Question about balanced and unbalanced cables.

[redddog]

I'm starting to wire my studio together and I have an elementary question about what type of cables to use for what purpose.

My main uses are:

Instrument cabling
patching between preamps and AD converters
patching between DA converters to heaphone amp/monitors

I know that I have to go with quality but I just don't know which type of cables are optimal for which job.

I'm also toying with making my own. Any suggestions about what brand and where to purchase would be great. Thanks so much.

Thanks again for your patience.

[DCtoDaylight]

Originally Posted by redddog

I'm starting to wire my studio together and I have an elementary question about what type of cables to use for what purpose.

My main uses are:

Instrument cabling
patching between preamps and AD converters
patching between DA converters to heaphone amp/monitors

I know that I have to go with quality but I just don't know which type of cables are optimal for which job.

I'm also toying with making my own. Any suggestions about what brand and where to purchase would be great. Thanks so much.

Thanks again for your patience.

Instrument cabling (guitar, bass, keys) is mostly unbalanced, unless you're using a direct box, in which case you'd have a balanced mic cable between the direct box and your board/pre. Using balanced cables between your pres and converters and amps is a good idea, to prevent interference, although if the runs are fairly short it may not be essential. But it will definitely make you feel more "pro."

I was pleasantly surprised a few years ago when I asked for quotes on custom cables from a local pro audio dealer. They made them to my specs for not much more than it would have cost to buy the component parts. Unless you have more time than you know what to do with, and some experience making high-quality electrical and mechanical connections, this might be a good route.

I'm sure others will chime in with recommendations on cable and connectors and all....but I'm very happy with the Canare cable and Switchcraft connectors I spec'd on my cables. Mogami cable is also well-regarded (or was the last time I researched this!).

[Acoustic Cloud]

I have mostly all Mogami interconnect and mic cables. I bought them, forgot about it. If its real good, then I am covered.

My bud likes Canare alot, so be it. Hopefully I will never be in a lab testing the differences. Hotwired Cables is a good people bunch, and make everything you need to order.

Prices are pretty good too.

[timmah]

Soldering your own cables isnt hard, although it takes a bit of time and patience. It helps to have a vice to hold the cable in while you are soldering. I rolled my own out of neutrik and canare, and am very pleased with the results/price. TRS connectors are a bit more fiddly to solder than XLR, so bear that in mind.

[MadGuitrst]

Am I the bud you speak of who likes Canare a lot?
If not, you have two buds who dig Canare.

I can solder just fine and have worked on many guitars. Still, when it came to cables, I agree, it was worth the little extra $$$ to get the cables already made IMO.

But, I woudn't be affraid of doing my own cables if you wanted the experience or to save some money. There's not too much to screw up really, unless you burn yourself or set the house ablaze.

[introvert]

I'm in need of some cables, just fired a msg to Hotwired to see what their rates and turnaround are like.

Agreed though, building your own is not at all difficult. Just need a soldering iron, a multimeter and some patience. If their rates are too high, I'll probably just build them myself. Trying to save myself a Saturday though