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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: jbell on June 07, 2009, 01:39:50 PM

Title: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: jbell on June 07, 2009, 01:39:50 PM
I just bought a Microtrack II, I need some advice on what cables I need.  At the moment I want to be setup to run off of sound boards or another tapers gear.  What cables will I need to patch into other equipment? 
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: Walstib62 on June 07, 2009, 08:31:05 PM
Most SDB's have either XLR or 1/4" phone jacks as outputs. You would do good to have a set of 25' 1/4" (both ends) XLR ( M_F) and RCA cables. Get as many adaptors as you can conceive of. You will also run into 1/8" plugs, mostly stereo. Gold conn's are always preferable. Your MK2 takes RCA's in.
Funny, I went into a store recently to buy a MK2, but walked out with the Zoom H4n, after comparing the features. The Zoom does 4 trk, which I plan on using extensively.
Good Luck!
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: jbell on June 08, 2009, 12:54:10 PM
Thanks, any suggestions on a good place to purchase some cables? 
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: Kevin Straker on June 08, 2009, 01:11:58 PM
Thanks, any suggestions on a good place to purchase some cables? 
Get in touch with Rob at Darktrain Cables. He's a member on this board and he makes an excellent cable.
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,96346.0.html (http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,96346.0.html)

PS-Ed makes some nice cables as well. I use some of his battery cables.
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: deadheaded on June 08, 2009, 01:27:42 PM
i can help you with your cables.
kindkables.com
thanks
ed
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: willndmb on June 08, 2009, 08:27:12 PM
Most SDB's have either XLR or 1/4" phone jacks as outputs. You would do good to have a set of 25' 1/4" (both ends) XLR ( M_F) and RCA cables. Get as many adaptors as you can conceive of. You will also run into 1/8" plugs, mostly stereo. Gold conn's are always preferable. Your MK2 takes RCA's in.
Funny, I went into a store recently to buy a MK2, but walked out with the Zoom H4n, after comparing the features. The Zoom does 4 trk, which I plan on using extensively.
Good Luck!
whats a MK2?
you mean MT2 (microtrack 2) ???
the microtrack does NOT have rca in
the mt2 has 1/4 and 1/8 ins as well as coax - the rca are out
if you get a coax make sure the end fits inside the housing - a hosa fits as well as ones made by ed
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on June 08, 2009, 09:07:15 PM
I'm sure most everyone here that makes cables can make what you need and make a quality product.

I for one will only buy cables from Ed at Kind Kables.

I run some of his XLR's and could not be happier. Best value for any gear I own. Not only that, but Ed is a great guy and makes some fantastic recordings. You will not be disappointed.
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: su6oxone on June 09, 2009, 01:02:00 PM
Here's every type of cable/adapter you need to get a soundboard patch (with a pic):

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,121657.msg1623201.html#msg1623201 (http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,121657.msg1623201.html#msg1623201)

(http://images47.fotki.com/v1474/photos/4/45607/4783512/IMG_9458-vi.jpg)

I bought the cables from www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com) and the adapters are all hosa that I bought off ebay and www.antonline.com (http://www.antonline.com).
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: jbell on June 10, 2009, 06:15:33 AM
Ed I sent you an email!  Thanks to all for the help!!
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: Walstib62 on June 10, 2009, 09:48:48 AM
Thanks for the correction. I'll do a better fact check next time.
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: willndmb on June 10, 2009, 12:18:56 PM
Here's every type of cable/adapter you need to get a soundboard patch (with a pic):

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,121657.msg1623201.html#msg1623201 (http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,121657.msg1623201.html#msg1623201)

(http://images47.fotki.com/v1474/photos/4/45607/4783512/IMG_9458-vi.jpg)

I bought the cables from www.monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com) and the adapters are all hosa that I bought off ebay and www.antonline.com (http://www.antonline.com).
what do you use both xlr for?
i though boards only had one type of xlr out

do you use the 1/4 > dual rca for headphone outs (for example)
i had to do this recently and was lucky i just happened to have a adapter with me - typically i just have dual rca > 1/8 along with the 1/4 and xlr with rca adapters
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: su6oxone on June 10, 2009, 03:19:42 PM
what do you use both xlr for?
i though boards only had one type of xlr out

do you use the 1/4 > dual rca for headphone outs (for example)
i had to do this recently and was lucky i just happened to have a adapter with me - typically i just have dual rca > 1/8 along with the 1/4 and xlr with rca adapters

I've only patched out of a SBD two times now, but once I needed XLR females and the other time I needed XLR males.  Even if most boards are generally one XLR output type, both times I patched it was not directly into the board but to a cable that was hooked to the SBD, which could be of either XLR variety.  The reason I bought the 1/4" > dual RCA adapter is that I was told that occasionally (or rarely) you may have a SBD that only has a single 1/4" stereo ouput (instead of the more common dual 1/4" mono outputs).  It's just to be prepared for any situation and it only cost about $3 so I think it's worth having.
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: mattmiller on June 29, 2009, 06:13:08 PM
Does anybody know how long it typically takes to get a couple of short XLR cables from Kind Kables?  I e-mailed Ed over the weekend, but haven't heard anything back.  I don't mean to rush him -- it's just that I'm leaving town to tape a few shows on the 9th and want to give him my business if he can get my cables by then.  Otherwise, I need to look elsewhere ASAP out of pure necessity, not out of any sort of dissatisfaction with his service or responsiveness.
Title: Re: Help with buying cables!!
Post by: flipp on June 29, 2009, 06:25:14 PM
try calling him, the number is on his website

it's been awhile since I checked it but it used to have a note that that was the best way to reach him; not sure if it still is but can't hurt to call