Topic: commonly used mic/interconnect cables, retailers, manufacturers

[Brian Skalinder]

I used an inexpensive pair of Mogami cables for a while, and they always worked fine for me - it just never occurred to me that cables make much of a difference. I also didn't have a home system capable of hearing the differences between inexpensive and higher end cables.  Some people swear by high-end cables, others don't - I say judge for yourself.  

Personally, I think there's a difference, but the real question in my mind is the diminishing returns.  I run active cables now so don't need regular mic cables, but I must say I'm very happy with my MarkerTek interconnect cables between my mics and preamp for recording and new home stereo gear for playback.  If I bought mic cables all over again, I'd go with the MarkerTek-built Canare's below - great performance at a reasonable price point.

Mic Cables


Some commonly used cabling manufacturers/retailers:

Mogami  (http://www.mogami.com)
Inexpensive, I was always happy with mine, but for about the same price you can get the MarkerTek-built Canare's and have a really nice set of mic cables at low cost.

Audio Magic  (http://www.audio-magic.com)
They have several different lines of mic cables.  No real firsthand experience, but some folks like 'em.

Canare  (http://www.canare.com) / MarkerTek-built  

(http://www.markertek.com)
Part # SC25XXJ.  These 25' cables are made with Neutrik XLR connectors and Canare Star Quad cable.  Other lengths available.

KindKables (http://www.kindkables.com)
Offers a whole range of cables, standard or custom.

INTERCONNECT CABLES


I'm sure there are other options out there, but interconnects don't get discussed all that much on the field recording boards

I frequent.  FWIW...

Mogami  (http://www.mogami.com)
Inexpensive, but you can about the same on the MarkerTek's and have a really nice set of interconnect cables at low cost.

Audio Magic  (http://www.audio-magic.com)
They have several different lines of interconnect cables.  No real firsthand experience, but some folks like 'em.

Zaolla  (http://www.zaolla.com)
Again, no real firsthand experience, but some folks like 'em.

Canare  (http://www.canare.com) / MarkerTek-built  (http://www.markertek.com)
Part # SC1.5XXJ (same as mic cables, just different length).  Don't let the identical mic cable part number fool  you - mic cables are audio interconnect cables.  Great quality for the price point, I think.

KindKables (http://www.kindkables.com)
Offers a whole range of cables, standard or custom.