Gold Platted Connector

[RockClimber]

Okay, so I just purchased a new condenser mic and I am very happy with the overall quality of it. However, the instruction manual recommends using only cables with gold platted connectors, as the mic has gold platted contact points throughout. I have used the mic on several occasions now with just a regular XLR cable and love the sound but I don't want the mic to be damaged by not using a cable with the gold platted connectors. Does anyone know if using just a regular cable could cause any damage to the mic itself? Sound quality isn't my main concern, as I think it sounds great with the regular cable. Thanks!

 

[Murdersgalore]

I'll bet it reads something like "To get the best out of your new microphone we recommend that you only use the finest cables with gold plated connectors such as some-such-model blah blah"

It's important to use decent cables for a quality signal but your mic won't be damaged using shitty cables and gold plating is hardly a necessity.

 

[Armistice]

Do they even make XLR cables with gold connectors?

Your mic will be fine....

 

[moresound]

Same thing I told you in the microphone forum ..... for this same question.

 

[Bobbsy]

Gold plated connectors are about as important for microphone safety as gold plated karrabiners are for rock climbing safety.

...and my real answer is in the other forum.

 

[73mgb]

Gold plated connectors are about as important for microphone safety as gold plated karrabiners are for rock climbing safety.

...and my real answer is in the other forum.

Looks good in the hood though!

 

[John Willett]

Do they even make XLR cables with gold connectors?

Yes - Neutrik do them.

Gold is used because it tarnishes less than other metals.

They say use a gold connector because a contact through identical metals is better than through differing metals.

But - having said that - using a connector with a different metal won't damage the mic. and won't really affect the sound.

The connectors may just need cleaning more.

 

[RockClimber]

Thanks y'all! Sorry about posting two different forums. I posted this one first and saw the microphones heading and thought that might be better to post under. Thanks for all of the helpful replies!