DIY DB25 Questions

[Matt Syson]

Hi
Use the more expensive 'rirned pin' rather that cheap 'formed' contacts and learn to solder.
Having any connection with phantom power on it that ends up going to anything except a suitable mic has the possibility of damaging it. This does not mean don't do it!
Matt S

[Richard Crowley]

1) There is no issue with running phantom power through a DB25 connector. Of course all the usual concerns apply including connection and contact integrity, etc.

2) Also assuming the basic concerns (mentioned above) there is no particular issue of "appropriate for audio". Mic level and line level audio signals are considered "small-signal" in terms of power, so contact integrity is a concern. That is why better audio connectors use gold plated pins/sockets to avoid the problems of oxidation, etc.

3) Solder-terminated and crimp-style pins each have their benefits and deficiencies. Unless you intent to be terminating connectors in the long term, crimp-style may not be the best choice. As you observe, the cost of the tools is a significant factor if you acquire quality equipment. Note also that if the size of the terminal is not matched to the gauge of the wire, and/or the size of the crimping tool, or if the crimp is not made properly, you could be creating additional termination problems for yourself.

Furthermore, stamped ("formed") vs "machine-screw" ("rimed pin") have their positives and negatives as well. Stamped pins are less expensive and suitable for lower-end applicatoins and/or places where you expect few mating cycles, etc. But IMHO, they are not suitable for very low-level signals like microphone level, etc.

The exact crimping tool and the particular die to use are critically dependent on exactly what style (and even manufacturer and variety) of pins you are crimping, as well as the gauge of the wire you are crimping. For these reasons, the cost of doing crimped pins is significant when done properly. When you are in the mass-scale cable making business, this significant cost is easily covered by the efficiency of termination. But for small scale use, it is not recommended, at least IMHO. You are much better off learning to solder properly, which will be of great benefit elsewhere as well.

[AtomicBeagle]

Thanks to both of you for the valuable information! I think I'm going to take the soldered connection route - can't hurt to brush up on soldering skills, and I have a bunch of other cables to make as well.

I appreciate the support and advice!