What's the deal with Mogami cables

[VTgreen81]

Has anyone seen a noticable improvement from switching to Mogami cables? Are they really that much better, worth twice-thrice the $$$ of cables by whirlwind, peavey,etc?

Or what about a Zaolla M25' for $232.95!!!!!

If there's a reason to spend over 200 bucks on a cable how good can a $20 cable be?

 

[DJL]

Has anyone seen a noticable improvement from switching to Mogami cables? Are they really that much better, worth twice-thrice the $$$ of cables by whirlwind, peavey,etc?

Or what about a Zaolla M25' for $232.95!!!!!

If there's a reason to spend over 200 bucks on a cable how good can a $20 cable be?

Is it worth spending big bucks on a top name brand mic when you can get a cheap Chinese copycat mic for a few bucks... it's not worth it for some people and for others it's well worth it. I guess the real question is... is it worth it for you?

 

[VTgreen81]

Thanks, but that's a no brainer. I was hoping for some insight that may help me decide if it's worth it for me.

Are we talking about something like the difference between Nady and Neumann or MXL and BLUE?

 

[DJL]

Thanks, but that's a no brainer. I was hoping for some insight that may help me decide if it's worth it for me.

Are we talking about something like the difference between Nady and Neumann or MXL and BLUE?

I use Monster cable... anyway, IMO there is a difference but it's little... however, all the little difference's do add up and when added together it makes a big difference in the end. I hope that helps you.

 

[Rhythmschism]

I think it depends on how much your concerned about your overall sound quality. IMO, the quality of your cables should at least compare with the quality of the gear you are using. A $1000 instrument, recorded with a $700 mic, through $800 preamp, and into an $500 sound card isn't really going to be worth much to you if your connecting them through radioshack cables. Cables are like the veins of your setup, a poor carrying capacity is going to hinder everything. I have not personally used Mogami cables, although they do have a very good reputation. Some people say they are better bang for you buck compared to Monster. I've used neither, so you would have to consult other sources who have.

 

[DJL]

I think it depends on how much your concerned about your overall sound quality. IMO, the quality of your cables should at least compare with the quality of the gear you are using. A $1000 instrument, recorded with a $700 mic, through $800 preamp, and into an $500 sound card isn't really going to be worth much to you if your connecting them through radioshack cables. Cables are like the veins of your setup, a poor carrying capacity is going to hinder everything. I have not personally used Mogami cables, although they do have a very good reputation. Some people say they are better bang for you buck compared to Monster. I've used neither, so you would have to consult other sources who have.

Very good point... and I was not able to hear the difference between Monster and Mogami cables and I don't have the equipment to test/compare the two either so I'm not sure which one is really better either... maybe someone else here who knows will shine in and comment. Anyways, good post Rhythmschism.

 

[noiseportrait]

I've never compared the two brands myself, but most people who have experience with both seem to think that monster is overpriced crap. Stay away from monster unless you want to get ripped off. On the other hand, don't buy the cheap stuff either. Quality cables will make a difference, but there is no reason to buy the REALLY expensive stuff unless you are plugging top notch equipment into it. Rhythmschism made a good point, it you are using nady mics, then nady cable will prorbably suit your purposes, but if you have some halfway decent mics and pres, then they deserve better cable.

I remember reading a post from someone once who said that there were only 4 upgrades that he has made over the years that made a "night and day" difference in his sound: his first good outboard pre, a DAC1?, a uad1 card, and good quality cables. Of those, the one that he said suprised him the most and cost the least amount of money was the cables. Don't skimp on your cables; don't buy hosa or nady, and if you are forced to buy the cheap stuff then at least have one good cable for your "gold channel." You would be suprised how much of a difference there is between hosa and mogami, especially after using them to track everything in a dense mix.

If you can't afford to buy mogami cables then you could always just make them yourself for a fraction of the cost. It's not hard to do. Last time I checked bulk mogami went for about $.45 a foot and nutrik connectors are about $2.50 apeice. That's only $14 for a 20ft cable of the same quality that the million dollar recording studios use. I think it's worth it!

 

[Les W]

If you can't afford to buy mogami cables then you could always just make them yourself for a fraction of the cost. It's not hard to do. Last time I checked bulk mogami went for about $.45 a foot and nutrik connectors are about $2.50 apeice. That's only $14 for a 20ft cable of the same quality that the million dollar recording studios use. I think it's worth it!

Are you serious? WHERE??

 

[tubedude]

I use Canare and Mogami....

The Canare is just as good, cheaper, and you can get any kind of cable you want at markertek.com in about 400 different Canare colors (makes it easy to locate which end of which cable is which cable, GAAAHHH) Especially in birds nest cable tangles like I have.

Both are excellent. I give Canare the edge becuase of price and color options (green, red, blue, white, purple, black, many more)

Peace!
Paul

 

[VTgreen81]

Thanks, I think I got it

I'd love to try making my own, but I know myself well enough to know that I'd end up with cut up pieces of bulk cable all over, burns from soldering and no finished cables.

Keeping the gear all the same level makes sense to me though:

cheap gear--cheap cables

High End gear--high end cables

Middle o' the road (read as prosumer) gear's what i'll be using:

Delta 1010
S.P & MXL mics
DMP-3
VTB-1
Yamaha MG 12/4

So I'll leave alone the RAPCO and Whirlwind,

The Zaolla looks like it's for cats like Phil Spectrum

So it looks like Mogami Gold Studio , Or Monster's performer 500 should be on the right level for me.

Thanks guys (and/or gals)

Noisedude............The bad reviews you heard about Monster, were they about the "standard" "perf. 500" "perf.1000" or was there an issue with the whole line such as quality control ETC.

I've been taught to stay away from behringer because their quality control is hit or miss. Is this the case with monster?

 

[DJL]

I've never compared the two brands myself, but most people who have experience with both seem to think that monster is overpriced crap. Stay away from monster unless you want to get ripped off.

Is there anyone on this bbs who knows for sure that Mogami cable is better than Monster cable... and if so, how do you know... in other words, what proof do you have that you can show me so I will know for sure also? Thanks

 

[noiseportrait]

Good places to buy bulk cable:

http://www.haveinc.com/products/cable2.html
http://www.redco.com
http://www.markertek.com

Get the stuff with braided sheilding, foil sucks. For long runs use quad cable. For anything under 50ft two conductor cable is fine and easier to solder. Canare and mogami both make great cable. Neutrik and Switchcraft are both top of the line connectors. Have fun.

I've never personally used monster, but I've read several reviews where peopled have done side by side comparisons of mogami, belden, canare, BLUE, and monster and they always seem to agree that monster makes decent cable but they're horribly overpriced. The other big names always beat it out. Of course, this is all heresay, so take it as you will.

 

[darrin_h2000]

I have a nice monster cable I do use for my vocal mic setup...all my patch cables are mogami...I bought all the remainder from my local Mars when It closed for arround $.10 a ft.

 

[noisedude]

Re: Thanks, I think I got it

Noisedude............The bad reviews you heard about Monster, were they about the "standard" "perf. 500" "perf.1000" or was there an issue with the whole line such as quality control ETC.

hey, it wasn't me! it was noiseportrait, who incidentally gave the kind of abrasive post i've never been prone to

I wish I could afford better cables but I have to move slowly. When I have some proper monitors I will try to upgrade some but as ever, it's the question of UK suppliers. I can get 'Planet Waves' leads but dunno where to get others.

 

[VTgreen81]

Re: Re: Thanks, I think I got it

hey, it wasn't me! it was noiseportrait, who incidentally gave the kind of abrasive post i've never been prone to

oops



sorry 'bout that

 

[noisedude]

That's ok

 

[DJL]

Re: Thanks, I think I got it

I've been taught to stay away from behringer because their quality control is hit or miss. Is this the case with monster?

I haven't had any problems with Monster cable... but hang in here and hopefully we will find out from those "in the know" if there is an issue and etc with Monster cable or not and etc.

Oh, and I agree with noiseportrait that Monster cable is not cheap ($)... but, I don't think it's crap.

 

[Les W]

Good places to buy bulk cable:

http://www.haveinc.com/products/cable2.html
http://www.redco.com
http://www.markertek.com

Get the stuff with braided sheilding, foil sucks. For long runs use quad cable. For anything under 50ft two conductor cable is fine and easier to solder. Canare and mogami both make great cable. Neutrik and Switchcraft are both top of the line connectors. Have fun.

I've never personally used monster, but I've read several reviews where peopled have done side by side comparisons of mogami, belden, canare, BLUE, and monster and they always seem to agree that monster makes decent cable but they're horribly overpriced. The other big names always beat it out. Of course, this is all heresay, so take it as you will.

can someone tell me how to spell DIY??

 

[noiseportrait]

Okay, I think there is a misunderstanding here and it is my fault. The emphasis in my former posts about monster is that they are overpriced, but they are not necessarilly bad cables. My point was they seem to lose shoot outs with the other pro quality cable, yet they are often the most expensive alternative. I shouldn't have said that they were "overpriced crap," just overpriced. You can probably do better for less money. I'll watch try to keep a handle on my choice of words next time.

 

[DJL]

noiseportrait... I knew what you meant, and I think most everyone did also. I think they are just teasing you... so don't worry about it, and if I'm wrong... I still wouldn't worry about it. This is a good thread... and with any luck, it will only get better.