Turtlerock Forum

[I just realised this is in the wrong topic area, how do I move it to DIY?]
[can administrators move this to the DIY area?]

I need to make up a few XLR patch cables around 30cm-40cm long.

I can get cables and plugs and sockets from Jaycar or Dick Smith (quickly) or I can get stuff from RS Components (couple of days).

I am patching between preamps, eqs, compressors and AD converters.

I know I can buy 100m of canare but I would only realistically need a few metres for the patch cables.\

So (finally), what cable (brand) should I be buy and (suggestions) where should I get it from?

What about sockets? Brand and supplier too?

Thanks

I buy Klotz thin mic cable by the meter from Smithy's in Enmore, not expensive, comes in several colours, easy and fast to terminate and very flexible. Try Wes for connectors, you get name brands at a good price rather than the no name Jaycar connectors which have issues, they send by courier same day if you call in the morning.

I thought everyone had a milk crate full of dead mic cables to cut up for this kind of thing, or is it just me?

Kurt wrote:I thought everyone had a milk crate full of dead mic cables to cut up for this kind of thing, or is it just me?

No you're not alone, funny I was just looking at that very pile of mess the other day. For some reason I have accumulated a huge amount of midi leads.


nIC

Honestly, don't use Jaycar or DS jacks or plugs - buy Neutrik or Switchcraft if you can (if you are going the DIY route)
I made my own cables from Mogami 2524 and Switchcraft connectors when I had my big guitar rig a few years back..

Otherwise, try Puresonics - 24hr turn around and super quality.. Mogami and Neutrik all round.
http://www.puresonics.com.au
Arvind has made cables for studio (mic leads) and my live rig (midi and speaker cables).

you can get the good stuff from jaycar too

neutrik connectors and canare 2 core mic cable by the meter. Made a bunch of these and haven't had a single one fail in years so can recommend!

Martin wrote:you can get the good stuff from jaycar too

neutrik connectors and canare 2 core mic cable by the meter. Made a bunch of these and haven't had a single one fail in years so can recommend!

Martin,
I was aiming my comment more at the plugs themselves.
The solder lugs on the cheaper plugs are not as good and the Neutrik and Switchies are much better to work with (when doing DIY)
Cable is cable so no issues there, athough I have worked with both Mogami and Canare and they are both very good.
T..

I have found with the Jaycar clones of Neutrik stereo 1/4 inch plugs that the plastic inside is really poor, so you have to solder the tip and ring lugs really quickly, or else the plastic softens and the compression contact gets loose inside and the tip connection is unreliable.