Soldering an XLR connector to an Audio Mic Cable aka Soldering 101

I've found that trying to demonstrate soldering to a group of students a problem. Too many people need to see the details. So, I made this video to show, close-up, the steps to soldering an XLR connector onto an Audio cable. This is not the end-all, be-all of soldering by any means. It does help my teaching a large group the skills.
For more how-to type stuff for technical theater, please visit www.hstech.org
I have another channel on YouTube now at "stageseminars."

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• soldering
• xlr
• cable
• audio
• mic
• microphone
• solder
• iron
• stagecraft
• hstech
• stage seminars
• sound
• repair
• howto
• how to

[locoj13]

where do you get the xlr tester tat would come really handy

[scparker]

@locoj13 Thanks for watching.

The website for the tester starts with: ebtechaudio. You will have to add the .com as YouTube doesn't allow live links in replies. Then click on "products." You'll find it on the lower right of the page.

If you do a search for "swizz army cable tester" you will find many on-line vendors. The tester runs about $98 +/-.

Thanks, Scott

[winkosmosis]

Way too much compression. In some parts you can't even see the wires because of the blockiness

[scparker]

@winkosmosis Can't disagree with you. 7 year old camera made the video 5 years ago. However, I think the overall instruction makes it past the video quality. Someday, when time allows, I'll redo it with a HD camera and change the background to grey.

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[TTHOROUGH]

Havent soldered in yrs thanx for refreshing my memory !!!!

[ab9957]

the manufacturer isn't thinking ahead when they make microphone cable with the hot and cold wires jacketed with black insulation. those who don't use a ohmmeter will have a more difficult time.

[jerkwater8803]

2 little catches here:

*you aren't using star-quad

*Even if that solder is from the factory it looks dry and the ground is not tinned all the way and the leads are absolutely too long. Being that the ground isn't tinned completely and the leads are too long as this cable is used the ground will fray and the leads will work lose. Guaranteed.

[darrenjgraham]

This should be entitled soldering 101 and no more, it doesn't explain anything from an AV point of view of what each of the 3 cables do.... the fact its an XLR mic - it might as well be a 3.5mm stereo audio cable.... also btw soldering an XLR is not as hard as this shows it to be, they are miles apart in soldering terms and you can't really ever get the tinning of the plug to cross over, pretty lame

[rainbowsalads]

@scparker ahh true true., i was reaching for a use of the little tab on the plug , lol. : )

by the way , nice idea you have there to bend the cable and cut the outer shield with a knife. i've always gone in with a pair of clippers, just tried your way this afternoon , real nice too, thanks again

: )