of these XLR cables - what would you pick for LINE LEVEL?

[mixerguy]

I have bought various cables from this place before - Audiopile.net - they seem like decent quality, and Audiopile.net has given me good customer service.

I'd like to pick up some more - short lengths (between 1.5 and 5 feet) for running line level audio thru between some balanced XLR hardware boxes.... (compressors, EQs) in a nice studio.

No touring, only me using the cables, indoors.

I dont have a problem with radio interference, and the runs are short, line level.... so I don't think I need the quad shielding. (?)

I'll get the Neutrik versions for longevity of the plug.

Of these XLR cables offered by Audiopile.net:

EWI Microphone Cables

-> what would you say would "sound" the best?

or would they all basically "sound" the same?

I don't want this thread to fall into a huge, general debate of all cables sound the same / cables make a huge difference.... please...

I'm just getting some opinions before I buy about 2 dozen.

and NO I do not want to buy some cable, connectors and make them myself. Thanks anyway.

Thanks

[thegatsby]

I personally think quad is just a big hype, unless your doing runs longer then 30ft.
Stick with a balanced XLR cable.
The best cable company (in my opinion) is Pro Audio LA. They use mogami and neutrik connectors. and beat Guitar Center stupid ass prices.

[Matt Syson]

Hi
Quad cable is designed for LOW impedance use with mics and as it has a higher capacitance is less suitable for line level (although can be OK). In a small setup it is basically not necessary.
Decent connectors are most important rather than the cable as such although the cable 'cores' should be 7.02 or equivalent wire (not the minimal copper stuff that some of the really cheap cable is made of).
Matt S

[mixerguy]

Yes it is my understanding that quad shielding is the best for mic runs that are long.....

it is also my understanding that quad shielding is just that - shielding - so has nothing to do with where the signal flows.

and

Yes - as I said I'd get the ones with Neutrik connectors.

[loujudson]

Quad means two conductors per leg - nothing about shielding.

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by loujudson

Quad means two conductors per leg - nothing about shielding.

ahhhhh right. Thanks. oops. I need to get more sleep. Silly me.

a cool test of star quad cables HERE:

- John Huntington's Blog - Does Star Quad Microphone Cable Sound Better? Let's Find

[Matt Syson]

Hi
The main problem with this 'will it sound better' debate is that the equipment at each end is not specified.
Line outs from gear can have a 'source' impedance from practically 0 to tens of thousands of Ohms.
The source may be resistive or it it is via a transformer may have significant inductance.
At the receiving end, again it can be resistive from (typical minimum of 600 Ohms) to 1 Megohms or more. Again if it is into a transformer it can be inductive.
With this vast range of source/receiver impedances and the variation of cable length with it's mix of capacitance, a bit of inductance and a bit of resistance it is pretty difficult to define what any one pair of bits of gear will actually do. Certainly the bulk capacitance of cables is pretty 'consistent' compared to possible terminations as the typical capacitance is in the order of 60pF to 200 pF per foot.
The sending signal impedance is pretty crucial and this is 'moderated' to some extent by the 'receive' impedance but the capacitance of the cable is the main culprit in determining HF loss and the range of capacitance is relatively limited.
To sum up, it's a short cable, don't worry!
Matt S

[mixerguy]

I very quickly got a nice, informative email from Audiopile.net and in a nutshell they suggested this model

PSMN Mic Cables

as it has very good shielding, the Neutrik XLRs, and should not have any detectable sound differences with line level on short runs as compared to the QUAD versions they offer.

all makes complete sense to me.



I have bought from them before, and will do again!