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Bootique speaker cables?
- Thread starter Dilatant
- Start date
If you're trying to bilk money out of paying clients by allowing them to waste time on audio cable listening tests don't be surprised if you don't get a lot of repeat business. Choose the cables that are the most reliable and that you as an engineer like and trust best. Advise any clients who want to waste their money comparing high-end audio cables not to. They'll appreciate you saving them money and time and want to work with you again.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
get a good wireless adapter ... this eliminates signal loss better than high end cables.
Some guitar players seek out the long curly cables and degaussed pickups so they think they can get the vintage tone that is built into signal loss.
Curly Guitar Cables - 5 Best Coiled Guitar Cables | Guitar Pick Zone
the only place I am concerned about using a good cable is the speaker cable
Mogami or Canare cable and Neutrik connectors have been 'the gold standard' for wiring studios at least as long as I have been wiring studios (since the 80s). Not really 'boo-teek' in the snake-oil sense, tho 
I think the question is how soon do you recoup the cost of the cables, at your hourly rate. There must be a point of diminishing returns on the sheer number of cables that someone is willing to try out before their band mates patience wears thin, unless the band is also getting paid by the hour.
Better cables mean less loss. Simple.
Better cable construction means more durability and reliability.
I only use Rattlesnake on my speaker/amp connections now. There are others if equal quality but I like the service and that they’re handmade in US. The connectors he uses are common on other hood cables. But it’s worth paying more for heavier gauge wire and I notice it’s difficult to kink his cables. I assume that is related to the covering but not sure.
Anyway, it’s worth it to me to never have a cable problem again.
Better cable construction means more durability and reliability.
I only use Rattlesnake on my speaker/amp connections now. There are others if equal quality but I like the service and that they’re handmade in US. The connectors he uses are common on other hood cables. But it’s worth paying more for heavier gauge wire and I notice it’s difficult to kink his cables. I assume that is related to the covering but not sure.
Anyway, it’s worth it to me to never have a cable problem again.
I run a Caulfield cable for my head to cab (speakon). Not because I think the sound is any different, but because I know it's transparent and will last until I am long dead and buried.
RE: your motivations. Why would you want people in your studio playing around with cables (that do nothing), instead of having them do an extra punch to improve recording quality?
Seems like a better investment in their recording and your reputation to have things sound better for real reasons.
RE: your motivations. Why would you want people in your studio playing around with cables (that do nothing), instead of having them do an extra punch to improve recording quality?
Seems like a better investment in their recording and your reputation to have things sound better for real reasons.
The time with your inquisitive clients would be better spent educating then about why the snake oil cables are a load of crap so they can move on to more important parts of their recording session.
That's the only type of cable the OP expressed an interest in.
What about the cable between the instrument and the wireless transmitter?
This should also be of good quality. Less so for sonic reasons due to the short length, and more for reliability.
This cable might get stressed more than any other.
Just for reference, maybe throw in a DIY cable with 12-gauge wire from the hardware store and good Switchcraft or Neutrik plugs.
That way you can demonstrate to your clients how the boutique brand plugs are often flimsier and the sound is absolutely indistinguishable. They might be grateful to you for saving them money & hassle over the long haul.
That way you can demonstrate to your clients how the boutique brand plugs are often flimsier and the sound is absolutely indistinguishable. They might be grateful to you for saving them money & hassle over the long haul.
I would suggest to your clients that they have the option of bringing their own cables to save to time and effort.
D
Old extension cords and quality/good fitting connectors has worked for me for a while now.
I think some of the posts deriding the OP for his actions or lack thereof when it comes to speaker cables are overly judgmental and undeserved. He is not propagating the better sounding speaker myths, and if someone asks him if this is all bunk, it appears that he is willing to give them the straight scoop.
Those people who are zealots about their cables, or think they can hear a difference, will not be convinced by logical, technical arguments to the contrary. It might just anger some potential customers and they'll take their business down the street. The money is going to change hands, and he deserves to get it just as much as the next guy.
He has bills to pay, rent or mortgage, maybe a family to feed. He is contributing to the tax base where he lives, possibly even supporting charitable causes. Imagine what the economy would look like if we were only allowed to buy what was right for us rather than what we want.
It's not a question of a fool and his money soon parting, but a matter of who gets the money once the fool decides to throw it away.
Those people who are zealots about their cables, or think they can hear a difference, will not be convinced by logical, technical arguments to the contrary. It might just anger some potential customers and they'll take their business down the street. The money is going to change hands, and he deserves to get it just as much as the next guy.
He has bills to pay, rent or mortgage, maybe a family to feed. He is contributing to the tax base where he lives, possibly even supporting charitable causes. Imagine what the economy would look like if we were only allowed to buy what was right for us rather than what we want.
It's not a question of a fool and his money soon parting, but a matter of who gets the money once the fool decides to throw it away.
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I guess they are not boutique, but there are several folks here on TB that will make cables for you using generally either Mogami or Canare and you can choose whatever connectors you want. Generally guaranteed for life.
The people making the cables have been also generally making them for 20 years or more and their workmanship has been absolutely superb.
Might be interesting for you to throw in some quality handmade cables.
The people making the cables have been also generally making them for 20 years or more and their workmanship has been absolutely superb.
Might be interesting for you to throw in some quality handmade cables.
- Correct and thank you.
A fun thing to do is do a blindfold test with them and see if they can hear a difference between any of these and coat hanger wire. They won't be able to if they don't know what's connected.
