XLR is designed for long-haul transmission or pros who run into situation with high level of EMI can not be avoided. Besides, unless you run end to end XLR (which I plan to do), you would be wasting your money anyway.
If you decide to go with XLR anyway, just make your own if you are handy with soldering. This is what I am using
Canare L-4E6S Star-Quad Microphone Cable $0.50 per ft
Neutrik XLR connectors $5~6 per pair
Yes, I have XLR cables that I use with my daughter for her mic too feed into an 8 channel mixer. She likes to put on performances with her friends in the back yard and $100 for 3 mic's cables and a mixer vs. the smile on her face when she gets to perform for the neighbours who can now hear them.
But for my case, XLR also had additional properties that I like. For instance, a CLICK and it locks into place. The weight of the cable can't slowly pull it loose.
I can buy a good XLR cable for $10. Or with your prices, make the same cable for $9. I think my time is worth more than a dollar.
