DIY cabling questions

[newbiequestions]

Hi

I have tried a search, but couldn't get the proper results, so here is my first post.

I want to start making my own cables, but have absolutely NO clue on how to start this.

I am pretty handy, when it comes to soldering (which i guess is pretty useful) but I don't know which cables to buy for balanced and unbalanced line cables (to connect my synths/modules/mics to my mixer, and the mixer to my pc)

I have read that Mogami cables are good, but there are so many different types and i wouldn't know which ones to get. 2549 for balanced? which for unbalanced? which are best for mics?

I already have some neutrik plugs (TS and TRS) and once I know how to properly solder the cables i would also get some XLR plugs.

I have another question about those TRS plugs.. i know they are tip/ring/sleeve (trs) but I always thought those were stereo plugs, or are the same plugs used for balanced mono lines?

I already looked at some of the cables i have used so far, to get a basic understanding on how they are soldered (at least i managed for unbalanced cables)

thank you for replying

[GYang]

A right choice of cables in the begining can save you some money later.
In general you can safely use Mogami 2549 for balanced, unbalanced line level and mic level cables.
For digital 75 or 110 ohm, Canare will be excellent (and quite affordable) choice.
Neutrik plugs are industry standard, if possible try not to mix contacts with different metals, means white (silver) and gold to avoid chemical reactions.
If you do it first time, it's not bad idea to make short visit to technician to show you some tips on how to do it correctly.
I think it's useful skill, as you never know what kind of new connection you'll need in future and it's good to be able to do it by yourself at any given moment.

Happy soldering.

[paully]

Originally Posted by newbiequestions

...I have another question about those TRS plugs.. i know they are tip/ring/sleeve (trs) but I always thought those were stereo plugs, or are the same plugs used for balanced mono lines?

>>>>>>>>>

Hey NBQ, welcome aboard!

Stereo and balanced wires are the same wire type, connected the same way. The plugs/jacks are also the same type. Hmm.. 2 applications for the price of 1!!

One note to post on the wall. If you're mixing and matching plug and jacks, XLR s connect to TRS s as follows for proper phasing and operation:

XLR pin 1 to S(shield)
XLR pin 2 to T(tip) 1n 99.9% of gear, 2 and T are considered hot
XLR pin 3 to R(ring) 1n 99.9% of gear, 3 and R are considered cold

Have fun soldering, and don't inhale the fumes. tutt Paul

[Mr. Victory]

Originally Posted by newbiequestions

Hi

I have tried a search, but couldn't get the proper results, so here is my first post.

I want to start making my own cables, but have absolutely NO clue on how to start this.

I am pretty handy, when it comes to soldering (which i guess is pretty useful) but I don't know which cables to buy for balanced and unbalanced line cables (to connect my synths/modules/mics to my mixer, and the mixer to my pc)

I have read that Mogami cables are good, but there are so many different types and i wouldn't know which ones to get. 2549 for balanced? which for unbalanced? which are best for mics?

I already have some neutrik plugs (TS and TRS) and once I know how to properly solder the cables i would also get some XLR plugs.

I have another question about those TRS plugs.. i know they are tip/ring/sleeve (trs) but I always thought those were stereo plugs, or are the same plugs used for balanced mono lines?

I already looked at some of the cables i have used so far, to get a basic understanding on how they are soldered (at least i managed for unbalanced cables)

thank you for replying

Go buy the Yamaha Sound Reinforecement Handbook. It will explain everything with diagrams and go through the soldering process step by step. Trust me. Buy this book and read it 10 times...then use it as a reference. It
s the best way to gedt into all of this DIY stuff.

SV

[brianroth]

Gepco is also a decent source for various cable materials and connectors.

Bri

[newbiequestions]

thank you all for you quick replies, i love you (literally of course )

brianroth: thanks for the advice for gepco, but i live in europe, so it might be a little harder (not necessarily) to obtain some of the material, but thanks to mailorder, or local stores, i hopefully get around this "problem" (which i hope is not a problem at all )

GYang: so if i use the 2549 for unbalanced, i would simply not use one of the cables, or (as mentioned in a different thread about the quads) should i solder both onto the same connector?

also when saying that i shouldn't mix the "colors", i guess you mean regarding the cable itself, right? (i.e. use a gold cabe with gold plugs, and silver cable with silver connectors)

currently my setup is not (yet) digital, but i will definitely keep the canare's in mind, once i go the next step (i'd rather take one by one, to get it all right )

paully: thanks a lot for the explanation of the balanced cables and on the pins on the xlr's, this would have been my next question (if i wouldn't have found it via the search function or google), but this saves me some time

mr victory: of course also thanks to you and the book is as good as ordered :D

once again thank you all