home made cables for live sound use?

[AnalogFreq]

I've bought cable in bulk and soldered them myself in the past (granted I'm no saint on the iron), using them for a little bit o' recording and some live gigs (ordered mine from MarkerTek - Mogami Superflex 2792 with Neutrik connectors)....

...But are there any people here with recommendations on specific cabling they've found to be really good for live sound use (durable/transparent sound)? I'm hoping for options that border between quality and cost effectiveness.

I was thinking of buying a few hundred feet of Mogami W2549 originally for recording, but would like to see if i can make a few bucks making cables for a few local sound co's/engineers at the same time...?

...any preferences?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[chris319]

[chris319]

I use Canare L-4E6S quad shielded cable with Switchcraft connectors exclusively. Sonic purity doesn't mean a damn thing if your cable doesn't have continuity/is intermittent/has RF ingress, etc.

[boojum]

I use the same Canare cable but with Neutrik solderless. Everyone tells me solderless don't work and that they fail. I've been using them for two years now. I'll let you know when they fail. Until then, they get used. ;o)

[Jim vanBergen]

For analog, I use the Mogami 2549 with Neutrik silver XLR connectors, soldered. For TRS, I alsp prefer Neutrik unless it is to interconnect with something that has tightly populated 1/4" connectors designed for Switchcraft.

[AnalogFreq]

Thanks for the input!

I might have to make my next batch Canare so i can A/B the cables...



...Solderless?? I'm kinda scared to try them . And shouldn't soldered connections give you less impedance on the cable (more surface area and whatnot)?

[boojum]

Originally Posted by AnalogFreq

Thanks for the input!

...Solderless?? I'm kinda scared to try them . And shouldn't soldered connections give you less impedance on the cable (more surface area and whatnot)?

This is a can of worms. For the record, the telecoms in the US have been using solderless connections since the '50's. The Neutrik solderless connection is not a screw type connection. It causes the wires to be scraped to reveal a clean surface and applies pressure on this surface. The whole connector is then pressure clamped together, and the cable is secured against pulling free. I like them. I am in a distinct minority on this.

My experience is that they work. I have not seen anyone write that they have had a Neutrik solderless failure. They may have failed but not been reported. I do not know.

That is all I will say on this.

[chris319]

Originally Posted by Jim vanBergen

For analog, I use the Mogami 2549 with Neutrik silver XLR connectors, soldered. For TRS, I alsp prefer Neutrik unless it is to interconnect with something that has tightly populated 1/4" connectors designed for Switchcraft.

Mogami cables are OK until you get a heapin' helpin' of RF ingress causing your preamp to act as a radio receiver. That's why I won't go near them. Never had a problem with Canare.

We used to have problems with Neutriks when I worked for a TV network which is now seen worldwide. We replaced them with Switchcrafts and never had a problem, either.

[Audiop]

Originally Posted by AnalogFreq

Thanks for the input!

I might have to make my next batch Canare so i can A/B the cables...

Why not compare the input signal to the output signal instead?

And shouldn't soldered connections give you less impedance on the cable (more surface area and whatnot)?

The impedance of a connection that looks anywhere close to normal will be totally insignificant. It simply doesn't matter if the cabel-assembly have 0.1 or 10 ohm resistance when feeding a kilo-ohm load.


/Peter

[aussie_techie]

Canare, Belden, generic brands, names dont matter but IMO a braided shield is a must for cables in a live environment.

Canare and belden sqar quad are exactly the same.

Spiral shields may perform better on paper when the cable is new but with use the shield always moves around and in the end that leaves gaps which let in RF.

[Murton]

Comparing Canare and Klotz the other day, the feel of Klotz was much better, it seemed to roll much better, less likely to get kinks and seemed far more durable in terms of flexibility.

I'd love to see a comparison between canare, mogami and klotz as these three cables are what I'm choosing between for my microphone cables, using neutrik connectors.

Anyone got any decent pricing for a 500m roll of any? Most I've seen have been around a grand australian for a roll, adding connectors makes it around $40 AUD for a 10m lead.