XLR/TRS cables

[gcjammin1]

Can somebody please shed some light on why these cables, especially the 3' lengths, are so expensive?

[lvjazzman]

Make your own out of old mic cables, neutrik ends are a buck or a buck and a half each. Of course that is assuming that you can solder a little bit.

[gcjammin1]

I usually do make my own. I just want to know why they charge so much for them. Usually HOSA cables are reasonble, but other brands are just ridiculous. I'm just wondering if there is a big markup on them, or do their connectors and wire cost them more.... Just curious.

[djui5]

A lot of it has to do with the type of cable inside, and the connections used. Virgin copper is more expensive, as is twisted and quad cables.

The companies charge so much to make up for R&D, Overhead, Supplies, Shipping, Manufacturing, etc

[xstatic]

Also, HOSA tends to use molded plastic tips which are near impossible to repair, as well as tend to break easier.

[gcjammin1]

I know what you mean about the HOSA cables. I just can't understand why you can buy a good 20' mic cable for the same amount as a 3' TRS cable of good quality. It seems like the TRS end is what adds to the expense.

Gcjammin1

[dpd]

Randy nailed it.

Once you get into the cable wars, you find a lot of cable, especially the audiophile-grade stuff, can get insanely expensive. However, cables DO sound different. That said, my experience - though far more with unbalanced than balanced cables - is that the balanced cables do not exhibit the gross differences of the unbalanced ones. I may be all wet with that statement, but theory tends to back it up.

I'd make sure you get good quality connectors, especially if these are going to be used for patching and/or get moved a lot. I'd also spend the money for good quality shielding - especially if you are around RF fields, etc. Browse the cable manufacturer web sites or ask someone in the business.

[djui5]

Originally posted by dpd
Randy nailed it.

:D



Once you get into the cable wars, you find a lot of cable, especially the audiophile-grade stuff, can get insanely expensive. However, cables DO sound different. That said, my experience - though far more with unbalanced than balanced cables - is that the balanced cables do not exhibit the gross differences of the unbalanced ones. I may be all wet with that statement, but theory tends to back it up.


That's right....you nailed it!

[LTA]

TRS are a pain to solder. Not as bad as TT/bantam plugs, but they are still up there. XLR connectors tend to be so wide open, you can almost solder em up with gloves on. TRS plugs are also pretty complicated, if you've ever broken one apart. XLR is just 3 pins with solder cups embedded in a plastic piece, plus a case. TRS has spot welds, crimps, and/or threads connecting the conductors.

[dpd]

My experience with TRS tells me 3 things if you want to make them yourself:

- get GOOD connectors. I like the Switchcraft all-metal ones. Comes with a sleeve insulator. Stay away from cheap crimped together types. And, the screw-down types.

- get GOOD cable. I prefer the metal foil shields for 100% shield coverage and the simple drain wire to solder. I HATE cable with cotton theads inside and prefer the plastic monofilament spacers between the two conductors. Make sure the inner conductors are twisted.

If you get a braid, there are two ways to work with it. Either comb the braid out to individual strands, or splay the braid apart as close to the outer jacket as possible and pick out the inner conductors. You'll lose a few strands if you comb it. Careful to not nick the conductors when you strip the cable.

I like to solder from the tip back. Tip & ring through the holes. I wrap the shield (braid) clockwise around the connector just in front of the crimp and solder on the back side. You need to keep it flat so you can screw the connector together.

[penguin]

Hey, I was going to replace all my cabling with Monster to upgrade my sound, but it sounds like I should be able to make my own of the same quality for a hell of a lot less money.
Where can i find wire and connectors that will give me the quality I want?

Thanx!
Mark

[lvjazzman]

Sweetwater may sell bulk cable and connectors... If not check out

www.markertek.com

They have lots of neat toys that most music related places don't deal with, and some they do.

[lvjazzman]

This is the URL to the bulk cable page...

http://www.markertek.com/ProdList.asp?cat=CABLESCONN&subcat=BULKCABLE&prodClass=AUDIOBULK&search=0&off=

[penguin]

Thanx Steve, I'll check it out.
Mark

[gcjammin1]

Markertek is great. They have a great catalogue too!

[lvjazzman]

It is a great FREE catalog too!