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HELP! Sennheiser wireless cable issue!

John Bigboote

John Bigboote

Feb 18, 2005
783
99
Portland, OR
#1
At a gig last night, an intermittent problem with my Sennheiser wireless became a frequent problem. Specifically, the 1/4" instrument to 1/8" transmitter cable seems to be having issues at the screw-on transmitter end, leading to dropped signals and occasionally loud pops. I've read about this elsewhere; many recommend never unscrewing the thing because problems frequently develop. Well, I never unscrew mine, but problems have developed anyway.

Anyone have experience with this, and (wishing, and hoping, and praying) have a fix for it? Local GC doesn't have any replacement cords in stock, and I have another gig tonight. Can't be sure if it's the cord or the transmitter's jack.

Any experienced suggestions would be most appreciated.

-jb
 
#4
I know it's not any help ATM, but it's probably the cable - as failures with those types of cables are not uncommon... If it's shorting out, I wouldn't use it - it can damage your amp, or the wireless itself... In the future, I'd recommend having atleast one spare trans cable - and FWIW, it's not just Senns that have this trouble - I've seen it happen with Shures and X2s, as well...



- georgestrings
 
#5
I had the exact same problem. I bought about 10 cheapie 1/8" to 1/4" cables in 3 foot lengths They last about a month or so before they crap out.

So what's the solution?

Talk to Butch at Bayou Audio Cables and have him custom make one for you. At first the cables seem expensive, but it is definately worth it. He makes them to the exact length that you want so there are no loops around the strap or hanging excess cable. They are also made with 1/4" cable... DURABLE!

Honestly, this is the best solution. I have had 0 problems with my new cable.
 
#6
Okay, after trying several times to diagnose/repair in dark clubs (dumbass), I finally took a good look at the unit up close, in the light, with my glasses off (old men need to do that to see units up close). Realized that the tiny, round nut that screws on to the threaded jack on the transmitter (hadn't even realized that was on there!) had come half-unscrewed, effectively causing the cord's threaded nut to bottom before the pin was fully inserted. Tightened that down to the casing, and screwed the cord on tight. Seems to have taken care of the problem; I didn't have any issues last night. A tiny drop of blue Loctite might be in order to make sure it stays down there.

Note to Sennheiser (per above post): Why the hell do you make those cords three feet long? Really, have you ever heard of anyone putting their transmitter three feet away from their instrument's jack? (My remedy: doubling the cord over twice, and snugging the ends with zip-ties.) Thanks for the tip, Jonny. I may give Bayou a try.

Thanks, guys. Problem solved, I think. At least until FCC agents bust me for still operating in the 700MHz band...

-jb
 

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