Whether it's rain, hail, sleet, snow, fog, or heat, environmental elements affect the health of electronic equipment, especially musical equipment such as connectors and cables. A series of new XLR cable connectors is already out there to ensure that you keep on singing, playing, and recording out in the open field: the Neutrik XX-HD Series.

Neutrik introduced the new XX-HD Series at InfoComm 2009. Specifically designed for outdoor use, the XX-HD Series has a hybrid metal/rubber design for dust and water protection. By mating it with the related XX-HD cable connector or the Neutrik MPR-HD chassis, it meets the requirements for an IP67 rating. The rubber sealing jacket assembled during the termination of the connector provides that needed dust and water protection that is IP67 standard compliant. This rubber sealing also protects against mechanical shock.

The XX-HD Series includes a three-pole female XLR connector (NC3FXX-HD-D) with optional black housing (NC3FXX-HD-B-D) as well as a three-pole male XLR connector (NC3MXX-HD-D) with optional black housing (NC3MXX-HD-B-D). A rugged zinc die cast shell and gold contacts are another feature of the XX-HD Series.

The Neutrik chuck type strain relief system is present in the new XX-HD series for secure clamping of cables. Along with the XX-HD's dust and water protection features, it guarantees a road-ready, heavy-duty connection. The Neutrik XX-HD is available via disassembled bulk packaging only (25 connectors per box). No longer will you sing in the rain with just an umbrella and a raincoat as you can get mic'd up without the fear of amplification failure or electric shock (of course, I'm exaggerating).