How to Hook Up a Microphone
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
Hook up a microphone by plugging an XLR cable into the mic, then into an interface or mixer input. Plug the female end into the microphone and the male end into the input, turn the gain down first, and switch on 48V phantom power if your mic is a condenser. Raise the gain while you speak until the meter moves.
Match the cable to the mic and input
Use a 3-pin XLR male-to-female cable. The female end fits the microphone and the male end fits the interface or mixer input. Check the cable length against the distance from the mic to the input so the cable reaches without pulling tight.
Plug in with the gain down
Turn the input gain all the way down before you connect anything. Push the female XLR connector onto the microphone until it seats, then push the male end into the interface or mixer input. Keep the cable run clear of foot traffic so nobody trips over it or yanks the mic.
Switch on phantom power for condenser mics
Condenser microphones need 48V phantom power to work, while dynamic microphones do not. Find the 48V or Phantom switch on the interface or mixer input and turn it on after the mic is connected. Wait a few seconds, then raise the gain slowly while you speak.
Set the gain and check the sound
Speak or sing at your normal level and raise the gain until the meter moves into the healthy range without hitting the red. If you hear hum, check that the cable is fully seated at both ends and that no other cable lies across it. Move the mic closer instead of pushing the gain higher.
Coil and store the cable after the session
When you finish, turn the gain down and switch 48V off before you unplug the cable. Coil the cable in loose loops and use a cable tie to keep it tidy. The Kxable pack includes 5 cable ties for this.
What you need
Monoprice XLR Male to XLR Female Cable
A 15-foot XLR male-to-female cable with 16AWG wire, gold-plated connectors and a braided shield, backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Shielded
- Length: 15 ft
- Lifetime warranty stated
Kxable 2 Pack Premium XLR Cables 30 FT
A 2-pack of 30-foot XLR cables with 22AWG pure copper wire, dual shielding and zinc alloy plugs, plus 5 cable ties.
- Cables in pack: 2
- Shielded
- Length: 30 ft
- One-year warranty stated
Rode RØDE XLR-6 Premium XLR Cable
A 20-foot XLR cable with Neutrik connectors and Canare cabling, built for microphones, mixers and the RODECaster Pro II.
- Length: 20 ft
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best XLR Cable for Mic, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need phantom power to hook up a mic?
It depends on the mic. Condenser microphones need 48V phantom power from the interface or mixer, while dynamic microphones do not. Check the mic's own specs before you switch 48V on.
Which end of the XLR cable goes into the mic?
The female end goes into the microphone, and the male end goes into the interface or mixer input. Each cable here is a 3-pin XLR male-to-female cable, so the ends only fit one way.
Can I use a longer XLR cable for a mic?
Yes. The cables here run 15, 20 or 30 feet, so pick a length that reaches from the mic to the input without pulling tight. Coil the extra length loosely and keep it out of foot traffic.
Why does my mic hum after I hook it up?
A loose connection is the first thing to check. Push both XLR ends in until they seat, and keep the mic cable away from power cables. If the hum stays, try a different input or a different cable.
Ranked XLR cables lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.