solve one problem and move on to the next"

24th November 2009	#3
rumleymusic Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,554	Some people swear by Switchcraft, claiming they have better connection with the gender counterpart, but I hate them. Their standard XLR assembly is clumsy, breaks easily, and is hard to remove. Neutrik has the very easy to use, and very effective chuck assembly that clamps the chord more effectively. They also look betterthumbsup. Definitely worth the extra $1 I think. __________________ Daniel Rumley Rumley Music and Audio Production http://www.rumleymusic.com

25th November 2009	#9
John Willett Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 5,291	Definitely Neutrik for me - never had a single problem in 30 years or so. For new cables, though, I have upgraded to the new Neutrik EMC XLRs. __________________ John Willett Sound-Link ProAudio Ltd. Circle Sound Services President - Fédération Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons (and lots more - please look at my Profile)

25th November 2009	#10
RobAnderson Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2007 Location: NY New York a wonderful town Posts: 725 16 Reviews written	I have found that Neutriks are tougher to mate with Neumann mic's than the Switchcraft - for some reason it's a tight fit. The Switchcraft goes in much more easily. That being said, I use mostly Neutrik XLR's - ease of assembly and repair over the Switchcraft. __________________ "Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense." - G. Stein 1946 The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour. - Japanese Proverb "Look into his face and hear the music of the ages. Don't pay too much attention to the sounds--for if you do, you may miss the music." - George Ives http://www.andersonsoundrecording.com

24th November 2009	#4
boojum Lives for gear Joined: May 2007 Location: Astoria, OR, US&A Posts: 2,311 1 Review written	Neutrik 100% except for TA3's which are Switchcraft.

24th November 2009	#5
bishopthomas Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,565	I also like Neutrik XLR's soley because they're easy to put together. For 1/4", though, I typically choose Switchcraft (or since I usually order from Redco, I'll go with their less expensive version).

24th November 2009	#6
DCtoDaylight Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 603	For what it's worth, I talked to the guys at Redco about this a few months ago, and they also felt like the engineering on the Neutriks was better in terms of strain relief, solderability, etc. They did say, though, that for road applications where connectors are apt to get stepped on or otherwise abused, Switchcraft gear can be a bit more robust.

25th November 2009	#7
chris319 Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2007 Location: West Hollywood, USA Posts: 1,492	We had Neutriks at a national cable network and after experiencing audio breakup in the mic lines they were all replaced with Switchcrafts. Never had a problem after that. I see Amphenol XLR connectors marketed in Australia but I'm not sure about the U.S.

25th November 2009	#8
Rick Sutton Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2003 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 4,058	Switchcraft preferred here

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