Audio cable CORDIAL 14821 — 1.5 m, XLR female to 6.35 mm (1/4") male, black, nickel-plated contacts

CORDIAL 14821 is a 1.5 m audio cable with a 3‑pin female XLR connector on one end and a 6.35 mm (1/4") phone plug male on the other. The black jacket and nickel‑plated contacts provide a robust connection for stage, studio, PA and instrument use where a balanced XLR source must be routed to an unbalanced 6.35 mm input.

Advantages

The cable combines a standard XLR female connector with a 6.35 mm phone plug, enabling straightforward connection between microphones or balanced outputs and line or instrument inputs. Nickel‑plated contacts resist corrosion and help maintain signal integrity, while the 1.5 m length offers a practical reach without excess cable on stage or in studio setups.

Suitable for

• Connecting balanced XLR outputs to unbalanced 6.35 mm line or instrument inputs
• Stage and live sound setups where short-run connections are needed
• Studio patching between mixers, preamps and instruments
• PA systems and rehearsal spaces requiring quick adapter-free links

When it may not be suitable

This cable performs a balanced-to-unbalanced connection, which can affect noise rejection compared with a fully balanced signal path. It is not a direct substitute for cables intended to preserve balanced connections end-to-end. For long cable runs or when maintaining complete balance is critical, consider using a dedicated balanced-to-balanced cable or a DI box.

Key specifications

• Length: 1.5 m
• Connector A: 3‑pin female XLR
• Connector B: 6.35 mm (1/4") male phone plug
• Colour: Black
• Contacts: Nickel‑plated

How to use

Plug the XLR female end onto the XLR male output of a microphone, mixer or preamplifier. Insert the 6.35 mm male plug into the target line or instrument input. Ensure connectors are fully seated to avoid intermittent contact. When connecting balanced outputs to unbalanced inputs, set levels and polarity as needed on connected equipment to minimise hum or phase issues.

What to consider before purchase

• Whether a balanced-to-unbalanced cable suits your signal chain or a DI/pad is required
• Required cable length for your setup to avoid excess slack or insufficient reach
• Connector compatibility with your equipment (XLR female to 6.35 mm male)

Usage recommendations

Use this cable for short runs between balanced outputs and unbalanced inputs; for longer runs or critical low-noise applications, use a balanced cable or a DI box to preserve signal quality.