Cables and Connectivity

[Cheeky Monkey]

I also posted this in the Microphone forum 'cause I wasn't sure where best to post.
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Thanks to this site, I pretty-much know the entry-level gear I want for my small bedroom studio -- with the exception of cables and overall connectivity. I just did a search, and have read about Canare, Mogami, Monster (stay away from seems to be the concensus), including making your own cables, but these brands may be either too expensive or overkill for my chain quality. For the small quantity/lengths I feel I need, I don't want to make my own. What would be your cable suggestion(s) match be for my situation? Does the type/make depend on the specific gear? I've listed mine below (shouldn't need any more than 10-15' lengths)? I also hope for advice on connectivity. Here's the gear I either now have, or am soon to buy as well as specific connectivity questions:

- Instruments: I have a Taylor 814c acoustic and Fender Strat.
- Wharfedale Diamond Pro 8.2a monitors (ordered, soon to arrive). I assume these will have XLR connectors? Will they plug into an XLR or 1/4" monitor output connection on the mixer?
- Wharfedale R1604 mixer (ordered, soon to arrive).
- Audiophile 2496 soundcard (next purchase, soon). Does this card have 1/8" connections? What cable is used from the mixer to the soundcard?
- POD 2.0 (already have). I assume that I plug my Strat into the POD (1/4" to 1/4"), then the POD into the mixer? (1/4" to what?).
- MXL 603 for X/Y acoustic guitar config (plan to buy a matched pair, asap). I know this will be XLR to XLR on the mixer.
- MXL V67G for vocals (plan to buy, asap). XLR to XLR on the mixer.
- M-Audio Keystation 49e midi keyboard controller (last piece I'll purchase). This is a USB keyboard. I'll use it for piano/synth sounds, bass guitar and drums. It obviously connects to the USB port of the PC, but does it need to plug into the mixer? (midi outs to ins on mixer?). If so, what kind of cable(s)?

I realize I've asked a lot of specific questions and I thank you in advance for taking the time to advise me. Once I get all the gear and everything set-up, I'll be looking at room acoustic treatment.

 

[jjmanton2]

You just need a bunch of instrument cables and XLR cables, from what i can tell its nothing fancy. I would go main outs on the mixer to audiophile, XLR to RCA I assume, and then 1/4 control room outs to XLR for monitors. You dont need to use any connections for your keyboard. I would suggest canare cable.

 

[Rokket]

You just need a bunch of instrument cables and XLR cables

That's the key. You will need a lot of them, so go with what your budget will allow as far as quantity. Even the cheaper ones will be OK as long as you get shielded cables for noise reduction. Most people are staying away from Monster because their ego got in the way of their marketing, and they are way overpriced for what they are promising. Try out several different brands, and stay with what you like the most. They may seem insignificant, but I can't tell you how many times I've had a session go bad because if a bad cable, and not having a replacement right there on hand. I had to learn the hard way.