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I've been having a problem with my mic cord connections to the mics. I'm wondering if anyone else has had the same problems.

I'll do my best to explain. You know how the XLR connector snaps on to connect to the mic - well the connection after time seems to get loose. I know people get nervous when singing and sqeeze the release button and it will come disconnected - it isn't that. The connection actually loosens up after time and the mic cable just falls from the microphone. In the past I would just buy a new mic cord, but to me it seems there should be someothing I can tighten, so I don't have to do that because the mic cable itself works fine.

Anyone know?

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nope... nothing you can do. only thing you could do would be to make another connection, and I find the factory made ones are FAR superior to one you cobble together.

This happens when the connection is stressed. And that comes from MONTHS of connecting and reconnecting, but mostly from the stuipid mic swingers!

That's why most pro kjs will set aside a part of their budget to replace cords of all types... I replaced my audio rca cords every year or so (the ones I was manually taking off and on. The ones inside my roadcase I replaced only once!)

It seems a bit of trouble, but I gotta tell you, I prefer that to the fuzz and zzzcchhhhkkkk of interference!

I've tried several different types of microphone cables looking for the best one.
They all seem to do this after time. I used Monster cables for a while knowing they will replace them for free, but the XLR connector is so darn big it gets stuck in the mic clip.  LMAO and to be perfectly honest I had more problems with them then the cheaper versions.

I have to admit Guitar center has been great about replcing mic cords for free no matter the brand, but it is such a pain in the butt running back and forth to there store all the time. I was just hoping I could fix the problem myself - oh well - thanks Knightshow.

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Babs...as much as i actually hate to suggest it. But you may just have to start leaving your XLR's connected to your mics. Now i can suggest a few other things a little more technical if you wish. Just let me know, i will give you another suggestion or two, on the more tech side.  George

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Babs chances are, if you observe, that they become loose when singers place and pull out the mics from their holders.  Unlike professionals they don't ensure the release button goes through the gap of the holder.  The release button will hit the mic holder, will loosen the cord, and over the course of a show the cord falls off.

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Tim hit a good point, when they take the mic out of the holder, the release may get bumped & loosen - happens at my shows often, every few songs i'll go make sure the cord is locked in place.

Or if it's an older mic, the actual spot where the XLR clip snaps in the barrel is worn & not holding anymore have had this happen as well, but it was an older mic - 14 years.

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Duct tape.

Sorry, had to go there. I've been places where they do that kind of thing, Heck I am WORKING in that kind of place right now.

I tend to agree that leaving the mic connected to the cord is your best bet. And Tim, is was impressed with your comment! I never would have thought of that!

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I have put red electrical tape on mic 1 and yellow on mic 2. Just a neat wrap At a glance you can tell which mic it is..

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The fix is .......GO Wireless !  LMAO  LMAO  LMAO

Unfortunately the mic cables are falling off the mics about once a night when the person is singing.

I take my mics home with me after every show and leave the mic cords at work, so leaving them connected would mean bringing everything home which I'm trying to avoid.

I think I'll just get my lazy butt to Guitar Center and replace them - once again. Aaaarg!

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If it's only once a night, i'm willing to bet it's because the release is being bumped when people take it out (or they think it's a switch & push it - loosening the lock) & not the actual connection.  Those ends don't go bad as many times as you are describing, i've only had 1 go bad where it didn't hold in the mic in all the time i've been running sound.
Also check the little set screw on the mic towards the bottom, it may be loose as well making the cord connection to move around.

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One and a half to two wraps with black electrical matches nicely. I always carry a few rolls for things like that. Cheap and a roll will last a long time. If you use just a little, it will come off easily. You ever notice how Karissa holds the mic?....not good for the connection..... ....she is a sweet heart, and I love her to death, and I guess she does that so it doesn't come off.....but it actually puts a strain on the connection.....there might be a rubber sleave or small wide rubber band(sometimes I put them over the switches) that might work.....be surprised what you can find at a hardware or electrical store...

I'm with Lonman on this one, I don't recall ever replacing a mic cable because of a mechanical problem with the connection. They must be bumping the release while handling the mic so as  others have stated your only real recourse would be to to give the end a couple of wraps of electrical tape (colored if you like) to protect against accidental release. Just out of curiosity, I went over the GC site just to see what type of ends they are using (Switchcraft vs Neutrik style). I did notice they don't like to talk much about what gage or shielding, that must be why I usually buy bulk cable and build my own, I know what I'm getting that way plus tends to be cheaper

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Like I said I know people get nervous and squeeze so hard on the the mic they push the release button on the mic. That I'm familiar with. This is obviously different. When it starts happening on a regular basis, more than usual I know it is getting loose. Maybe it's 2,3 or 4 times a night. I forgot how exact I need to explain things on here.  LMAO  It just depends on the night. Funny thing is no one did it last night. It's just frustrating.

A long time ago I used duct tape when this happened and it made everything sticky. I'd rather get a new cable then have people looking at tape on the mic. I may try electrical tape just to see if it is less sticky, but I'd still be putting tape on and off every night.

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there is a kind of Shrink wrap that once you make your connection, you put this plastic sleeve over the new connection, and then use a blow dryer to shrink the plastic over the corrected spot... I've seen it, but don't know much about it. Like the others, I'd put electrical tape over the connection, BUT I'd do it with a new cable... as opposed to trying to correct a problem once it occurs.

I agree that duct tape gets crap sticky... I've never liked that stuff!

i've not run into this problem, but it may be because we use karyoker's suggestion of taping the mics with colored tape.  a couple of wraps lets me know which mic is in use AND keeps the cords stable.

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