Hosa CBT-500 Audio Cable Tester

Name: Hosa CBT-500 Audio Cable Tester
Brand: Hosa
Rating: 4.4 (5 reviews)

Cable Tester for XLR, TRS, RCA, SpeakON, DIN, Ethernet, 75-Ohm BNC, and USB Type A to Type B Connectors

5 reviews Write your review Item ID: CBT500

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Test Your Cables

The CBT-500 Cable Tester diagnoses signal failure in just about every type of cable used by audio professionals. You can test cables terminated with any combination of XLR, TRS, RCA, speakON, DIN, Ethernet, 75-ohm BNC, and USB Type A to Type B connectors. The CBT-500 also comes equipped with removable leads to verify the continuity of additional connectors and jacks. At Sweetwater, we highly recommend that every studio rat and live sound tech has a cable tester like the CBT-500. It’s an easy way to prevent nasty surprises.

Note: The CBT-500 is powered by a 9-volt battery (included).

Hosa CBT-500 Cable Tester Features:

Diagnoses signal failure in just about every type of cable used by audio professionals
Test audio cables terminated with any combination of XLR, TRS, RCA, and speakON connectors
Also tests cables with DIN, Ethernet, 75-ohm BNC, and USB Type A to Type B connectors
Equipped with removable leads to verify the continuity of additional connectors and jacks

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Tech Specs

Manufacturer Part Number: CBT-500

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Reviews

4.5

5 Reviews

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The unit is a bit heavy, but it is built for durability. The unit is capable of testing a variety of different styles of cables. I have been using it during the setup of a rack system that has many different types of cables and connections. The last thing anyone wants is a bad cable or connector that prevents the system from working. It has performed very well and has been able to keep the signal chain clean and clear. A must have for serious engineers.

I like it, fast, friendly, rugged, gets the job done in short order.

I read reviews asserting that the battery holder would not remain in place during use. I found the same thing to be true. When I looked closely, I found that the battery holder is a tight fit, and must snap into place. A good press, and a little downward motion, and it settles into place with a satisfying 'snap.' And, from there, the tester will take a head-on with a Volvo and not release the battery holder.

I've tried several of these types of devices. Each with a different spectrum of connector types for testing. This one two things the others I've tried do not. One is 5-pin XLR type connectors for cables so equipped. The other is a pair of BNC connectors.

This unit works as the others of its type. It's rugged in build, and the internal wiring is more robust than others costing less, by, for example Tenma. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with the Tenma, and its function, but, I've had to get into it, twice, now, to touch up a solder connection on fine wiring. This unit by Hosa, is more robust, internally.

It's pretty good size, so it sucks up some space in the tool box. And, it's not lightweight. Which speaks to the more robust build.

Short form: It does what's claimed for it, and it's reliable enough, once the battery box is secured, that I can take it into the field and work it like a rented mule, without worrying about a failure in service.

Buy it. It works. It saves a lot of time, in tracking down cable failures. And, when the bullets are flying on a sound stage, that's worth it's price, and then some.

Just what I've come to expect from Hosa products.

This tester works great except that I always have to make sure the battery holder is pushed in all the way or it stops working. Maybe mine has a clip that's broken.

This is a fab design, rugged and built to go. However, the battery case is slipping often frequently when held in certain positions. Make the battery holder/lid lock a bit tighter.

See also: Test Equipment, Hosa, Hosa Audio Test Equipment