I just dont see the need to shell out $50 per cable when i can buy the parts for about $12.

Any tips on building these? I am going to buy neutrik connectors.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=092-061

i am open on suggestions for wire and build techniques such as to twist or not to twist.

thanks

shoot i just noticed i posted this in the wrong forum - sorry

I think Parts Express has some DIY directions on how to build XLR cables.

shoot i just noticed i posted this in the wrong forum - sorry

Moved to DIY.

Hi wstandis!!!

i soldered a lot of cables when worked as PA/monitor engineer in concerts, conferences, etc...i also worked at Audio Shop and felt guilty when someone had to pay 20 € for two connectors and a piece of cable.

NEVER BUY PRE-MADE CABLES!!!! :nono:

I always use standard microphone cable in a single jacket, it usually has cotton shield, then ground cable forming a mesh (my english is not very charming) around hot and cold wires,they are pre-twisted.

Don't buy the cheapest but don't waste your money on the most expensive.

I used standard quality 100mts length cable(328 feet) and never had ground or inductance problems.

You're right, always use Neutrik connectors. Expensive but tough and durable. :tresbon:

Rane is a great company for high quality products and also for their library, you'll find all possible interconnects here:

http://www.rane.com/note110.html

Use good soldering iron (my JBC is 7 years old and still rules) and solder with rosin core and low lead (60% Sn 40% Pb).

NEVER SMELL SOLDER SMOKE!!! :nono:

Hope it helps!!!

Tin the xlr pins. If they don't tin well brush them up with a wire brush. Minimum heat. Years ago I made up a box with all types of connectors on it including a 1/4" female and a male and female xlr. When I need to make up a cable I plug the connector into the box to hold it steady while soldering the pins.

Tin the xlr pins. If they don't tin well brush them up with a wire brush. Minimum heat. Years ago I made up a box with all types of connectors on it including a 1/4" female and a male and female xlr. When I need to make up a cable I plug the connector into the box to hold it steady while soldering the pins.

What a simple but GREAT idea! thanks:yes:

Canare Starquad is a great cable to use, especially for long runs. You could probably run it through the middle of a nuclear power plant and it wouldn't pick up any noise!

Markertek has better prices on XLR connectors, and carries Mogami, Canare, and Belden cable...a one-stop shop for this sort of thing. The shipping was higher than Parts Express, but my order was large enough that it was still cheaper by a fair amount from Markertek.

I've made two sets of 7.1 XLR cables (eight per set) using Mogami 2549 and Belden 1800F cable.

Personally, I'd recommend the Belden 1800F...not that I could hear a difference, but the Belden has, IMO, better shielding and better specs. The Mogami stuff is still very nice cable though.

Also, if you get Neutrik connectors, they are real silver plated pins and take solder very well...not like those beastly nickel plated ones.

Finally, not that it really matters, but since I had some on hand I used 4%(?) silver solder too.