DIY balanced XLR cables?

[pater familias]

Anyone making their own quality balanced XLR cables? Should be feasible if you can build/mod pedals, amps, etc.

Where do you buy good quality cable and connectors in bulk?

[EastCoastRocker]

Anyone making their own quality balanced XLR cables? Should be feasible if you can build/mod pedals, amps, etc.

Where do you buy good quality cable and connectors in bulk?

You can certainly do it, but it's rarely cost effective.
Try Markertek. Don't forget to shrink wrap your connections.

[pater familias]

...it's rarely cost effective.


I wondered about that. If that's the case I think I'll just look for another project.

[loudboy]

I wondered about that. If that's the case I think I'll just look for another project.

Uhm, yes it is...

25' Mogami/Neutrik = $17.30, plus maybe 15 minutes of build time.

MF has them for $22.95

That's w/parts from Redco, you can probably do 15-20% better if you shop and buy cable/connecters in bulk.

[EastCoastRocker]

Uhm, yes it is...

25' Mogami/Neutrik = $17.30, plus maybe 15 minutes of build time.

MF has them for $22.95

That's w/parts from Redco, you can probably do 15-20% better if you shop and buy cable/connecters in bulk.


To me, those numbers bare out that it's not worthwhile,so to each his own.

Remeber to add the cost and time related to heat shrink,and then you'll want to test each cable..And while a good tech can make a cable in 15 minutes, remember all of those litle mistakes that even a seasoned tech can make, and if it costs you just 5 extra minutes of time on each cable overall, you've lost your profit margin.

And that 15 to 20% that he may save by buying in bulk and shopping around can also be applied to just buying cables in bulk outright.

But with that being said.. By all means try it !It's simple and it's fun.
I've been a tech for 25 years, and believe me I've made 100's if not 1000's over the years. If the OP wants to try, I'll give these tips:

First, buy a good wire stripping tool and a good vise to hold the wire and connectors.Pre measure, cut and strip ALL your wires and heatshrink tube first.Once that's done,assemble your connector parts on the cable, and don't forget the inserts that protect the wires from the shell, or you'll risk a short! This is a common mistake.Also, don't forget to put on the heatshrink (an even more common mistake) Tin your wires and connectors, and make the connections. If you don't have good soldering technique, put the heatshrink on the cable after it's tinned or the soldering iron heat will shrink the wrap in place, and then you'll have to start over.

Visually inspect your work, and test for shorts,cold solders, etc.If all is well,take out your heat gun and shrink the wrap.Assemble and tighten all parts and do a final test. I do my final test with both a multi meter and a live connection to an amp to listen for any ground hum or other problem. If all's well you're good to go.

Needless to say it's good to have someone help to speed things up.
With the help of a friend or two, it then becomes very cost effective.

Good luck and have fun.

[Nelson89]

In australia at least its all relative...the more you wanna make at any one time, the more money you save. If you're only planning on making a couple...there's not a lot of difference in price. Also making it yourself with good quality wire and neutrik connectors and what not gives you the piece of mind that you know exactly whats in the cable...

[EastCoastRocker]

In australia at least its all relative...the more you wanna make at any one time, the more money you save. If you're only planning on making a couple...there's not a lot of difference in price. Also making it yourself with good quality wire and neutrik connectors and what not gives you the piece of mind that you know exactly whats in the cable...

You know, you're absolutely right. For some reason I was dwelling on the cost factor, but in re-reading the post, he said is it feasible, not cost effective.

Far and above, if you've got the skills and time, make them yourself!
I have cables that I made 25 years ago that I still use regularly, as opposed to a few cheap GC cables that I bought out of necessity that lasted until the first time they got yanked or stepped on.

Very good point my friend!

[hellbender]

fun, I built my own 16 channel snake, but not the cheapest way. don't forget to ring them pin to pin and pin to ground when finished.

[Teh Smith]

I call cable-making "dude-knitting". It may or may not be cost effective when you factor in build time, but, for me, it's very enjoyable and relaxing. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction you get from playing through cables you built.

[plan-x]

I call cable-making "dude-knitting".:rotflmao

[plan-x]

Anyone making their own quality balanced XLR cables? Should be feasible if you can build/mod pedals, amps, etc.

Where do you buy good quality cable and connectors in bulk?
I like this place. http://www.guitar-cable.com/index.aspx

[Amp360]

I do, but only for certain things.

I needed to make some cables for 12 channels of Urei pres I installed and also pigtails for my LA-2A and pair of 1176s. On ebay people charge like $70 for a pigtail, you can make them for about $10.00.

I always go to Redco. Not for any reason, someone pointed me to them years ago and they seem to have what I need.