Setting up for podcasting?

The only thing that could make or break your audio is using the right cables and connectors.

Let's walk through the must-know so you will understand each type of cable and connector and make the best choice for your setup.

N.B.: We don’t participate in any affiliate programs: the links to the manufacturer’s site are purely to provide more information, with no financial benefit for us. What truly matters to us is your trust.

Why Cables Matter in Podcasting

Choosing the right cables and connectors for your podcasting equipment is essential.

Think of cables as the quiet middleman. They’re not the flashy part of your gear, but they’re the reason everything works together.

High-quality cables keep your sound clean, so you can say goodbye to annoying hums, interference, and signal loss.

Here’s the scoop on each type and where they fit best in a podcast setup.

1. 3.5mm Jack

It's perhaps one of the most common connectors available, from your headphones to older phones, and generally comes in two options: TRS and TRRS.

• TRRS: The Tip-Ring-Sleeve is a three-conductor plug that would be found on most basic stereo headphones. It does well for general audio but isn't optimal if one is seeking headphones that would require a microphone input.

• TRRS: The Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve has an extra ring, and thus supports the carriage of both audio and mic signals, making one be able to listen and record simultaneously. It's common in earbuds with built-in mics, like those you use with your phone.

Helpful Tip: TRRS and TRS are not interchangeable: some gear only accepts one type. If you work with various devices, check what their requirements are.

Check this one from Walmart

Still unsure how to choose the best headphones or mics for your podcast? If so, read our guides:

How to choose the best podcast headphones (2024)

How to Choose the Best Microphone for your Podcast

2. XLR Connector

If you are aiming at the greatest audio quality, XLR is a good bet. They're known for keeping noise out of the mix, and XLR connectors are the go-to of most professional podcasters.

• Why XLR? These connectors are designed for running balanced audio, lower interference, and higher quality sound, especially over longer cables. Moreover, the XLR connectors have a locking mechanism, so they stay steady and don't slip out during a recording.

• Structure: A standard XLR connector contains three or more pins. The three-pin version is the norm for audio; the additional pins come in useful for other uses.

• What You'll Need: The XLR microphones connect with an audio interface or mixer to which you then connect your computer to.

  Check out this XLR cable by Rode

  

3. USB Connector

USB microphones work best in plug-and-play setups. They enable you to eliminate other hardware and plug directly into your computer.

The convenience they bring on that front will make them an ideal choice for beginners and even for experts who just want to go fast and easy.

• Why USB? USB microphones are easy to work with and set up super fast-perfect if you are just starting out and looking at keeping things ultra-simple. They are great for clear capture, though at higher recording levels, quality might not match that from XLR setups.

• Considerations: USB connections can sometimes introduce minor interference, especially if your computer's USB ports are crowded. You might notice more noise than you'd get with XLR cables, but for many, the convenience is well worth it.

  This one is made for the Blue Yeti mic, you can buy it at Walmart.

  

4. RCA Connector

While not quite as common in podcasting as XLR or USB, RCA connectors still have their place among podcasters. These cables are primarily for hooking up audio-visual gear, so you could very well see them in the sound system and on older mixers.

• Why RCA? If your podcasting setup consists of an analog mixer or something with an amplifier, then RCA can be helpful on deck. They carry audio signals just fine, but let's be real-they're not vocal recording connectors.

• Podcast Applications: For podcasters, RCA connectors might only come into play with specific hardware setups that require them. They don't offer the same quality of sound as XLR but are fine for linking up supporting devices.

  This one is from Best Buy!

  

5. Optical Connectors

Optical connectors use light instead of electricity to transmit digital audio. These are used in higher-end audio, but don't typically show up in the podcaster's menu.

• Why Optical Connectors? Because optical connectors can't pick up electromagnetic interference, they're good around a lot of electronics. This takes away any potential hums or static picked up by other types of connectors.

• Considerations: Optical cables can be great for studio arrangements that have numerous digital audio pieces of equipment, but often are more fitting for the creation of music than recording voice-overs.

Here's one sold at Best Buy

In need of a new interface? check out our guide: How-To Guide: How to Choose the Best Audio Interface for your Podcast

Choosing the Best Cable for Podcasting

You know the types; now let's go into those fine points that can make all the difference in your audio quality.

1. Cable Quality

High-quality cables are worth the investment. Here's what to look for:

1. Materials: Oxygen-free copper is the best material, featuring superior conductivity and resistance to corrosion.

2. Shielding: Double or braided shielding prevents interference, which means buzz and hum stay away from your audio.

3. Durability: A tough outer jacket provides additional resistance to wear and tear in cables, especially if your setup gets moved or adjusted often.

2. Cable Length

Short cables are fine if you're keeping things ultra-simple, but if you're working in a larger studio, you might need longer cables.

Remember, though, that very long cables can sometimes degrade the signal quality or pick up more noise.

3. Flexibility

Flexible cables are easier to manage and aren't prone to breaking internally after a long period.

Check for cables that feel bendable but aren't flimsy: they will provide the needed durability without being stiff or hard to work with.

4. Adapters

Sometimes, your equipment needs a little bit of help to connect. Adapters can save the day if you use gear with different connectors.

Here's an example of what you may have:

• 3.5mm to XLR if you need to use standard headphones with XLR inputs.

• USB to XLR if you want to take a USB mic and plug it into a device that has an XLR input.

When buying adapters, be certain that they support the quality you need. Some of them will introduce noise. When you can, stick to trusted brands.

Caring for Your Cables

It takes nothing more than a little extra care to keep your cables happy (and lasting long!):

1. Proper Storage: Never wrap cables too tightly or in a sharp bend. Habits like this tend to be damaging over time.

2. Check for Wear: Check cables from time to time, especially where the connectors go in, because that's where wear is most likely.

3. Cleaning the Connectors: Dusty connections tend to cause problems, so a quick wipe every now and then will keep all running smoothly.

Too much noise in your podcast home studio? Here's a complete guide to insulation: Acoustic Treatment and Soundproofing for Podcasts: Complete Guide

In conclusion

It shouldn't be such a pain trying to choose the right cables and connectors for podcasting.

By picking cables suited to your setup and taking care of them, your audio's going to sound great, with the recording process flying right by.

Now that you've got the information down, plug in and start recording with confidence.

Author's note

Have you ever imagined turning your content into a podcast but thought you didn’t have the time or tools to make it happen?

Enter PodcastAI, the revolutionary AI-powered software that transforms your blog posts, newsletters, and even news articles into podcast episodes (using your own voice).

It takes care of the entire process, from writing episodes to creating show notes, cover art, and transcripts.

But there’s more! PodcastAI publishes your podcast on platforms like Apple and Spotify, creates promotional clips for social media, and even provides a dedicated website for your show.

Whether you’re a solo content creator or a marketing agency, PodcastAI makes it easier than ever to engage your audience and expand your brand without the typical time investment.