Why are USB-C mic cables so noisy?

This inexpensive USB-C to XLR mic cable is advertised to work great with dynamic microphones. While it does a pretty impressive job for how much it costs, it is pretty noisy. This example is a worst-case scenario, using a broadcast mic that usually needs a good bit of gain. This mic isn't nearly as bad as an SM7b or RE20, but it still likes a healthy pre-amp to sound it's best.
You can find details about the cable and current pricing here: amzn.to/4aKGPTj
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[@edh8827]

If that's going into a phone input & it's I guess a dynamic microphone then the level will be too low to start with - the mic will likely need a preamp or mixer of some sort to bring it up. I have used a condenser mic with it's own battery supply into a phone to get a good result that can be cleaned up further.

[@davidelsbury2917]

Sounds like (sorry!) the cable really doesn’t do anything very well at all, despite trying to be super generic

[@DcSoundOp]

You’re right, almost any of the current inexpensive usb-c mics with gain and headphone monitoring controls would be a better choice than these cheap cable options. Thanks for the message!

[@daltonpoole3144]

Would this cable work cleanly running from a bass amp di out to a usb port on a pc?

[@DcSoundOp]

It should. You may need to use the audio ground lift on the amp (assuming it has one) if you experience noise. Depending on the amp, I might prefer an actual direct box though, just to be sure there is electrical isolation between the amp and your computer should something goes wrong.

[@daltonpoole3144]

@DcSoundOp It does. I'm using a Peavey Max 100 and a bunch of reviews say it has a good ground lift.