How to Hook Up Speakers to a Mixer
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Hook up speakers to a mixer with an XLR cable from a main output on the mixer to the input on each speaker. Match the left output to the left speaker and the right output to the right speaker. Turn all volumes down first, power the speakers on last, then raise the mixer volume slowly.
Find the main outputs on the mixer
Look for the outputs marked Main, Main Out or L and R on the mixer. These carry the mixed signal to the speakers. If the mixer has more than one pair of outputs, use the main pair for the speakers and leave the rest for monitors or recording.
Run one cable to each speaker
Plug the female end of an XLR cable into the left main output and the male end into the input on the left speaker. Do the same on the right side with a second cable. The cables here run 25, 50 or 75 feet, so pick a length that reaches without pulling tight.
Power on in the right order
Turn the mixer and speaker volumes all the way down before you plug anything into power. Switch the mixer on first, then switch each speaker on. Raise the mixer volume slowly while music plays, then bring each speaker volume up to match.
Check the sound from the listening spot
Stand or sit where the audience listens and play music you know well. If one side sounds louder, check that both speaker volumes sit at the same mark and that the cables are fully seated. If one side stays silent, swap the two cables to see if the silence follows the cable.
Coil the cables when you pack up
When you finish, turn the volumes down and switch the speakers off before the mixer. Coil each cable in loose loops so it does not kink, and use the same cable for the same side next time. The Foboiu cables use a metal spring at the connector to spread bend force when you coil them.
What you need
Cable Matters 2-Pack Premium XLR to XLR
A 2-pack of 25-foot XLR male-to-female cables with 21 AWG oxygen-free copper conductors and copper braided shielding.
- Cables in pack: 2
- Oxygen-free copper
- Shielded
- Length: 25 ft
Foboiu XLR Cables 75ft 2 Pack
A 2-pack of 75-foot XLR cables with oxygen-free copper, gold-plated connectors and a metal spring at each connector.
- Cables in pack: 2
- Oxygen-free copper
- Shielded
- Length: 75 ft
Amazon Basics XLR Male to Female Microphone
A single 25-foot XLR male-to-female cable with all-copper conductors, copper spiral shielding and zinc alloy connectors.
- Shielded
- Length: 25 ft
Moukey XLR Cables 50ft Microphone Cable
A 3-pack of 50-foot XLR cables with oxygen-free copper conductors, a self-locking switch and a 6-month warranty.
- Cables in pack: 3
- Oxygen-free copper
- Length: 50 ft
- 6-month warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best XLR Cable for Speakers, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need one cable per speaker?
Yes. Each speaker takes its own cable from the mixer, so a pair of speakers needs two cables. The 2-pack cables here cover a pair, and the 3-pack leaves one spare.
What cable connects a mixer to speakers?
An XLR male-to-female cable. The female end plugs into the mixer output and the male end plugs into the speaker input. Each cable here is a 3-pin XLR male-to-female cable.
Can I use a long XLR cable for speakers?
Yes. The cables here run 25, 50 or 75 feet, so pick a length that reaches from the mixer to the speaker without pulling tight. Coil the extra length loosely and keep it out of foot traffic.
Why is one speaker silent after hookup?
Check the cable ends first and push both in until they seat. Then check that the mixer output and the speaker input match on that side, and that the speaker is switched on with its volume up.
Ranked XLR cables lists
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