Cables

[S1gnsOfL1fe]

I'm researching 1/4 inch cables for use around the studio for recording and live ambient performance. I need probably about 10 more cables if what I'm planning in my head is going to be my "live rig." The question is, what cables are you guys using?

The best prices I've found for anything decent runs between $10 and $20 a cable...which could easily lead to me spending a good $150 just on the cables for my setup.

Any recommendations?

Here are a couple I've found that seem reasonable in both price and quality...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/rapco-horizon-standard-guitar-cable

http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Classic-Series-Instrument/dp/B0002GMGYK/

[robojam]

Another option is to make your own if you are handy with a soldering iron.

The actual cable ends up being a hell of a lot cheaper if you just buy the total length you need, and if you bulk buy the jacks they're a lot cheaper too.

[phoenstorm]

I'm no expert here, but I've looked into various related things - basically I need a custom rack and a patchbay sometime soon - and I think in addition to audio quality, durability should be a concern if you're planning to take S1gns0fL1fe on the road. BTW , let me know when you stray from the bay and do your first European tour :biggrin:

P.S. Here in Germany we have what feels like quasi-monopolist Thomann...no matter where I ended up buying, I always found their "cable guy" ..website (basically it lets you select the plugs you want at either end & you can input the desired length) an easy tool to decide what cable exactly i needed...

http://www.thomann.de/gb/cat_cableguy~ncx.html?ccmem=1

[S1gnsOfL1fe]

I'm no expert here, but I've looked into various related things - basically I need a custom rack and a patchbay sometime soon - and I think in addition to audio quality, durability should be a concern if you're planning to take S1gns0fL1fe on the road. BTW , let me know when you stray from the bay and do your first European tour :biggrin:

P.S. Here in Germany we have what feels like quasi-monopolist Thomann...no matter where I ended up buying, I always found their "cable guy" ..website (basically it lets you select the plugs you want at either end & you can input the desired length) an easy tool to decide what cable exactly i needed...

http://www.thomann.de/gb/cat_cableguy~ncx.html?ccmem=1

Thanks for this Phoenstorm! This helps, and through cable guy I was able to find some brands that looked really good but aren't available in America. Ever heard of "Cordial" cables with Neutrik plugs? Those are looking pretty sweet!

As for S1gns Of L1fe on the road in the EU...stay tuned! :D :tu:

[Frozen Lonesome]

I just bought an XLR to 1/4" cable from MonoPrice and the cable is super thick and gold plated. Very cheap. a 6 ft male to male is only $4.06 for one and $3.82 for 10-19.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?spcDB=11509&spcWord=Audio+Cables+%2D+Professional&keyword=1/4%20inch

[Phase47]

You'll definitely want to make your own. Personally, I'd go with van den Hul cable and and Neutrik balanced 1/4" connectors. The soldering is not hard, and if you're going to be using cables alot, it's good to know how fix or make your own, etc. HTH.

http://www.vandenhul.com/products/cables

http://www.neutrik.us

[asteroid anxiety]

Definitely make your own or buy from some one who will custom assemble for you.

[S1gnsOfL1fe]

Well then, the quest is on! Majority rules and I'm now going to invest in "rolling my own" cables, if you will. I watched a tutorial on YouTube the other day and it looks not too bad. I'm just going to have to buy a soldering iron and some solder...learn how to use it, and then buy some cable and some connectors! This will be good practice for me. I enjoy a good craft and like you guys said, it'll be cheaper buying cable in bulk than spending hundreds on pre-made cable.

Thanks guys!

[phoenstorm]

I think that's a good idea. :-) I simply don't have the time or space to accommodate the making of my own cables. At least that's what I'm telling myself & hence I gladly pay the considerable surcharge for premade ones. For me, Cordial works fine.

[S1gnsOfL1fe]

You'll definitely want to make your own. Personally, I'd go with van den Hul cable and and Neutrik balanced 1/4" connectors. The soldering is not hard, and if you're going to be using cables alot, it's good to know how fix or make your own, etc. HTH.

http://www.vandenhul.com/products/cables

http://www.neutrik.us

@phase47 Now I'm on the hunt for WHERE to buy my neutrik connectors and Vanderhul Cables. Any place online you recommend? I went to both sites and both companies have numerous distributors that send you to further sites...it's actually not as easy as I thought.

Suggestions? Thanks Don!

[Phase47]

@SoL: I buy all my connectors from Pac Radio. http://www.pacrad.com. For the cable, I believe we used Bluebird last time we made cables.