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Don Pearce[_3_] Don Pearce[_3_] is offline
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Default Patch cable recommendation

On 16 May 2021 12:59:04 -0000, (Scott Dorsey) wrote:

In article , Tobiah wrote:
I need some balanced (TRS 1/4" plug) cables to run
between a sound card and mixer. I bought a cheap
snake a long time ago, and despite it not being
abused, I have to fiddle with many of the connectors
to get a consistent clean connection. The plugs are
molded plastic.


This is how cheap cables are. And with the molded ends, you can't really
tell what is going on with them and you can't fix them when they break.

Call Markertek and order some patch cables. Have them made with Switchcraft
or Neutrik connectors. You will be able to open the connectors and verify
they are good in the future, and fix them if they are bad. Just tell the
rep how long you want them and what connectors you want and they'll tell you
how much they will cost to make.

I'd also get a DMM with a continuity test beep and use it to test your
snake. Wiggle all the cables and make sure you get a good solid beep
on each contact. When you get one that is bad, cut off the connectors
on both ends so that you never inadvertently use that line.
--scott


Alternatively buy a bucketload of decent connectors and a big reel of
cable. That was you can always have what you need.
When cheaper connectors go bad, cleaning is usually only a temporary
fix. The problem is that the plating starts to break down
microscopically and you get hairlines of corrosion erupting onto the
surface and causing intermittent connection. Cheap connectors are a
false economy.

d

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