Mic Cable Outlets?

[stetto]

The search function is, as ever, effin' with me this morning...

I'm in need of a number of various-length XLR mic cables, and the price of cut/soldered sets is ridiculous, so I'd like to buy a box of bulk cable and Neutrik or Switchcraft connectors and make my own.

Do any of you guys have a favorite outlet online for bulk cable and parts? I've looked into a couple different places, didn't know there were so many varied configurations of three-strand mic cable...I could use a recomendation in that department as well...

The cables will be used for live play, my studio is equipped. I'm getting way tired of tearing down my gear just for mic cables for a show...

Thanks

Eric

 

[kojdogg]

i don't make 'em but two favorites seem to be:
redco www.redco.com
or markertek www.markertek.com
there are others if you search on google

 

[SRR]

www.fullcompass.com call in your order, you might get cheaper prices on them. I use the Neutrik XX series connectors, and canare starquad, but for live use I might use http://www.fullcompass.com/product/305273.html but only if I could afford it. Other wise there is no reason you can't use the Canare starquad which would be found here: http://www.fullcompass.com/product/317395.html

 

[virtualvisions]

The cable at www.speakerrepair.com would be very adequate for live in my opinion, good cabling that you won't be too worried about band members stepping on or tripping over since at $50 for 300ft, its quite a steal.

 

[bubbagump]

+1 for Markertek

As for cable, I am a Canare Star Quad fan myself.

http://www.markertek.com/Product.as...g=Canare+Corporation+of+America&search=0&off=

 

[tmix]

+1 for redco

 

[Adam P]

I like Markertek. Just placed an order there yesterday, as a matter of fact.

 

[GearAddict]

+1 for canare cable

 

[GearAddict]

ive also used mogami stuff and it was just fine...

 

[tmix]

You Know,
If you are using them for live play and are not set on making them yourself, I recently bought a bunch of premade cables from a guy named Frank Luppino who owns a cable making facility.and sells them direct or sometimes on ebay.
His company is http://www.miteecables.com/ and also http://www.djcables.com/ .

I bought a bunch of 25 footers for about $6 each. I took them a part and they looked well made. I have had not one issue with them. I also bought a bunch (like 24) 1/4 trs 25 ft balanced cables for the studio and they work great, they were like $4 - $5 each. I could not buy the components for that.

I will be honest and say The materials are a little on the light side such as jacket thickness and connector ruggedness, but the wires were like 20 - 22 ga for the mic cables and like 18 ga for the trs, and the solder jobs and connector end treatments were excellent.

I have no tie to the guy other than being a satisfied customer.

Tom

 

[stetto]

Great replies, guys...I appreciate it.

I was impressed with both the redco and markertek sites, though the eyes did glaze over a bit due to the selection of cable offered...I'm in the midst of checking out the mogami and canare sites...Tmix, the prices seem right on the Frank Luppino stuff, but I'm set up to make my own cables and will likely stick with that, though I've bookmarked the addresses just in case, thanks.

There is also Pulsartech.net, but they don't offer cable in bulk either...My needs involve rooms that vary from requiring 25' to 100' of cable, only guitar and two vox, so a snake would be overkill. I'm also setting up a rack with an XLR patchbay, so some shorties will also be needed. I'll save a lot or a little more simply making my own cable....

Thanks again for your input.

Eric

 

[stetto]

The cable at www.speakerrepair.com would be very adequate for live in my opinion, good cabling that you won't be too worried about band members stepping on or tripping over since at $50 for 300ft, its quite a steal.

I haven't ordered the bulk stuff yet, but the 10 25' GLS cables for $60 was hard to pass up...

Eric

 

[Track Rat]

I wired my place with Beldon and Switchcraft. Nothing exotic with the Beldon (22 AWG, foil, drain and two stranded conductors) and I've never had any issues with it. It takes solder very well and it's quiet. I've delt with MarkerTek with good result.

 

[bubbagump]

I personally much much much prefer Neutrik to Switchcraft. Switchcraft with its crimping to the jacket and need for screws just seems kludgy and primitive to me. Neutrik is nice, neat and tooless.

 

[stetto]

I haven't used Neutrik connectors yet, but that's what I'm going with this time around.

Eric

 

[tmix]

I used the beldon 22 ga with drain but I used the Neutriks.
They went together very solid and quick.
The only bad thing was there were no instructions on how to unscrew the jackets if you needed to repair them. They have a self locking ratchet tooth design. I just manhandled it till it gave way.

 

[cusebassman]

Just ordered me some mic and line cables from redco - Mogami standard mic/line w/ Neutrik connectors

I love my Mogami mmmm

 

[bubbagump]

They have a self locking ratchet tooth design. I just manhandled it till it gave way.

No need with the standard Neutrik. They simply unscrew.

http://www.markertek.com/Product.as...ON&baseitem=NC3FX&search=0&off=0&showreturn=1

You want the NC3MX and NC3FX.

 

[Track Rat]

I've used just about every connector made and a lot more than once. I'm still partial to Switchcraft and solder.

 

[tmix]

The neutrik ones I used had the half tube solder ends. Made it a lot easier than trying to poke a wire through a hole.

I believe the ones I got were indeed NC3MX and NC3FX.
as you tightened the barrel down it has a self locking mechanism.