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I've gotten two frantic calls in the last week from a band whose members I do some tech work for concerning their PA not working right. They use JBL powered speakers and a Mackie 1202VLZ (old enough to be American-made). Each time, the claim has been "the speakers don't work right" or "something is wrong with the mixer." I've checked out both and can't find anything wrong with the speakers or the mixer--using my own cabling in my own workshop.
What these problems coincide with is the bandleader's purchase of some new XLR cables which he admits are "the cheapest I could find" via the suppliers to the music store where he works. They say "Sky USA" on the cable, but there are no other identifying marks on them.
So, what should I tell him to look for in terms of buying XLR cables that are made with quality cable and connectors? Is there any brand that's known to be a rugged, reliable industry-standard?
Or, since I'm a professional audio tech, I could make them some cables myself with raw cable and connectors. I make my own 1/4" interconnects and have never had one fail. The name I usually associate with quality XLR connectors is Neutrik.
Follow Ups:
I have passed on the recommendations I was given, and they were well-received.
Next time he buys xlr cables he should check that the connectors are made by either Neutrik or Switchcraft.
That's all I ever check for and they've never let me down. Unlike cables with cheap connectors, they fail all the time.
Im gonna say that I highly doubt the cables are the problem
There is not enough information here to even have a clue as to what the problem could be
However, Here is link for some pretty decent cables I have used
and they work well and hold up and the price is WAY right
If noise or hum is an issue check to make sure they are running fully
balanced cables between all their electronics to the amps and make sure there is no ground loops causing the dreaded hum issue. If there is no mic cables terminated on the mixer and you turn up the gains and hear hum then you have ground loop issues
The above was a shot in the dark with the provided information
As Alpha Al and Zako have said, Belden 8412 and Switchcraft steel connectors. I suddenly feel a certain kinship with people I don't even know. I've made all of my own cables as far back as 30+ years ago, and they're still rock solid. 'Course, I don't drop the connectors on hard floors like most morons do.
A soldering tip: Put a piece of shrink tubing over each lead before soldering. Once you've done an excellent job of soldering, then move the tubing up over the connection and shrink it. That connection will never let you down.
Three usage tips: Never, ever, throw your connectors around on the floor like some used cigarette butt. That's askin' for trouble, and is the main cause of connector failure. Don't walk on your cables (duh). When the gig is done, coil your cables as if you care about them and understand the stresses on the braided shield - overhand, underhand, overhand, underhand. Treat 'em right, and they'll treat you right.
"the cheapest I could find". Well, then, he shouldn't be so frantic. He should have expected this and been prepared for it. Maybe he'll learn a lesson.
You might also consider upgrading your clientele. ;)
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"The problem with stereo systems is that they don't sound like real musical instruments."
"You might also consider upgrading your clientele. ;)"
Thanks for the reply. I do see the ";-)" but it's still a bit of a cheap shot. These guys are great jazz players, just young. Since most of them play wind/acoustic instruments, they don't know that much about the electronic side of things. Their problems are growing pains because they're getting increasingly popular and are putting more wear and tear on their equipment.
In my experience, having clients whose popularity is on the rise is a good thing :-) The way I "upgrade" them is to educate them, and they usually appreciate it.
Of all the useful stuff I wrote, and time I put into it, and all the good info that Alpha and Zako gave, you zero in on the one sentence meant as a humorous comment, and completely ingor the great advice you've gotten from all of us.You really gotta lighten up and focus.
I still think it's funny that your customer actually admitted that he bought the cheapest cable he could get (and WHOLESALE), AND then called frantically - twice.
That is too funny!
So, have you thoroughly checked out his cheap cables? Any issues/intermittents? I've bought Hoya 1/4 inch-to-RCA and RCA to mini 1/8 inch, and they're not up to par. Out of 8, 2 have problems, even with light usage. I won't fly that airline again.
Edits: 10/13/11 10/13/11
Do you have evidence that I ignored any of the advice that was provided? In fact, I took it all very seriously, and I appreciate it. I should have indicated that as well, and I apologize for not doing so. It's been a busy day.
I just checked the guy's five XLR cables. Two of them have completely open connections, not even intermittent. One of them only has continuity on one of the three conductors!
As everyone said, it's hard to go wrong with Belden and Switchcraft. I make all my own 1/4" unbalanced cables with Switchcraft plugs and a roll of Mogami cable of equivalent quality I got years ago. I simply haven't kept up with what's good in microphone/balanced line cables because I don't deal with those quite as often. The balanced line connections most relevant to my work run through Leslie cables.
Still, I think it's fairly common for performers to be very picky about their guitars and amps--and, at the same time, balk at spending money on quality cables.
And I put lots of time, almost every day, into helping people on various tech discussion lists. I'd like to think that it all comes around :-)
When you have as many people walk all over my cables with boots/shoes/cowboy boots you name it...buying mogami cables is not in my budget
If I was doing studio work and human beings were not walking all over my cables on stages I would consider high end cables
We live and we learn
For on stage use I would only buy the best quality cable available.
They are the ones that can take being walked on, in a studio setting one can get away with cheaper ones.
If a cable fails in a studio two or three people will be slightly annoyed, if a cable fails during a live show thousands will hate you.
Like all other cable manufacturers, they have several grades.
The best are made with Belden 8412 cable and Switchcraft connectors. Rapco calls them their SAP Series. They last forever. You don't find them in music stores much because of the cost.
Music stores usually stock the bottom-of-the-line cheapies.
You can also buy a spool of Belden 8412, some Switchcraft A3M and A3F's and make your own.
Ive used Beldin 8412 and Switchcraft for 30 years ,,,Not had any trouble
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