XLR (mic) cable = 1/4" (instrument) cable?

[John Bigboote]

I'm in cable-makin' mode for my updated PA setup.

I bought a bunch of AudioTechnica XLR cables from B&H Photo (crazy-good deal!) that I'm using as-is, and also cutting down for custom, shorter lengths (using Neutrik connectors).

My board has 1/4" aux outs; my personal (powered) monitors have 1/4" ins. Is there any reason not to use the same cable the XLRs use, along with quality 1/4" Neutrik or Switchcraft plugs, to make these "instrument" cables for monitors?

I don't need a whole spool of bulk cable, but I'm thinkin' if I buy one more 100" XLR and some plugs, it will cover all my 1/4" needs, with some left over.

Tanks,

-jb

 

[walterw]

as long as it's for line-level stuff, i suppose you should be OK. mic cable makes for lousy guitar cable, it's very high-capacitance (dark-sounding).

i'd consider making them 1/4" balanced cables, with the TRS plugs. lots of sound equipment uses that for the 1/4" connections (creating a stronger, less noisy signal just like balanced XLR cables), and they should still work in regular unbalanced 1/4" stuff too.

plus, less chance of them ending up being used as guitar cables.

 

[uhdinator]

Check to make sure aux out and speaker input are both balanced TRS. If so the use TRS ends. Tip = pin2, ring=pin3,
Sleeve=pin 1 ground.

 

[walterw]

Tip = pin2, ring=pin3,
Sleeve=pin3 ground.

you mean "sleeve=pin1 ground", of course.

 

[ggunn]

as long as it's for line-level stuff, i suppose you should be OK. mic cable makes for lousy guitar cable, it's very high-capacitance (dark-sounding).

Can you cite a reference for that claim other than "I tried it and that's what I heard"?

 

[uhdinator]

you mean "sleeve=pin1 ground", of course.

Oops typo .....yea that's it.

 

[JohnMCA72]

I always keep a spool of Belden 8412 that I use for mic & instrument cords, of whatever length I need. I've never had any problem tying the black & white leads together for a TR instrument or patch cord.

 

[4Mal]

JBB, the aux outs on the StudioLive are TRS balanced. Whack the end off a mic cord and solder on a TRS jack ... What powered monitors do you have ? I've only ever seen XLR in on powered speaks...

 

[John Bigboote]

I have TC Helicon personal monitors, four of 'em. They only have 1/4" monitor inputs. TC advised using balanced 1/4" but I couldn't find *anything* from PreSonus saying that the aux outs were balanced.

The drumber uses a Rolls headphone monitor box that I've forced him to use (he used to drag a 15" main and full rack just for his own monitor, even in small clubs!). The missus (keys) monitors through her Roland KC-350.

Looks like I'm in bidness!

Thanks to all for your suggestions,

-jb

 

[John Bigboote]

BTW, Mal -- have you gotten your SL?