XLR audio cable noise

[Dennis Peacock]

I picked up a couple of XLR mic cables that needed repair. I bought new LiveWire ends and soldered the new end on the cable ends after cutting off the old ends. After plugging the xlr cables into the sound system I get a strange hum when I bring up the volume. No mic plugged in, just the cable. I know my solder joints are good...so what can be causing my noise?

[Jim Becker]

Likely damage in the cable, itself...cross-talk and noise can be a sign of that.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Plug a microphone in and see if you still get the noise.

An open cable can act like an antenna and pickup 60hz noise from electrical wires in the area.

Plugging the mike in will terminate the cable.