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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Do Different Cables Really Make A Difference?

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 4 2014, 10:43 PM

Vovox Vs Lava Vs Bullet Vs Mogami Vs Ultex. What to choose? I've yet to try them all as they're not cheap...

I'd like to stick to one brand, if possible. I like the feeling of choosing one brand as it means I use what I like the best.


Have you tried any of these cables? What are your impressions...

Posted by: SpaseMoonkey Jan 5 2014, 01:05 AM

QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 4 2014, 04:43 PM) *
Vovox Vs Lava Vs Bullet Vs Mogami Vs Ultex. What to choose? I've yet to try them all as they're not cheap...

I'd like to stick to one brand, if possible. I like the feeling of choosing one brand as it means I use what I like the best.


Have you tried any of these cables? What are your impressions...


I've used LiveWire, Monster, Planet Waves, Mogami, and Lava.

I believe that Mogami/Lava are the same parent company. I can't really comment on what sounds better because I usually bought a new cable every time I got a new amp. I just know I never really like LiveWire/Monster. They seemed to have junky jacks that wanted to slide easily out of the guitar input. The old Planet Waves cables I really enjoyed because they had the weird tips that seemed to make it a tighter fit in the jacks. The Mogami/Lava seem to be in the middle of the road. It slides in a good amount then a little click at the end.

I try to keep my wires to the bare minimum, that way it has less issues with picking up noise. Only things that tend to give off more noise is when I record and I'm up close to the PC. So thinking with that, I should look into a better XLR as mine is like 3 times to long and was the cheapest thing I could find. Might be time to upgrade that.

None of that helps I bet. laugh.gif I am currently waiting on these new optic guitar cables tho. I think thats where it will start to shine.

I just don't feel a short cable can really make a difference unless it is made of a different material. I look at car audio, I run a tiny RCA cable to an amp for the signal and it goes across the car, doesn't pickup road noise, nor anything from the engine/exhaust.

Posted by: klasaine Jan 6 2014, 12:01 AM

They definitely can when you start using longer runs of cable and a lot of small fx patch cables.
Also, the heavier duty cables will reject more noise and interference.

I use some longer Lava cables and they seem to be very good.
Mogami is just wire. A lot of cabling companies use it. There are several different grades. It's all pretty good. *I don't think there's any relation between Mogami and Lava though Lava does sell mogami wire.
I have several guitar cables of differing brands that use mogami wire.

I also have two high-end Evidence 'forte' cables and they're very nice sounding, quiet and seemingly indestructible.

Vovox has a great reputation but I've never used them.

They all can get very expensive.
I don't know if for 'normal' use one really has to use high-end expensive cables. There's stills tons of debate on this.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 6 2014, 10:35 AM

I just placed an order for this:

George L cables and solderless jacks



A bit pricey (payed about 100 bucks), but it will make up a great set of patch cables that I will personalize in respect to the needed lengths and pedalboard setup. The nice thing about these, is that you can cut up the cable as much as you want and not have any need for soldering as you just fit it in the jack and screw the little lid on. I heard good things about George L cables - anybody else tried them?

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 6 2014, 10:54 AM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Jan 6 2014, 09:35 AM) *
I just placed an order for this:

George L cables and solderless jacks



A bit pricey (payed about 100 bucks), but it will make up a great set of patch cables that I will personalize in respect to the needed lengths and pedalboard setup. The nice thing about these, is that you can cut up the cable as much as you want and not have any need for soldering as you just fit it in the jack and screw the little lid on. I heard good things about George L cables - anybody else tried them?



I haven't tried them all but I've heard very good things about George L. They're supposed to be really good for warm tones? The fact that you don't even need soldering... That's great! I didn't such thing existed



Also, I'm just looking for some small jack cables to connect my guitar to some effects and the interface. I'm recording my solo EP at home and I'm getting everything ready!

Posted by: Darius Wave Jan 6 2014, 10:19 PM

I would mostly focus on Ken's (klaseine) words. Some differences are not so obvious until You connect many stomp boxes or just use long cables. Also some of them can be cought while using frequency meter (some cables can cut some highs). Also...multi-layer shielding has much to do with noise level

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 6 2014, 10:30 PM

I don't have experience with these brands because I usually buy cables made in Argentina but with imported connectors. It's very important to have good quality cables to avoid unwanted noises, and loosing signal. So it's a good investment to buy good ones.

Posted by: PosterBoy Jan 6 2014, 10:43 PM

I bought 2 custom made cables made with Canare (I think) cable about 5 years ago and not had a single problem with them still

Posted by: Mertay Jan 6 2014, 10:50 PM

Same here, I had a few different cables in the past but those days I didn't use the computer as d.i.'ing I guess would be the best way to hear the differences.

I also heard now there are usb to jack cables that are only 6 dollars on ebay...its usually preferred when one doesn't own a recording specific soundcard. Say you have a basic creative soundcard, simply install asioforall and when plugging that usb cable it works. I have no idea about latency or tone though, since there is no preamp also not sure how levels are adjusted.

Posted by: klasaine Jan 7 2014, 01:11 AM

QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Jan 6 2014, 01:43 PM) *
I bought 2 custom made cables made with Canare (I think) cable about 5 years ago and not had a single problem with them still


Canare wire is excellent!
Many studios as well as guitar, bass and keys players will only use Canare.

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 7 2014, 01:35 AM

OMG, I meant INTEX cables and not ULTEX! (I think I thought of Dunlop Ultex pick) rolleyes.gif

I'm torn between Spectraflex, Mogami, Intex and Lava. Still tongue.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 7 2014, 08:53 AM

QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 6 2014, 09:54 AM) *
I haven't tried them all but I've heard very good things about George L. They're supposed to be really good for warm tones? The fact that you don't even need soldering... That's great! I didn't such thing existed


Awesome, ain't it? biggrin.gif I have a friend working for a big local distributor and he recommended me the George L set. He has it himself and I went to his place to see his pedalboard, having patch cables made up from a set like this one above. You literally place the cable in the connector, without having to carve the plastic around the wires inside the cable, then bend it 90 degrees, screw on the cap, place the protector gum and presto! Maybe I'll shoot the process of making one, once they arrive biggrin.gif

Posted by: tflava Jan 7 2014, 09:13 AM

i also had problems with my cables a couple of months ago.

Everytime is used my distortion or something there was a lot of feedback.

Then after i tried a couple of things i bought titanium cables.

All the noise was gone.

Wonderfull!

grtzz

Posted by: Headbanger Jan 7 2014, 10:31 AM

I saw a http://www.fender.com/news/why-instrument-cables-and-speaker-cables-arent-interchangeable/written about Instrument cable versus speaker cable (I know it deviates slightly from the thread but its for a reason and is worth a read if you are interested)...I seem to remember in the past having two wires inside some of my 'instrument' cables...which according to Fender,are speaker cables. Maybe some sellers are passing off the wrong cables as instrument cables?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 7 2014, 11:17 AM

QUOTE (Headbanger @ Jan 7 2014, 09:31 AM) *
I saw a http://www.fender.com/news/why-instrument-cables-and-speaker-cables-arent-interchangeable/written about Instrument cable versus speaker cable (I know it deviates slightly from the thread but its for a reason and is worth a read if you are interested)...I seem to remember in the past having two wires inside some of my 'instrument' cables...which are according to Fender,are speaker cables. Maybe some sellers are passing off the wrong cables as instrument cables?


I think it's a very good find and thank you for sharing. I remember trying to connect the amp head with the cabinet with an instrument cable cable, instead of a speaker cable. Big mistake and I am glad I didn't cause any damage back then smile.gif As they say, you live, you learn wink.gif

Posted by: klasaine Jan 7 2014, 05:27 PM

You would definitely know a speaker cable if you used it to plug a guitar into an amp. There would be a ton of noise and buzz. Way, way more than the average 60 cycle hum.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 7 2014, 07:28 PM

QUOTE (klasaine @ Jan 7 2014, 04:27 PM) *
You would definitely know a speaker cable if you used it to plug a guitar into an amp. There would be a ton of noise and buzz. Way, way more than the average 60 cycle hum.


Let's just say I was lucky enough not to press the 'ON' button smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 7 2014, 09:56 PM

You gotta trust your ears smile.gif Try to get your hands some good cable at local store if possible and try several out before you leave with one. Some great points here in the thread. "Shielding" gets very important. The ability of cable to reject noise/etc. comes in to play quite often.

So far, the cables I like the most are the SPECTRAFLEX FATSO FLEX with 90 degree jacks at both ends. I had a hard time finding cables with 90 degree (L shaped) connectors on both ends but that's just personal preference. Makes it easier to work with IMHO. The waves cables I have stick out very far from the guitar and fx boxes which just seems to get in the way.

Also, the fatso flex are very thick and sounded the best when working with extended range instruments and sounded very warm which helps as I use a lot of digital sims. And they are nicely shielded. But also very important to me is the price. The spectra flex are no where close to as expensive as some of the custom cables mentioned, but so far I have not found a reason to spend more. But your mileage may vary smile.gif

Todd


QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 4 2014, 04:43 PM) *
Vovox Vs Lava Vs Bullet Vs Mogami Vs Ultex. What to choose? I've yet to try them all as they're not cheap...

I'd like to stick to one brand, if possible. I like the feeling of choosing one brand as it means I use what I like the best.


Have you tried any of these cables? What are your impressions...

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 7 2014, 10:05 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 7 2014, 08:56 PM) *
You gotta trust your ears smile.gif Try to get your hands some good cable at local store if possible and try several out before you leave with one. Some great points here in the thread. "Shielding" gets very important. The ability of cable to reject noise/etc. comes in to play quite often.

So far, the cables I like the most are the SPECTRAFLEX FATSO FLEX with 90 degree jacks at both ends. I had a hard time finding cables with 90 degree (L shaped) connectors on both ends but that's just personal preference. Makes it easier to work with IMHO. The waves cables I have stick out very far from the guitar and fx boxes which just seems to get in the way.

Also, the fatso flex are very thick and sounded the best when working with extended range instruments and sounded very warm which helps as I use a lot of digital sims. And they are nicely shielded. But also very important to me is the price. The spectra flex are no where close to as expensive as some of the custom cables mentioned, but so far I have not found a reason to spend more. But your mileage may vary smile.gif

Todd



I've eliminated Bullet cables from the list (eliminated, LOL, what a rather strong word rolleyes.gif )

I'm left with Spectraflex, Mogami, Ultex and Lava. biggrin.gif I need cables with very good shielding, that's my main concern.

I'm going to check out those, Todd. I've heard really good stuff about Spectraflex as well. Oh and also, having a dealer here in Europe helps my decision a lot...

Posted by: klasaine Jan 8 2014, 06:08 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 7 2014, 12:56 PM) *
the cables I like the most are the SPECTRAFLEX FATSO FLEX

the fatso flex are very thick and sounded the best when working with extended range instruments and sounded very warm which helps as I use a lot of digital sims. And they are nicely shielded.

Todd


Todd brings up a very important but generally overlooked 'modern' concern.
A lot of cables advertise low capacitance - the ability to pass a lot of high-end. Well, sometimes that's not always a desirable quality - especially when using a lot of digital gear, live or in the studio. http://www.sweetwater.com/insync/what-deal-low-capacitance-cables/

*Spectraflex make xlnt cables. They sound good and I've used one of their braided cables live for like 20 years. They reject a lot of noise because they essentially have multiple layers of shielding. Interior shielding, the rubber insulation and the 'braided' outer covering.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 8 2014, 09:26 AM

Very interesting smile.gif Never heard about this brand and also if the cable is thick, it's pretty much not that easy to get it tangled up. I am seriously thinking to buy this thing this year tho, as I like to move a lot onstage:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/instrument-wireless-systems/line-6-relay-g30-digital-wireless-guitar-system

Have you guys had experiences with wireless units? What do you think of these?

Posted by: klasaine Jan 8 2014, 06:52 PM

For freedom of movement they are great. I've used Shure and Sennheiser units.

Be prepared to have to re-tweak your sound/tone. All cabling - or lack of it - has an affect on your tone. I'm not saying good or bad ... just a little different.

*Change the batteries every gig.

Posted by: Mertay Jan 8 2014, 07:16 PM

Every friend who used wireless complained about the lack of dynamics. One of them was playing a white jem on stage I remember finding such complaint interesting since the pickups on those where high-output.

By pure luck once I watched a program on TV about this and an electrician was giving info about the system in general, he also commented about the dynamics issue and said unless the tech changed it cannot be eliminated.

Posted by: Darius Wave Jan 8 2014, 11:44 PM

I've tried a few times//a few different devices. I usually use a full gain on my amp (not a high gain amp!) and do a lot of guitar volume knob adjustments...getting almost pure clean tone while dist channel is on. But...I found that wireless devices were having troubles to handle very low guitar output without adding their own noise or just act like a noise supressor (not regular signal breaks). After a few times I've checked those...I decided to stay connected via cable. But for some reasons I think of trying to buy one someday. While playing pop/cover bands I use regular clean/dist channel and not as much wide dynamics range from the guitar volume. In this particular case the wireless could have more profits than bad sides...

BTW (You can ban me for saying this) I think at least a 50% of professional cables are not worth the price. I mean...yep they are great cables but the price is takes from...other world. As long as work in a music shop and I had opportunity to sell either ready cables and the unmounted raw cables + plugs I can tell only one thing. If You have a good soldering skills it's always waaaay cheaper to make very descent cable by yourself from exactly the same parts which are included in those extra expensive ones. I don't want to mark the trademark but I had exactly the same cable and plugs (neutrik plugs) and the ready packed cable on the desk. It was 3 times more expensive!

Also...the cable prices and quality are a topic of endless discussion between electronic engeneers that are musicians as well. I think it is possible to make a descent 6m (20 ft?) cable with descent plugs for not more than 20 $

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 9 2014, 12:30 AM

Well said smile.gif Paying $100 per cable for example is just not something I"m into. I'll go about half that tops.

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 8 2014, 05:44 PM) *
I've tried a few times//a few different devices. I usually use a full gain on my amp (not a high gain amp!) and do a lot of guitar volume knob adjustments...getting almost pure clean tone while dist channel is on. But...I found that wireless devices were having troubles to handle very low guitar output without adding their own noise or just act like a noise supressor (not regular signal breaks). After a few times I've checked those...I decided to stay connected via cable. But for some reasons I think of trying to buy one someday. While playing pop/cover bands I use regular clean/dist channel and not as much wide dynamics range from the guitar volume. In this particular case the wireless could have more profits than bad sides...

BTW (You can ban me for saying this) I think at least a 50% of professional cables are not worth the price. I mean...yep they are great cables but the price is takes from...other world. As long as work in a music shop and I had opportunity to sell either ready cables and the unmounted raw cables + plugs I can tell only one thing. If You have a good soldering skills it's always waaaay cheaper to make very descent cable by yourself from exactly the same parts which are included in those extra expensive ones. I don't want to mark the trademark but I had exactly the same cable and plugs (neutrik plugs) and the ready packed cable on the desk. It was 3 times more expensive!

Also...the cable prices and quality are a topic of endless discussion between electronic engeneers that are musicians as well. I think it is possible to make a descent 6m (20 ft?) cable with descent plugs for not more than 20 $



Happy to help wink.gif Let us know what you end up buying and how it compares smile.gif


QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 7 2014, 04:05 PM) *
I've eliminated Bullet cables from the list (eliminated, LOL, what a rather strong word rolleyes.gif )

I'm left with Spectraflex, Mogami, Ultex and Lava. biggrin.gif I need cables with very good shielding, that's my main concern.

I'm going to check out those, Todd. I've heard really good stuff about Spectraflex as well. Oh and also, having a dealer here in Europe helps my decision a lot...


Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 9 2014, 12:42 AM

I tried some Spectraflex and really enjoyed their cables quality (and design)! Thank you, Todd.

GUYS, I consider myself very lucky!
In the middle of a conversation with a really nice guy from their team... I got an endorsement with them.

I ordered a bunch of these




PINK IS THE WAY! biggrin.gif

Posted by: klasaine Jan 9 2014, 01:16 AM

I dig the pink!
I might need to get one of those - Cow, Lamp cord or Toaster.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 9 2014, 09:28 AM

QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 8 2014, 11:42 PM) *
I tried some Spectraflex and really enjoyed their cables quality (and design)! Thank you, Todd.

GUYS, I consider myself very lucky!
In the middle of a conversation with a really nice guy from their team... I got an endorsement with them.

I ordered a bunch of these




PINK IS THE WAY! biggrin.gif


Haha! Looks amazing - do they accept other folks as well? Or how can I try some and see if I like them? There's no distributor selling Spectraflex in here.. Miguel smile.gif Can you please tell me more?

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 8 2014, 10:44 PM) *
I've tried a few times//a few different devices. I usually use a full gain on my amp (not a high gain amp!) and do a lot of guitar volume knob adjustments...getting almost pure clean tone while dist channel is on. But...I found that wireless devices were having troubles to handle very low guitar output without adding their own noise or just act like a noise supressor (not regular signal breaks). After a few times I've checked those...I decided to stay connected via cable. But for some reasons I think of trying to buy one someday. While playing pop/cover bands I use regular clean/dist channel and not as much wide dynamics range from the guitar volume. In this particular case the wireless could have more profits than bad sides...

BTW (You can ban me for saying this) I think at least a 50% of professional cables are not worth the price. I mean...yep they are great cables but the price is takes from...other world. As long as work in a music shop and I had opportunity to sell either ready cables and the unmounted raw cables + plugs I can tell only one thing. If You have a good soldering skills it's always waaaay cheaper to make very descent cable by yourself from exactly the same parts which are included in those extra expensive ones. I don't want to mark the trademark but I had exactly the same cable and plugs (neutrik plugs) and the ready packed cable on the desk. It was 3 times more expensive!

Also...the cable prices and quality are a topic of endless discussion between electronic engeneers that are musicians as well. I think it is possible to make a descent 6m (20 ft?) cable with descent plugs for not more than 20 $


Very good points here Darius - that's exactly what I heard from other folks as well - they may eat up signal, case in which the dynamic range is diminished. I have a bunch of friends that play in metal bands and they use the Line 6 unit. They are very happy with them, but guess what .. they mainly use one or two tones: distortion and BOOSTED distortion for the leads smile.gif But on the other hand, things are complementary - a fusion player doesn't need to run onstage, so a wireless unit does not justify for him.. I guess there's balance in everything in the end, ain't it? smile.gif

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 9 2014, 09:40 AM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Jan 9 2014, 08:28 AM) *
Haha! Looks amazing - do they accept other folks as well? Or how can I try some and see if I like them? There's no distributor selling Spectraflex in here.. Miguel smile.gif Can you please tell me more?



PM me on Facebook. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 9 2014, 09:49 AM

QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 9 2014, 08:40 AM) *
PM me on Facebook. biggrin.gif


wink.gif Thank you

Posted by: Darius Wave Jan 9 2014, 10:04 AM

Ha ha - yeah that's right smile.gif I got a lot of friends using distortion / boosted distortion only tongue.gif ...occassionally they use delay in fx loop. Most of them would not feel much difference between cable and wireless. At least not a huge difference

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 9 2014, 10:27 AM

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 9 2014, 09:04 AM) *
Ha ha - yeah that's right smile.gif I got a lot of friends using distortion / boosted distortion only tongue.gif ...occassionally they use delay in fx loop. Most of them would not feel much difference between cable and wireless. At least not a huge difference



Not every guitar player is a guitar nerd. tongue.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 10 2014, 08:24 AM

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 9 2014, 09:04 AM) *
Ha ha - yeah that's right smile.gif I got a lot of friends using distortion / boosted distortion only tongue.gif ...occassionally they use delay in fx loop. Most of them would not feel much difference between cable and wireless. At least not a huge difference


These friends of mine, they also use delay as well laugh.gif now, the thing which I have in mind is to try the device on the next gig that I have with Domination - I hope it won't kill my leads or something..

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 11 2014, 06:26 AM

You may want to contact them directly through their web site. I have contacted them before and they are really cool folks. They featured one of my vids on their facebook page a bit back. (The six demon bag/strictly 7 review was done using their cables)

Todd


QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Jan 9 2014, 03:49 AM) *
wink.gif Thank you


Posted by: Darius Wave Jan 11 2014, 12:26 PM

QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 9 2014, 10:27 AM) *
Not every guitar player is a guitar nerd. tongue.gif



I do believe so tongue.gif I'm not throwing all metal players to one box smile.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 11 2014, 02:05 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 11 2014, 05:26 AM) *
You may want to contact them directly through their web site. I have contacted them before and they are really cool folks. They featured one of my vids on their facebook page a bit back. (The six demon bag/strictly 7 review was done using their cables)

Todd


Thank you Todd! I will definitely write them, once I comb my CV a bit smile.gif

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 11 2014, 11:26 AM) *
I do believe so tongue.gif I'm not throwing all metal players to one box smile.gif


Here's a metal player who's definitely a guitar geek:


Posted by: pdf64 Jan 12 2014, 09:23 PM

I've been using a (pre-made) George L 6 metre cable for the main 'guitar to wah' cable for the past 8 years or so, it's been very reliable and never caused a problem.
I chose it primarily because the cable capacitance spec was good, thereby minimising the main cause of tone sucking, especially if the guitar volume control is used.
Plus the jacket is very tough.
It was quite a reasonable price back then but they seem to have become very expensive.
The only downside is that it is rather rigid and inflexible, such that it tends to coil up rather than lying flat.

It sounds great and retains great sparkle to the tone as the volume control is backed off. However, I tried a friend's higher end Planet Waves cables recently and that seemed equally fine - I would be perfectly happy with it.

Short interconnects between fx is a much less demanding application than the one from the guitar, due to the short length and (generally) low impedances (especially with buffered fx, as opposed to true bypass).
I can see that the 'no solder' aspect is a big bonus to people not able to solder though
Pete

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 13 2014, 01:56 PM

QUOTE (pdf64 @ Jan 12 2014, 08:23 PM) *
I've been using a (pre-made) George L 6 metre cable for the main 'guitar to wah' cable for the past 8 years or so, it's been very reliable and never caused a problem.
I chose it primarily because the cable capacitance spec was good, thereby minimising the main cause of tone sucking, especially if the guitar volume control is used.
Plus the jacket is very tough.
It was quite a reasonable price back then but they seem to have become very expensive.
The only downside is that it is rather rigid and inflexible, such that it tends to coil up rather than lying flat.

It sounds great and retains great sparkle to the tone as the volume control is backed off. However, I tried a friend's higher end Planet Waves cables recently and that seemed equally fine - I would be perfectly happy with it.

Short interconnects between fx is a much less demanding application than the one from the guitar, due to the short length and (generally) low impedances (especially with buffered fx, as opposed to true bypass).
I can see that the 'no solder' aspect is a big bonus to people not able to solder though
Pete



Hey Pete smile.gif Thanks for sharing your experience! I am one of the less to no technical guys out there biggrin.gif So, no soldering is truly an advantage coming along with the good quality of the cable smile.gif

Posted by: steve-rec-freak Jan 27 2014, 03:32 PM

Hi,

A cable is a cable is a cable. At least that was my experience. Instead of buying an expansive cable I always bought three cheap ones and still saved money and had two in spare in case something happened wink.gif
It took a long time until I recognized that good cables are really valuable and still totally underestimated smile.gif

BUT if you are planning to use cables of more than 6 meters or use multiple patch chords for your FX Gear it starts to make the difference. I am currently using "Sommer Cable" with HiCon connectors and solder them myself. This way I am able to build cables exactly the length I need them, to keep them as short as possible.

Building FX Rigs is where good cables and connectors really make the difference. In my rig I have a total of 12 patch chords between 10 and 30 cm long. I have tested the Sommer Cable Solution against a cheap china patch cord solution and must say that :

Many cheap cables in one place will sum up their faults and you will have way more buzz, limited dynamics, less signal going into your amp. More expansive cables will still have this problem but with much less negative effect. wink.gif

And when you are already using High End Cable, why not using a good guitar cable as well to keep up the quality biggrin.gif
I must say that I have used Mogami and Monster Cables but cannot tell the difference between my DIY Sommer Cable to the better or the worse. But I would generally say that in my opinion building a cable your own with good components is still way cheaper than buying a stock high end cable. ( They charge a small fortune for those cables)

cheers,

S.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 28 2014, 09:21 AM

Good thoughts here man smile.gif How much did it cost you to build the whole array of patch cables?

Posted by: Darius Wave Jan 28 2014, 10:03 AM

QUOTE (steve-rec-freak @ Jan 27 2014, 03:32 PM) *
Hi,

A cable is a cable is a cable. At least that was my experience. Instead of buying an expansive cable I always bought three cheap ones and still saved money and had two in spare in case something happened wink.gif
It took a long time until I recognized that good cables are really valuable and still totally underestimated smile.gif

BUT if you are planning to use cables of more than 6 meters or use multiple patch chords for your FX Gear it starts to make the difference. I am currently using "Sommer Cable" with HiCon connectors and solder them myself. This way I am able to build cables exactly the length I need them, to keep them as short as possible.

Building FX Rigs is where good cables and connectors really make the difference. In my rig I have a total of 12 patch chords between 10 and 30 cm long. I have tested the Sommer Cable Solution against a cheap china patch cord solution and must say that :

Many cheap cables in one place will sum up their faults and you will have way more buzz, limited dynamics, less signal going into your amp. More expansive cables will still have this problem but with much less negative effect. wink.gif

And when you are already using High End Cable, why not using a good guitar cable as well to keep up the quality biggrin.gif
I must say that I have used Mogami and Monster Cables but cannot tell the difference between my DIY Sommer Cable to the better or the worse. But I would generally say that in my opinion building a cable your own with good components is still way cheaper than buying a stock high end cable. ( They charge a small fortune for those cables)

cheers,

S.


...cause You don't pay for a nice box with tons of graphics and wirritngs "how wonderful this cabe is". I do most of my cables myself. My chose were klotz and neutrik plugs. No specyfic reason why those. Maybe because of good availability at local market.

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 28 2014, 11:03 AM

Just received my Spectraflex cables... they charged 20% of what I had paid on customs' taxes, heck no. As much as I love what they're doing, I can't afford to buy cables from abroad with a discount and then having to pay because it comes from out of Europe...

Posted by: steve-rec-freak Jan 28 2014, 01:26 PM

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 28 2014, 10:03 AM) *
...cause You don't pay for a nice box with tons of graphics and wirritngs "how wonderful this cabe is". I do most of my cables myself. My chose were klotz and neutrik plugs. No specyfic reason why those. Maybe because of good availability at local market.


Exactly ! You get charged for a lot of things, that are not actually part of the cable.
I used Klotz and Neutrik before and have a very good impression by this combination. Most of the studios I know use this combination as well.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 29 2014, 09:20 AM

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 28 2014, 09:03 AM) *
...cause You don't pay for a nice box with tons of graphics and wirritngs "how wonderful this cabe is". I do most of my cables myself. My chose were klotz and neutrik plugs. No specyfic reason why those. Maybe because of good availability at local market.


I am about to do this myself for the first time ever so wish me luck man - next week I am receiving the non soldering required jacks and I should be able to begin smile.gif

Posted by: steve-rec-freak Jan 29 2014, 05:08 PM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Jan 29 2014, 09:20 AM) *
I am about to do this myself for the first time ever so wish me luck man - next week I am receiving the non soldering required jacks and I should be able to begin smile.gif


Thumbs up ! Easy thing to do smile.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 30 2014, 08:15 AM

QUOTE (steve-rec-freak @ Jan 29 2014, 04:08 PM) *
Thumbs up ! Easy thing to do smile.gif


Thanks man smile.gif Will show you guys what I got laugh.gif

Posted by: Darius Wave Jan 30 2014, 10:18 AM

it's not a matter of luck smile.gif Just be patient, do it slowly and make sure You make a descent soldering. I usually cover the raw cable with a bit of solder then I heat the jack with a piece of a solder as well. Finally I solder both.

Posted by: steve-rec-freak Jan 30 2014, 12:36 PM

QUOTE (Darius Wave @ Jan 30 2014, 10:18 AM) *
it's not a matter of luck smile.gif Just be patient, do it slowly and make sure You make a descent soldering. I usually cover the raw cable with a bit of solder then I heat the jack with a piece of a solder as well. Finally I solder both.


Nothing more to add here smile.gif And do not freak out when its not working at first. You can solder and desolder multiple times before breaking something on your connector. But please make sure that the connector can get really hot. Don't hurt yourself!

cheers,

S.

Posted by: klasaine Jan 30 2014, 06:25 PM

I will only add to that by saying "get a quality soldering iron or gun".

Posted by: PosterBoy Jan 30 2014, 07:22 PM

A good soldering iron and something to hold the connector in the perfect position for you. You often need 3 hands for soldering.

Posted by: miguelbatalha Jan 30 2014, 08:02 PM

I must say though, Dave Russel from Spectraflex is a really nice guy. The new cables look great...





Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 31 2014, 02:39 AM

Dave is a KILLER guy and those cables look amazing I gotta say smile.gif Sorry to hear they hit you with crazy taxes just because it came from outside Europe. sad.gif Nothing you can do there but by local. I had see the alien cables but haven't tried them yet. I like that they glow smile.gif Easy to trace/find cable on a dark stage/studio/room etc. Let us know what you think!

Todd

QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 30 2014, 02:02 PM) *
I must say though, Dave Russel from Spectraflex is a really nice guy. The new cables look great...





Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 31 2014, 07:23 AM

Thanks for the support guys! And Miguel - those cables look very nice! I haven't had a chance to write the guy, but I will do it today smile.gif

Posted by: Darius Wave Jan 31 2014, 01:29 PM

Yep they look awesome smile.gif

Posted by: audiopaal Feb 3 2014, 03:13 PM

Do cables make a difference? I would say yes..
Up until a while ago, I used mostly cheap no-name cables.
After switching to Pete Cornish Cables, and some high-end patch cables a local high-end guitar shop makes themselves, I noticed a huge difference.

My sound is way cleaner (not interference) and clearer after the change to more expensive cables.
I am not going back :-)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 5 2014, 05:02 AM

SUPER CONGRATS to MiguelBatalha on becoming an OFFICIAL SPECTRAFLEX ENDORSEE!!!!!

How awesome is that?? I"m a member of the "Spectraflex Family" of musicians myself so I"m thrilled to see one of our own join the fold smile.gif Well done!!!! is this your first endorsement? If so Triple Super Congrats!!!!!

Nicely done smile.gif

Todd


QUOTE (miguelbatalha @ Jan 30 2014, 02:02 PM) *
I must say though, Dave Russel from Spectraflex is a really nice guy. The new cables look great...





Posted by: miguelbatalha Feb 6 2014, 05:25 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 5 2014, 04:02 AM) *
SUPER CONGRATS to MiguelBatalha on becoming an OFFICIAL SPECTRAFLEX ENDORSEE!!!!!

How awesome is that?? I"m a member of the "Spectraflex Family" of musicians myself so I"m thrilled to see one of our own join the fold smile.gif Well done!!!! is this your first endorsement? If so Triple Super Congrats!!!!!

Nicely done smile.gif

Todd



I had non-official endorsements with other stuff but Spectraflex was the first thing that went public (and they posted my info, ETC on their website, ETC)

They're really great (Spectraflex) biggrin.gif I'm very happy

Posted by: NPB1979 Feb 19 2014, 10:24 PM

Peavey actually makes a decent cable with neutrik jacks.

I personally have been making my own cables with Mogami cable and Neurtik Silent plug.


I had Spectraflex cables in the 90's, and they weren't good.
I tried George L's when they only had the straight plug, and those went faulty constantly.

Most recently I paid $300 for the Line 6 wireless, and love it. So now it's just my patch cables to worry about from here on out.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 19 2014, 11:34 PM

I started using spectraflex cables just last year and I was really impressed with the build and sound quality. Not to mention that they made me cables with right angle plugs on both ends which is very handy with my setup. smile.gif I don't have any experience with their products from the 90s though. sad.gif

Before that i was using Planet Waves cables which were very sturdy but a bit pricey and usually had right angle plug only on one end. sad.gif Haven't tried the peavey cables yet, but I"m always open to trying new bits of kit smile.gif

Todd


QUOTE (NPB1979 @ Feb 19 2014, 04:24 PM) *
Peavey actually makes a decent cable with neutrik jacks.

I personally have been making my own cables with Mogami cable and Neurtik Silent plug.


I had Spectraflex cables in the 90's, and they weren't good.
I tried George L's when they only had the straight plug, and those went faulty constantly.

Most recently I paid $300 for the Line 6 wireless, and love it. So now it's just my patch cables to worry about from here on out.


Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 20 2014, 07:33 AM

QUOTE (NPB1979 @ Feb 19 2014, 09:24 PM) *
Peavey actually makes a decent cable with neutrik jacks.

I personally have been making my own cables with Mogami cable and Neurtik Silent plug.


I had Spectraflex cables in the 90's, and they weren't good.
I tried George L's when they only had the straight plug, and those went faulty constantly.

Most recently I paid $300 for the Line 6 wireless, and love it. So now it's just my patch cables to worry about from here on out.


Judging by the price, I am assuming you have the Line 6 G30 right? smile.gif How does it work from the perspective of signal loss?

Posted by: NPB1979 Feb 20 2014, 02:22 PM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Feb 20 2014, 06:33 AM) *
Judging by the price, I am assuming you have the Line 6 G30 right? smile.gif How does it work from the perspective of signal loss?


Yes. The G30. There is no audible signal loss to my ear, and I've been playing good quality electrics since 1994. There is a 10' and 20' guitar cable simulator to create the common signal loss a guitar would have with a normal cable. But again, I don't hear much difference.

I did some distance testing, and I can be around 200 feet away with no latency or cutting out. From a basement guitar amp, I can go up at least two floors without interference. It is pretty nice.

Another thing I really like is that you can use any cord to connect the guitar to the wireless remote, and any cord to connect the floor receiver to your pedals or straight into the amp.

Youtube has some nice demos and review on it.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 21 2014, 09:00 AM

QUOTE (NPB1979 @ Feb 20 2014, 01:22 PM) *
Yes. The G30. There is no audible signal loss to my ear, and I've been playing good quality electrics since 1994. There is a 10' and 20' guitar cable simulator to create the common signal loss a guitar would have with a normal cable. But again, I don't hear much difference.

I did some distance testing, and I can be around 200 feet away with no latency or cutting out. From a basement guitar amp, I can go up at least two floors without interference. It is pretty nice.

Another thing I really like is that you can use any cord to connect the guitar to the wireless remote, and any cord to connect the floor receiver to your pedals or straight into the amp.

Youtube has some nice demos and review on it.


Nice! Thanks man smile.gif I have some friends - they play metal - and they use them onstage all the time. There's a lot of theatrics with them and the show is very dynamic, so I was thinking that they are cool, but you know, I have to document myself pretty well before actually making an acquisition. What sort of styles do you play?

Posted by: Lovtscho Feb 21 2014, 04:58 PM

Regarding cables I would say that good cbales make a difference. It is more or less obvious depending on:

- the signal (vocals through mic pre, guitars mic'd though cabinet/direct out/digital box, keyboards...)
- the final destination
- everything in between and behind the final destination

Example given:
If you record your nice acoustic guitar / most loved guitar/amp combo through a great microphone, followed by a decent pre/channelstrip and converted by a good AD/DA converter to tape/your digital DAW and listen to the result thorugh some great speakers in a well treated room the choice of the cable will be obvious.
If you track a standard $200 guitar through a Korg Pandora direclty into a $100 interface the difference will be almost unnoticable.

If you use microphopnes to record your signal a good quality cable between the mic and the pre is beneficial without any doubt.

Posted by: NPB1979 Feb 21 2014, 05:16 PM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Feb 21 2014, 08:00 AM) *
Nice! Thanks man smile.gif I have some friends - they play metal - and they use them onstage all the time. There's a lot of theatrics with them and the show is very dynamic, so I was thinking that they are cool, but you know, I have to document myself pretty well before actually making an acquisition. What sort of styles do you play?


I play 70's covers, 90's covers, and blues. One of the blues guys on the JoeBonamassa forum turned me on to them.
My original band does nerdy pop-punk. We're the "nerdiest rock band in Detroit."
I have a theremin solo in one of the songs, lol.
http://www.reverbnation.com/strollercoaster

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 22 2014, 08:42 AM

QUOTE (Lovtscho @ Feb 21 2014, 03:58 PM) *
Regarding cables I would say that good cbales make a difference. It is more or less obvious depending on:

- the signal (vocals through mic pre, guitars mic'd though cabinet/direct out/digital box, keyboards...)
- the final destination
- everything in between and behind the final destination

Example given:
If you record your nice acoustic guitar / most loved guitar/amp combo through a great microphone, followed by a decent pre/channelstrip and converted by a good AD/DA converter to tape/your digital DAW and listen to the result thorugh some great speakers in a well treated room the choice of the cable will be obvious.
If you track a standard $200 guitar through a Korg Pandora direclty into a $100 interface the difference will be almost unnoticable.

If you use microphopnes to record your signal a good quality cable between the mic and the pre is beneficial without any doubt.


+10 smile.gif Best stuff I read today! Of course, the difference will be felt in comparison with the rest of the gear used in the process! Good going man!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 22 2014, 12:23 PM

QUOTE (NPB1979 @ Feb 21 2014, 04:16 PM) *
I play 70's covers, 90's covers, and blues. One of the blues guys on the JoeBonamassa forum turned me on to them.
My original band does nerdy pop-punk. We're the "nerdiest rock band in Detroit."
I have a theremin solo in one of the songs, lol.
http://www.reverbnation.com/strollercoaster


Haha biggrin.gif Funny stuff biggrin.gif Love the lyrics! The theremin is by far one of the most amazing things I've ever come across smile.gif How did you learn how to use it man?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 22 2014, 04:41 PM

I've never paid too much attention to cables. Maybe it's worth looking into, though I think the cable I have is somewhat average and not totally cheap. It's years and years old though.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 23 2014, 08:56 AM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Feb 22 2014, 03:41 PM) *
I've never paid too much attention to cables. Maybe it's worth looking into, though I think the cable I have is somewhat average and not totally cheap. It's years and years old though.


The comment above, posted by Lovtscho, regarding the fact that the difference is obvious when it comes down to the rest of the gear, kind of says it all smile.gif

Posted by: klasaine Feb 23 2014, 06:00 PM

QUOTE (Lovtscho @ Feb 21 2014, 07:58 AM) *
Regarding cables I would say that good cbales make a difference. It is more or less obvious depending on:

- the signal (vocals through mic pre, guitars mic'd though cabinet/direct out/digital box, keyboards...)
- the final destination
- everything in between and behind the final destination

Example given:
If you record your nice acoustic guitar / most loved guitar/amp combo through a great microphone, followed by a decent pre/channelstrip and converted by a good AD/DA converter to tape/your digital DAW and listen to the result thorugh some great speakers in a well treated room the choice of the cable will be obvious.
If you track a standard $200 guitar through a Korg Pandora direclty into a $100 interface the difference will be almost unnoticable.

If you use microphopnes to record your signal a good quality cable between the mic and the pre is beneficial without any doubt.



QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Feb 22 2014, 11:56 PM) *
The comment above, posted by Lovtscho, regarding the fact that the difference is obvious when it comes down to the rest of the gear, kind of says it all smile.gif


Yes, that has been my experience as well.
When everything else is of good quality and in good working condition that last 2 or 3% can have a perceptible difference.

*I have a pair of Evidence Audio 'forte' cables that only go to sessions. http://www.evidenceaudio.com/product.html

For live I use some Spectraflex, Lava, Fulltone, Canare, Mogami, Belden (belden is great bulk wire but you have to make your own cables with it). All decent quality that'll hold up in live conditions and isn't too expensive to replace when they break or get lost.

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