This forum has always provided good advise. So...for my meager home studio, which is listed below, I need some cables. We are purchasing a bunch of new mics which include SM57s, e906, AKG Perception 420, Shure Drum Mics, etc. So, I would like to get cables that are up to the task. I don't need high end over the top, as none of my other equipment is of that caliber. But, I would like appropriate cables for my application. I did order a cable from the online retailer and my opinion of this cable for the price, was not good. So, should I be going to places like Redco and configuring Mogami Cable with Neutrik connectors, etc. Please let me know what you think and don't be afraid to be specific. Here is a link of what I configured as an example. http://www.redco.com/Custom-Cable.html basically it is Mogami W2549 and Neutrik NC3FX-Bag. Let me know, thanks.

Those will be real nice cables.

I use and recommend Redco often. Seems like a good value on great cables.


I recommend quad core cables... especially for home studios where cabling can get shoved up next to noisy power supplies and stuff.

I like Canare brand cable and have used the L-46eS for a couple decades.

The Mogami quad is slightly better (lower capacitance per foot) and over twice as expensive.

Both cables are above and beyond the threshold of top of the line... so the slight edge that Mogami has doesn't seem worth twice as much... but it could be to someone who is comfortable with the price.

The extra capacitance doesn't really interact with the low impedance mic and line level connections. (Where as you can actually hear the effects of cable capacitance on high impedance guitar cord connections)


Neutrik are ok and are fast for the assembler.

Switchcraft have superior electrical contacts and seem more durable in the field. 

Most assemblers offer Neutrik but I usually order Switchcraft.


best regards,
mike

 Very interesting reply and good information. I would not have thought that Switchcraft would have been better than Neutrik, shows what I know. Also I thought I read somewhere that quad was not the way to go, but maybe I misunderstood. I will definitely check this out, thanks.

I worked with a person who specifically researched the contact resistance of various XLR connections for a military project.

You need test grade gear to observe the difference on the contact resistance.

Most folks will have probably never thought about that and almost everyone assumes that the custom molded plastic Neutriks are the deluxe choice.

None of us can actually hear that difference so get what you want.  :-)







A nice chunk of quad cable can be placed closer to a humming wall wart than a normal twisted pair... that is something you can actually hear.


Under ideal, or normal circumstances... you can hear when you have a really bad cable but most other good ones sound fine. I think it's hard to find a bad mic cable these days... the last time I heard one it was the standard issue Shure freebie that came with the Shure SM bundles. Those things actually degraded the sound. That is really uncommon.


The reason to consider a quad core is that the little noises they inhibit are the ones you usually don't notice until too late. So, for a lot of folks it's worth the extra money to end up relaxing about those kinds of noises.

All my cable is quad core... it's just the "normal" for me.


best regards,
mike

 Thanks Mike. I actually appreciate the information and specificity of the content, thanks. It is always a good idea to reduce stress by planning for future problems and going quad may be one of those plans.

Just avoid Monster cables. I have to throw that in any time the subject of cables comes up.

I've been using Switchcraft connectors since the early 70's. Some of my current cables actually date back that far and still do the job.

 I too, love switchcraft...I just thought Neutrik was supposed to be the new big thing. I am old school and back in the day switchcraft was the deal...period. I guess it still is. Cool!

Another vote against Monster Cable - like Bit I think this needs to be stated, more than once, in every cable related thread<G>!

Neutrik vs Switchcraft - for 1/4" plugs I prefer Switchcraft, for XLR I prefer Neutrik, mostly because it is easier to get them assembled correctly. Any advantage from the contacts is quickly discarded if you don't get a good solder connection<G>. And in complete candidness - I prefer which ever one I can get for less on any given day!

I really like Gotham cable, but I also use Canare and Mogami. For low level signals I use only star-quad construction. Make sure you read the docs and pair them up properly though!

A couple other things to consider:

Foil shields provide 100% coverage, but they cause more problems than they solve, including Shield Current Induced noise due to the geometry of the drain wire, and the foil will break down over time if you move the cable a lot. Braids are better, and Reussen wraps are best. (The Gotham cables use a duel Reussen wrap, easy to work with and excellent coverage.)

Redco is an excellent supplier, but building your own is something you should consider. First, it's a lot easier than you think. Second, it will save you money. Third, you can repair your cables, should that ever be necessary.

My two cents...

Last point that Bit eluded to. He has connectors still going from the late 70s. You might not think that "high-end" cables buy you anything with your current setup, but you don't want to be forced into buying cables again when you upgrade mics, right? Get the best cable you can afford at this point in time. You'll have them for a long time, and you will ask them to serve you over and over regardless of what is plugged into them..

I usually roll my own. I like 90 degree connectors on some cords and I like having lengths that work best - I hate having cables that are way too long. 

Just my two cents.