XLR Cable Buyer's Guide?

[Mike Caldwell]

If you make your own be sure to get real Neutrik connectors. There are many cheap knock off copies that almost look like the real thing but do not really fit well in other connectors or sometimes will get stuck. Some cheaper pre made cables will have the bogus Neutrik connectors on them.

Markertek is a good quick source for wire and connectors.

Mike Caldwell

[SMKSoundPro]

Same goes for 1/4" connectors!

I have some oddballs here on my desk that are just bad!

Barely fit into the female connector. And have also tarnished just sitting here.

Spend a buck on a good quality connector.

I make ALOT of cables, pretty much all of the time.

I NEVER buy a premade cable, unless we are talking about RCA-RCA 3' or 6' stuff.

And HOSA cables. Don't get me started on a couple of those I had. Not bad cables, per se. Just not the same as a good quality Neutrik or Swithcraft, or vintage cannon, amphenol...

[dlwearl]

Thanks for all the comments guys.
David

[westend]

If you're skilled with a soldering iron, you can make your own.

I picked up some Mogami quad mic cable for (If I remember correctly) $.69 / foot:
http://www.mogamicable.com/Bulk/micr.../quad_micr.htm

And some Neutrik connectors for $2.50 each:
http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/2...FX_detail.aspx

You can make some great cables for pretty cheap. I got everything locally Guitar Center, but you might be able to order online cheaper.

They're not easy to make though... if you don't have the right vice, clamps, and clips, the wires are real tough to hold in place while the solder hardens.

Good advice.I do the same. I've made some RCA->XLR connectors for very cheap. I always use Neutrik. A "helping hands", the device with the clips and adjustable shafts, makes soldering anything a more pleasurable experience. Ratshack has them for about $20, IIRC. I used mine with the magnifier to solder the four wires (40 g.?) in a set of headphones. Without the device it would have been impossible.
I have a length of TIFF cable here to experiment with. Has anyone any experience with that?