Topic: Cable Differences

[dallman]

I am looking to make some cables, in my case XLR to XLR, but I am wondering about the different wires available for sale.

In my case, I would be using these in the field, mic to recorder, and the lengths would be 10-25 feet. any help would be appreciated in understanding the differences. I am not asking so much about sound quality (but of course any opinion is welcome) as to what would be most appropriate to purchase.

I am thinking about 2 mics, 2 cables (one cable per mic), and possibly 2 mics one cable (1 cable total 2 XLR's per each end).
Here are some of the types I have come accross for sale: (I've looked at Redco.com which sells wire)

Belden Foil Shield Console Cable
Gotham Standard Mic
Gotham 3c mic
Canare mini mic
Canare Standard mic
Redco Standard mic
Redco Heavy Duty mic
Mogami standard mic
Mogami thin Mic
Mogami Broadcast Mic
Mogami Dual Shield Mic
Mogami Install Mic
Mogami Console Cable
Mogami 2 Channel Mic Cable
 
Thanks!
 

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

Go to ebay and search for "silver teflon".  Buy some of the mil-spec teflon insulated silver plated wire.


All the kids are doing it.


edit: check this out http://cgi.ebay.com/50-20-AWG-Shielded-Silver-Teflon-Wire-2-Wires-Twisted_W0QQitemZ290028187959QQihZ019QQcategoryZ32833QQcmdZViewItem

[Ryan Sims]

Go to ebay and search for "silver teflon".  Buy some of the mil-spec teflon insulated silver plated wire.


All the kids are doing it.


edit: check this out http://cgi.ebay.com/50-20-AWG-Shielded-Silver-Teflon-Wire-2-Wires-Twisted_W0QQitemZ290028187959QQihZ019QQcategoryZ32833QQcmdZViewItem

How would you wire an XLR with this?  I'm thinking about picking some up.

EDIT: *forehead smack*
I just now realized that the shield is copper and it would be nothing different from a regular mic cable.

[Nick's Picks]

you got it!
personaly, I think that Raychem cable sounds the best.  Its a milspec silver jobbie.

if you want to go super thin, 22-26awg (conductor size, not actual cable size) is very tiny.

[Nick's Picks]

also...
i'm finding that a 3 conductor is a little better.  cleaner to work with.  but...stiffer, and harder to find.
check this out http://tinyurl.com/y24pwx
this is *IT*

[rodeen]

I am looking to make some cables, in my case XLR to XLR, but I am wondering about the different wires available for sale.

Hey Cliff,

I'll sell you my cables. The already burned in.  I won't even charge you extra for that   
Whether you build or buy, you should consider getting a set with right angle XLR's to connect
to your HD-P2. 

[rodeen]

also...
i'm finding that a 3 conductor is a little better.  cleaner to work with.  but...stiffer, and harder to find.

So do you use the 3rd conductor as ground?  Or tie the 3rd conductor and shield together as ground?

[Nick's Picks]

just the 3rd conductor.  let the sheild do its job w/o having double duty.

[Nick's Picks]

but..I still mainly use 2 conductor cable for the size and flexibility. 
sounds the same

[Ryan Sims]

And in that case you do use the shield as the ground, right?

[Nick's Picks]

yes

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

yes

do you ground the shield at both ends or one end? 

if one end, which end?  I know that some interconnect recipes tie the shield to just the "source" end to drain the noise away from the next gain stage.  But I've always wondered if it should be the opposite for mic cables since the mic doesn't provide a reference. 

[dallman]

I am looking to make some cables, in my case XLR to XLR, but I am wondering about the different wires available for sale.

Hey Cliff,

I'll sell you my cables. The're already burned in.  I won't even charge you extra for that   
Whether you build or buy, you should consider getting a set with right angle XLR's to connect
to your HD-P2. 

So your cables are already burned in.

I cannot really figure out whether right angles are better or not. Is that going to force the cables down or to the side? (Sometimes the unit will be flat on a table, probably more often upright in a bag) I think if I do some small modifications to the neoprene bag to allow the cables to pass through (velcro covers that pull back) then maybe the straight cables will be better.

Maybe I should let you decide and then buy your old cables at a fraction of their value...