making my own cable

[ReMmy]

if i want to make my own speaker cable w/ speakon connectors (2 wire), what do i look for in cable specs and where may it be found? Thanks!

 

[musocat]

It seems there are only two reasons to make your own cable...

1) To save money;
2) To make a custom length -- in a speaker cable that would likely be something shorter than 3 feet.

Now I'll spout my opinions, which you may feel free to ignore but they are based on thousands of live gigs over many many years.

All you need in a speaker cable is that it be electrically sufficient (that is, the wires are thick enough to carry the amount of current the amp produces), and that it be *reliable.* Oh, and one more thing: *Reliable*

You will not hear subtle differences in tone on stage. You just don't want the blasted thing to short in the middle of a performance!

So, as for 1) above - saving money - with Speakons, buying at low volumes (like two of them) you'll be paying $5-$6 each, so you're out $12 or so. The wire is probably a couple of more bucks. So maybe $15. But there just ain't no way you're gonna build the cable to be more reliable than a factory can build them, said factory that does nothing but make cables all day every day.

You can get a 12-Gauge Pro-Co Speakon cable in a 3-foot length for $25, and it will last the rest of your life. Don't sacrifice reliability just to save ten lousy bucks.

As for 2) above - making an extra-short cable, the difference between a 3-foot cable and a 20-inch one is nil. Don't bother.

Just buy a good cable from a reputable company. I suggest ProCo, which are available online from Sweetwater or DirectProAudio, since I've been using them for 25 years and have never had one fail.

Good luck with you speaker-connecting endeavors

 

[Flatty Banks]

If you could make a cheap, short, RELIABLE speaker cable, I'd buy it.

I just use an old cable coiled up to be shorter...

 

[billfitzmaurice]

if i want to make my own speaker cable w/ speakon connectors (2 wire), what do i look for in cable specs and where may it be found? Thanks!

For ten feet or less 14/2 ga. type SJ, carried at virtually any hardware store or electrical supply store. You can go 12/2 but you won't be able to tell any difference,

Link Removed

 

[karatone]

I made my own custom length speaker cables using 12 ga. SJ type cable from Home Depot . I ordered 6 Neutrik two conductor Speakon connectors online and saved a grip of cash compared to store bought cables. I understand the importance of reliable cables but with the Neutrik's solderless connectors anyone handy with common wire strippers and a small Phillips screwdriver can assemble and easily service the cable connector on site if needed. Be careful not to get no name knock -off Speakons, they are out there. Neutriks seem to be the most reliable

 

[Stumbo]

Here are a few TB links you may want to take a look at:
1 Buying cables
2
High end vs. low end

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Rolling Your own is the best option in the long run IME/IMHO, as eventually there's going to be a need to repair one on the road.

Speakons are the best for DIY because those don't need soldering skills, just the ability to count to two and how to use a screwdriver.

If You take a little time and learn how to solder, You can save heaps of money for your band in the years to come.

As for the cable, You have the imperial gauges posted by BFM, in metric I usually choose 2*(or 4*) 2.5 mm^2 cable for speaker applications.

Regards
Sam

 

[ReMmy]

thank you very much, everyone!