Vintage 40'+ Tube Microphone / Specialty Pro Audio Cable
Switchcraft A5M 5-Pin XLR to Amphenol 16S-1 7-Pin
For sale is one of three matching vintage multi-conductor cables. Each cable has a Switchcraft A5M 5-pin male XLR connector on one end and an Amphenol-branded 7-contact circular male connector using the 16S-1 contact arrangement on the other.
The cable measures at least 40 feet and may actually be somewhat longer.
WHAT IS IT / WHY WOULD SOMEONE WANT IT?
This appears to be a specialty vintage microphone, microphone power-supply or professional-audio interconnect cable rather than an ordinary microphone cable.
Multi-conductor cables of this general type are useful with tube microphone systems and other professional equipment where multiple electrical connections are required between the microphone and its associated power supply or other equipment.
For a restoration or repair project, the value here is not simply the cable itself. It is a complete long vintage assembly incorporating a Switchcraft A5M 5-pin XLR connector, an uncommon Amphenol 16S-1 seven-contact circular connector, and documented wiring.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Vintage tube microphone restoration
- Microphone-to-power-supply interconnection
- Vintage broadcast equipment
- Recording studio equipment
- Custom tube microphone power-supply projects
- Professional-audio restoration
- Replacement for a missing proprietary multi-conductor cable
- Custom vintage electronics projects
- Donor cable and connector assembly
- Applications requiring a Switchcraft A5M 5-pin XLR
- Applications requiring an Amphenol 16S-1 seven-contact circular connector
CONNECTORS:
- Switchcraft A5M 5-pin XLR male
- Amphenol 97/MS-style circular male connector
- 7 contact positions labeled A, B, C, D, E, F and H
- 16S-1 contact arrangement
VERIFIED PINOUT:
- Switchcraft A5M Pin 1 → Amphenol F
- Switchcraft A5M Pin 2 → Amphenol E
- Switchcraft A5M Pin 3 → Amphenol H
- Switchcraft A5M Pin 4 → Amphenol D
- Switchcraft A5M Pin 5 → Amphenol C
- XLR shell/shield → Amphenol shell/shield
- Amphenol positions A and B are not connected
TESTING:
The cable was checked with an ohmmeter for continuity and shorts. The connections shown above were verified and no shorts were detected.
This testing verifies the cable's conductor continuity and pin connections. It was not tested connected to the original microphone, power supply or other powered equipment.
CONDITION:
The cable remains flexible and the outer insulation appears in good condition, with normal cosmetic wear consistent with vintage age and use. The connectors are also in good used condition.
LENGTH:
The cable measures at least 40 feet based on measuring and counting the coiled loops. It was not completely stretched out end-to-end and may actually be closer to 50 feet, so it is conservatively advertised as 40+ feet.
IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY INFORMATION:
The exact microphone, power supply or other equipment originally used with this cable has not been identified.
Multi-pin tube microphone and professional-audio wiring is not universal. Please compare the Switchcraft A5M connector, Amphenol 16S-1 connector configuration and documented pinout above with your equipment before purchase.
The Switchcraft and Amphenol names refer to the identifiable branded connector hardware. The manufacturer of the complete cable assembly has not been identified.
THREE AVAILABLE:
Three matching cables are available. They have the same connector configuration and wiring but are tagged with different colored identification tape. The individual cable received may therefore vary slightly in tape color and normal cosmetic wear from the cable shown in the main photos.
A particularly useful long vintage cable for tube microphone, broadcast, recording and professional-audio restoration where this specific connector combination and wiring configuration is required.