Topic: Microphone cable recomendations?

[Chuck]

So, I've always made my own cables...
I've used Mogami, Belden & Canare wire mostly.  A while back, I bought a pair of ToddR's silver/ teflon DogStar cables. I'm finding now, that I would rather have some more flexible cables. What are my options as far as high quality, but with some flexibility and small? FWIW, I'm not sure I heard a sonic difference between the copper vs silver wires. I bought the silvers because they pack better and use less space than the Canare or Mogami's.

I'm certainly up for making the cables myself. I guess I just need some recomendations on the various wire choices, as I know I like the Neutrik connectors.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

The 1804a is extremely flexible and seems quite tough when covered with 1/8" techflex.  Very low memory.

Are your teflon silver cables joined together with techflex?  It really goes a long way to tame their desire to go their own way..  I have a pair of 25' like that and really like them but I'm not sure I would as separates. Also, some of the quad cable is more flexible than the larger conductor single pair.

The stiffness of the silver teflon is a pain for short cables between devices, etc.

[Church-Audio]

The 1804a is extremely flexible and seems quite tough when covered with 1/8" techflex.  Very low memory.

Are your teflon silver cables joined together with techflex?  It really goes a long way to tame their desire to go their own way..  I have a pair of 25' like that and really like them but I'm not sure I would as separates. Also, some of the quad cable is more flexible than the larger conductor single pair.

The stiffness of the silver teflon is a pain for short cables between devices, etc.

I would like to get some of this cable to check out any good sources? That you know of?

Chris

[thegreatgumbino]

So, I've always made my own cables...
I've used Mogami, Belden & Canare wire mostly.  A while back, I bought a pair of ToddR's silver/ teflon DogStar cables. I'm finding now, that I would rather have some more flexible cables. What are my options as far as high quality, but with some flexibility and small? FWIW, I'm not sure I heard a sonic difference between the copper vs silver wires. I bought the silvers because they pack better and use less space than the Canare or Mogami's.

I'm certainly up for making the cables myself. I guess I just need some recomendations on the various wire choices, as I know I like the Neutrik connectors.

What awg are your Dogstars?  2-conductor or 4-conductor?  That may be part of the issue.  IME, if you go with 24 awg 2-conductor or 4-conductor it is pretty flexible.  Any bigger than that, and it gets pretty stiff.  If you went with 26 awg silver clad it would be more so.  Just an idea/thought.

Here's some more info regarding my experience with the Belden 1804a.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,83803.msg1115372.html#msg1115372

If your ears prefer copper, I'd recommend the Canare mini star quad (L-4E5C) or the Mogami stuff that NashPhil used in his mic cable comparisions.  My $0.02.

[Chuck]

So, I've always made my own cables...
I've used Mogami, Belden & Canare wire mostly.  A while back, I bought a pair of ToddR's silver/ teflon DogStar cables. I'm finding now, that I would rather have some more flexible cables. What are my options as far as high quality, but with some flexibility and small? FWIW, I'm not sure I heard a sonic difference between the copper vs silver wires. I bought the silvers because they pack better and use less space than the Canare or Mogami's.

I'm certainly up for making the cables myself. I guess I just need some recomendations on the various wire choices, as I know I like the Neutrik connectors.

What awg are your Dogstars?  2-conductor or 4-conductor?  That may be part of the issue.  IME, if you go with 24 awg 2-conductor or 4-conductor it is pretty flexible.  Any bigger than that, and it gets pretty stiff.  If you went with 26 awg silver clad it would be more so.  Just an idea/thought.

Here's some more info regarding my experience with the Belden 1804a.

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,83803.msg1115372.html#msg1115372

If your ears prefer copper, I'd recommend the Canare mini star quad (L-4E5C) or the Mogami stuff that NashPhil used in his mic cable comparisions.  My $0.02.

I was using the Canare L-4E5C for years, but it was too bulky in my bag. I may look into the Belden 1804a. I already have the TechFlex...

[roggae]

Canare mini star quad

I used this cable for a snake I built.  So far, so good...

[Nick's Picks]

not bad.  about &.70 per foot. 
I might have to get me some of that.  I like it, but its so damn'd expensive and hard to find less than 1000' at a time.

[dean]

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,83803.0.html

 

/ducks...

On the more helpful side, I've got a set of Nick's Hydra Silvers, and am very pleased with 'em from a flexibility standpoint!  So you won't go wrong using what he's using...

[Nick's Picks]

well....my stock changes.  I've used as thick as 20awg, but I like 24-26 awg better.  sounds like you got some thin stuff.

[dean]

well....my stock changes.  I've used as thick as 20awg, but I like 24-26 awg better.  sounds like you got some thin stuff.

   I don't get it...

[Nick's Picks]

the thinner the wire, the more flexible and less stiff it is.  It sounds like you probably got some when I had thinner wire in stock.  maybe not.

[dean]

the thinner the wire, the more flexible and less stiff it is.  It sounds like you probably got some when I had thinner wire in stock.  maybe not.

Oh, ok.  That makes sense.  Would you hazard a guess on how thin my wire stock is?

Either way, I'm still very satisfied with the Hydra Silvers!

[Nick's Picks]

no clue.  I dont recall who has what from my various batches of stock.

[JD]

I have been looking around for a 100' roll of Belden 1804a. Best price I can find is
$88.98 for 100' reel from Westlake Electronics. They do not have it in stock, but per email, I was told that it was special order and should only take 7-10 days from order date to get.

http://www.westlake-electronic.com/store/search/1/detail/1/item_no/BEL-12063/

A few questions for those who have worked with this cable.

Anybody know of a better source? price?
Will 28awg wire be large enough for longer runs, say 30' to 50'?
Any issues with this wire fitting standard neutrik xlr plugs? or 3.5mm plugs?


Thanks

[Nick's Picks]

the wire is small, 28awg will fit anything.
as for long runs..., I have no experience there really.  That is also the best price i've seen as well.