Anyone who uses XLR cables regularly knows how easily their connectors can become stuck in their sockets and other audio devices. There are numerous reasons why this may happen. Nonetheless, it is always frustrating when any XLR socket gets stuck in another socket.
When they get stuck firmly, removing them can be hard to do. Though this is the case, if you are faced with a stuck XLR cable, you do not need to panic. The good news is that there are several solutions that can be applied to help you remove a stuck cable and prevent the problem from recurring in the future.
This article is here to provide you with a great step-by-step solution to this problem. Here we will learn a simple way of removing a stuck XLR cable, as well as how to prevent this type of issue from happening again.
To find out how to remove stuck XLR connectors from their sockets, you need to read this article to the very end.
In most cases, you can remove stuck XLR connectors by simply wiggling or rotating the XLR connector from one side to the other whiles firmly pressing the release catch. Doing this will release the latching clip, causing the connector to come loose.
However, sometimes, it’s more complicated than that and you need to use a different technique to remove your stuck XLR connector. Let’s get into the details of that.
Table of Contents
Why XLR Connectors Get Stuck
Most XLR sockets have a latching pin or catch within them that allows the connector to clip firmly into the sockets they are inserted. This ensures that XLR cables do not get removed from sockets unless the catch is physically released.
This is a good idea in theory, as it prevents XLR cables from coming out accidentally. However, if this latch fails or gets broken, the cable will get stuck in the socket. These latching pins are very simple, as they are nothing more than a piece of metal bent into a latch. Unfortunately, these latching pins break easily.
The breaking or failure of XLR connector latches is the primary reason for XLR connectors getting stuck in sockets and other audio equipment.
How to Remove a Stuck XLR Cable
XLR cables are notorious for getting stuck in connectors and sockets. Removing such XLR cables that get stuck hard can be challenging to do. However, if you know exactly how to go about it, you will not find it as difficult as most people would.
The truth is, no matter how or why a particular XLR connector gets stuck, there is always a way to get it unstuck. Let me take you through a step-by-step method to remove a stuck XLR cable.
Check to Ensure That the Cable Clip Is Released Properly
Most XLR cables and XLR sockets have a cable release catch that must be released to allow the cable to slide out of the socket. This cable release catch is also referred to as a cable release pin/clip.
To remove an XLR connector from another socket, this release pin which may be located on the socket itself or on the cable must be pressed to release its hold. If it is not released, the cable will remain stuck in the socket.
Unfortunately, the most common cause of stuck XLR connectors is either a stiff or faulty release catch. The truth is the mechanism that controls the release of the pin can become stiff or faulty over time.
In extreme cases, the release catch can ultimately fail. A total failure of the release catch can result in your XLR connectors getting stuck as well.
Therefore, if you have a stuck XLR, the first thing to check is whether the pin releases correctly when you press it. This helps you know if the release catch has totally failed or not.
If the catch is functioning, it may only be stuck and needs to be pressed harder and wiggled from side to side to be released. Whiles wiggling, you need to pull out the connector firmly. However, this should not be done with excessive force.
This video gives a perfect demonstration of how this should be done.
However, if the catch has failed or you are finding it difficult to wiggle the stuck connector out of the socket, more drastic steps must be taken.
Unscrew The Cable From The Connector
If the XLR connector is still stuck after applying the method in the first step, what you need to do now is to unscrew the cable from the connector. Fortunately, most XLR cables can be dismantled relatively easily from their connectors by simply unscrewing the connector and pulling out the cable.
Unscrewing the connector and pulling it free from the housing will leave the XLR housing behind in the socket, whiles the cable itself is free and safe from harm.
At this point, you can use a pair of strong pliers to grip the housing left in the socket and pull it out. This will require some force which may bend the housing slightly. That notwithstanding, introducing the extra leverage and grip with pliers will free the housing easily.
The entire process is simple and can be done in a few minutes. However, if you are unsure about how to go about this, watch the video below.
How to Prevent An XLR Connector From Getting Stuck
Having XLR cables that frequently get stuck on other audio equipment or XLR sockets can be very frustrating. Thankfully, if you have an XLR cable that frequently gets stuck in other audio devices or XLR sockets, there are a few things you can do to prevent this issue from recurring.
The best way to ensure that an XLR cable connector does not become stuck in audio equipment or XLR sockets is to ensure that the release catch on the connector is working properly.
An XLR connector whose release catch works properly must be capable of releasing its hold when pressed. If it is not able to release its hold, the cable will remain stuck in the socket. A failed catch is the most common reason that an XLR connector becomes stuck.
Therefore, ensuring that this release catch works properly is the best way of preventing your XLR connector from getting stuck in the first place.
If you notice that the release catch of your XLR connector is faulty, you should not insert it into other devices and sockets. XLR connectors with faulty release catches should be replaced. Doing this will ensure that your XLR connector does not get stuck in the first place.
Replacing the XLR connectors with faulty release catches will eliminate the problem of XLR cables getting stuck entirely.
Tips for Maintaining XLR Cables
Maintaining your XLR cables and the sockets they plug into is necessary to ensure they do not become stuck in each other. Therefore, here are some tips to help maintain your XLR cables and sockets well:
- Always check cable and socket latches for functionality. Replace those that fail with properly functioning sockets.
- Keep your XLR cables and sockets clean and clear of dust and grime.
- Never stop on, or drop XLR cables, as this can break the latching mechanism.
- Always remove XLR cables from sockets by pulling them straight out, never at an angle.
- Always press release catches on sockets and cable firmly before pulling the cable.
- Always ensure that the connector housing on XLR cables is securely screwed on.
- Be sure never to bend any pins in the XLR connector.
- Never plug in an XLR cable at an angle.
- Always be sure that the cable is fully de-latched before attempting to unplug it.
Conclusion
XLR cables are useful, and the audio industry cannot function without them. However, the reality is that they do get stuck a lot. Due to this, everyone who works with XLR cables must know how to handle this problem when it arises.
Removing stuck XLR cables can be challenging if you have no idea about how to go about it. The guide I have provided about is one of the best and simple ways of removing your stuck cable.
Hello, I’m Elijah. A writer on Geek Musician, based in Ghana-West Africa. I am a writer with a passion for research and reading. I usually spend my free time playing chess or watching movies. For more info, check out my about me page. Or read more of my articles here.