Monoprice 35-ft Premier Series Gold XLR to 1/4-in TRS - Balanced Audio

Our review of the Monoprice 35-ft Premier Series Gold XLR to 1/4-in TRS cable finds it is a straightforward, durable choice for musicians and engineers who need a long, balanced patch between mic-level or line-level gear and instruments or consoles. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a heavy 16AWG conductor with a separate braided shield and gold-plated connectors, which together deliver low noise and reliable connections over long runs without a lot of extra cost.

Key Features

• Balanced wiring: Impedance-balanced lines reduce EM and RF noise so long cable runs keep signals clean and free of interference.
• Separate braided shield: The shield provides extra resistance to interference without modulating noise into the signal, helping prevent hum and ground loop problems.
• Gold-plated connectors: Gold contacts offer reliable connection quality and resist corrosion for longer usable life in stage and studio environments.
• 16AWG conductors: Thicker gauge wiring supports stable signal transmission and contributes to the cable's durability.
• XLR to 1/4-in TRS ends: The male XLR to TRS configuration allows direct balanced connections between microphones, DI boxes, mixers, and instruments without adapters.

Who It's For

The cable is best for live sound technicians, recording engineers, and gigging musicians who need a reliable, long balanced connection between XLR-equipped gear and 1/4-in TRS inputs or outputs, particularly when runs of 35 ft are required. Its construction and shielding make it suitable for stage use where noise rejection matters.

Those who should look elsewhere are users who need specialized low-profile or ultra-flexible stage snake cables or anyone requiring an unbalanced instrument cable or RCA-style interconnect, since this product is specifically a balanced XLR-to-TRS solution with 16AWG construction.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective noise rejection from impedance-balanced wiring and a separate braided shield.
• Solid build with heavy 16AWG conductors and gold-plated connectors for lasting connection quality.
• Good value for a pro-style balanced cable at a budget-friendly price point.

Cons

• The 35 ft length and 16AWG make it less flexible than thinner patch cables, which can be cumbersome in tight pedalboard or cable-run situations.

Specifications

Cable length	35 ft
Connectors	XLR male to 1/4-in TRS male
Conductor gauge	16AWG
Shielding	Separate braided shield
Signal type	Balanced (impedance balanced lines)
Finish	Gold-plated connectors

Our Verdict

The Monoprice 35-ft Premier Series gold XLR to 1/4-in TRS cable is a sensible buy for anyone needing a long, balanced connection with strong noise rejection and durable construction. It delivers professional features like a separate braided shield and 16AWG conductors at a budget-friendly price, making it good value for studio and live applications where flexibility is a secondary concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cable reduce hum and interference?
Yes. The impedance-balanced lines and separate braided shield are designed to reduce EM and RF noise and help prevent hum.

Is this cable suitable for both stage and studio use?
Yes. Its heavy-duty 16AWG build and gold-plated connectors make it durable enough for live use and reliable for studio signal paths.

Does the cable require adapters to connect common gear?
No. It ships as XLR male to 1/4-in TRS male, which fits mixers, outboard, DI boxes, and many instrument inputs without adapters.