Professional-grade microphone cable that’s easy to use at home

audio technica / BX9/3.0

This is the BX9/3.0 microphone cable released by Audio-Technica in July 2022.
It is a professional-grade microphone cable that uses high-quality materials for the conductor, shielded wires, and connectors.

Until now, Audio-Technica's XLR cables were mostly limited to affordable and high-quality options like the ATL458A.

＜Best-Selling Microphone Cable: ATL458A/3.0＞

The ATL458A is an extremely popular cable, offering excellent sound quality, durability, and ease of use at an affordable price.
However, there was no option for a high-end professional-grade cable from Audio-Technica.
Many users, such as those using the AT4040, had been wanting a premium microphone cable from Audio-Technica. The BX9/3.0 was developed to meet that demand.

＜Connecting the AT4040 with the BX9/3.0＞

Let's begin by explaining the specifications of the BX9/3.0:

Designed for professional use

The BX9/3.0 is a professional-grade cable with a standard 4-core structure and uses OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) conductors.
With a cable diameter of 6.0mm, it offers a standard thickness.

The feel of the BX9/3.0 exudes the quality of a high-end cable.
Compared to OYAIDE cables, it is slimmer and more flexible.

＜OYAIDE PA-02＞

Neutrik connectors

The BX9/3.0 uses the classic Neutrik plugs.
Instead of the standard silver finish, the plugs feature a sleek black color.

The BX9/3.0 pairs exceptionally well with Audio-Technica condenser microphones.
For applications like live streaming, the black-colored plugs and cable provide a cohesive and professional look on camera.

The BX9/3.0 is available in a single length of 3 meters.
This length is ideal for home use but may be a bit short for studio applications.
Now, let's dive into a detailed review of the BX9/3.0. Below are its pros and cons summarized in bullet points:

The BX9/3.0 excels in both sound quality and ease of use.
The fact that it’s made by Audio-Technica, a renowned microphone manufacturer, is another major plus.
On the downside, its price of approximately 6,000 yen is relatively high, making it a tough decision for users to prioritize between sound quality and value for money.

Faithful and pure sound quality

I tested singing recordings with various microphone cables using the Audio-Technica AT4040 and AT4050 microphones.

Microphone Cables Used for Comparison:

（Microphone Used: Audio-Technica AT4040）

When comparing, the BX9/3.0 feels similar to the OYAIDE PA-02.
It gives the impression of delivering the pure sound of the original source as it is.
Compared to cables priced around 2,000 yen, there's a noticeable difference in sound texture.
If you're pairing a microphone like the AT4040 with a decent audio interface, a cable of the BX9/3.0's quality is definitely worth considering.

Perfect Balance of Firmness and Flexibility

The BX9/3.0 is thicker and firmer compared to lower-priced cables.
However, compared to cables like the OYAIDE PA-02, it is slimmer and more flexible, making it ideal for home use. This level of flexibility is crucial for home setups, where space is often limited.
In my case, I stopped using the OYAIDE PA-02 because its stiffness made it difficult to manage during filming or streaming. Unlike a studio, home environments often require cables to be routed through tight spaces, so a certain degree of flexibility is essential.
In this regard, the BX9/3.0 strikes the perfect balance, making it well-suited for tasks like filming and streaming.
Additionally, it comes with a cable tie, allowing you to easily adjust the cable length as needed.

You can pull out only the required length of cable and neatly tie the rest with the included cable tie.
In my case, I rarely need more than 1 meter at home, so the cable tie is a great feature for keeping things organized.
Recommended For:

Microphone cables for home recording are rarely replaced, so investing in a high-quality cable like the BX9/3.0 ensures reliable use for many years.

Summary

For those looking to match their microphone and cable with Audio-Technica's quality, but wanting something above the ATL458A level, the BX9/3.0 fulfills that need perfectly.
If you’re using the AT series microphones, this cable is highly recommended for enhancing your recording setup.

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