instrument (guitar/bass) cables for live use?

underworld · 5th July 2007

anyone have an opinion on cables for live use? i know there are a lot of controversies surrounding certain cables in studio settings - but what about live?

for example- is a live environment acoustically ideal to hear the nuances of cable differences (if they exist)?

does a solid-core wire create a reliability issue when talking about a live show where you are running around the stage?

i would think for live, you would look for a cable with:

* low interference (god only knows what kind of power and light situation you are going to run into)

* good flexibility (assuming you are running around wild)

* un-tangle-ability (er... that is, the characteristic of either untangling easily or not getting tangled in the first place)

* beer-proof

XSergeantD · 5th July 2007

I think your last point should be geared more towards the cable user than for the cable itself. And if beer gets into the cable at either end, it's more likely that your problem won't be from the cable failing, but the electronics the cable is plugged into failing... oh, wait you were making a little joke.
Well, I think for live situations, your most important concern will be microphonics. Look for cables with with additional conductive sleeving below the shield. This may (e?)affect sound quality for improved resistance to microphonics, but with all the action on stage, this is probably a good thing. Once you determine the manufacturers with additional mcphn protection, move on to what you think your 2nd most important factor would be - that's a personal choice

peeder · 5th July 2007

Do not get "silencer" cables or "circuit breaker" cables or any of those geegaws that let you change guitars without making noise. They are certain to fail in a live situation. Have a good soundguy or guitar tech mute the channel or something when you change guitars, or just use a volume pedal.

Fretbored · 5th July 2007

Monster acoustic cables and studio cables sound great, though pricey.

tINY · 5th July 2007

There are a lot of reasons to like decent wireless set-ups for live situations.....

-tINY

5th July 2007	#1
underworld Gear addict Joined: Nov 2004 Posts: 412 Thread Starter	instrument (guitar/bass) cables for live use? anyone have an opinion on cables for live use? i know there are a lot of controversies surrounding certain cables in studio settings - but what about live? for example- is a live environment acoustically ideal to hear the nuances of cable differences (if they exist)? does a solid-core wire create a reliability issue when talking about a live show where you are running around the stage? i would think for live, you would look for a cable with: * low interference (god only knows what kind of power and light situation you are going to run into) * good flexibility (assuming you are running around wild) * un-tangle-ability (er... that is, the characteristic of either untangling easily or not getting tangled in the first place) * beer-proof

5th July 2007	#2
XSergeantD Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2005 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,036	I think your last point should be geared more towards the cable user than for the cable itself. And if beer gets into the cable at either end, it's more likely that your problem won't be from the cable failing, but the electronics the cable is plugged into failing... oh, wait you were making a little joke. Well, I think for live situations, your most important concern will be microphonics. Look for cables with with additional conductive sleeving below the shield. This may (e?)affect sound quality for improved resistance to microphonics, but with all the action on stage, this is probably a good thing. Once you determine the manufacturers with additional mcphn protection, move on to what you think your 2nd most important factor would be - that's a personal choice __________________ - Brent - www.StudioAtThePalms.com Without music, life would be a mistake - Nietzsche Cake or Death? [/SIGPIC]

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5th July 2007	#3
peeder Lives for gear Joined: Aug 2006 Location: No longer participating here. Posts: 6,705	Do not get "silencer" cables or "circuit breaker" cables or any of those geegaws that let you change guitars without making noise. They are certain to fail in a live situation. Have a good soundguy or guitar tech mute the channel or something when you change guitars, or just use a volume pedal.

5th July 2007	#4
Fretbored Gear maniac Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Nacogdoches, Texas Posts: 288	Monster acoustic cables and studio cables sound great, though pricey.

5th July 2007	#5
tINY Gear Guru Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 10,234	There are a lot of reasons to like decent wireless set-ups for live situations..... -tINY