What might result if an XLR cable is pinched, sliced, or kinked?

If an XLR cable is pinched, sliced, or kinked, it can compromise the integrity of the cable, leading to poor transmission of the audio signal. Such physical damage can cause interruptions in the signal path or even complete disconnection between the audio source and output. As a result, one may experience static or hear no sound at all. This occurs because the electrical connections within the cable may be disrupted, leading to incomplete or flawed signal transmission, which affects the audio quality negatively. In contrast, the other outcomes suggest improved or clearer audio quality, which is not feasible when the cable is damaged.