Cables Count

Lance Blair · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008, 03:29 (GMT) Post subject: Cables Count

I was using ProCo Quad XLR cables with gold Neutrik connectors from my mic to my preamp (and then a short TRS 1/4" to the interface). They are very good cables, but they were a bit old and had been used a lot (but not harshly) before I put them in my studio.

Out of curiosity, I subbed them out with an old used Audio Technica cable which are made in the Mogami factory to Mogami specs. It sounded better: as if I had a slight preamp upgrade. Sure enough, on the analyzer there was more low and high end as I was hearing.

So I put two and two together and purchased all new Mogami cable with gold Neutriks for my studio. I'm very happy with the results. I've dropped my noise floor by about 3db and it just plain sounds better!

Scott Greenia · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008, 16:48 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah, I was really surprised how much noise I got rid of when I got my Mogami cable with gold Neutriks.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 02:30 (GMT) Post subject:

i replaced with all mogami cables last year and was astounded at the difference it made.

i'm just sayin'

Erik Sheppard · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008, 05:38 (GMT) Post subject:

I really thought my Hosa stuff was good enough until I made the switch. Some of the best money I have spent.

Lance Blair · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008, 02:47 (GMT) Post subject:

Here's the same "script" recorded with the same gear (true systems pre - violet dolly for narration, heil pr40 for "singing") in the same space a month or so apart with the same processing (or very very close to it - the delay on the singing isn't the same, but there is the same compression, and no eq on either!). The first one is with the Mogami and the second is redone with the old ProCo cables. I'm slightly farther from the mic when singing perhaps. The cabling is all similar length routed the same way.

edit: for some reason the limiting came out at touch hotter for the mogami, but you get the point...

Joe Rodriguez · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 19:30 (GMT) Post subject:

So it would appear that Mogami is the cable of choice for the discriminating VO pro. Am I correct?

Bill Campbell · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 19:42 (GMT) Post subject:

The Proco has more sibilance. The sss aren't as clean, always a good test. Thumbs up on the Mogami.

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

This may be heresy here, but I once had a terrible ingress problem with Mogami. I went back to Canare and have not had a problem since. Mind you, I was doing field recording and not recording in a permanent studio.

John Wiik · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 05:43 (GMT) Post subject: Cables

What if I'm an uber-geek and build all my own cables using West Penn? Has anyone else done that?

I used Switchcraft high end connectors, West Penn line level cable and Belden Microphone cable.

Should I be looking to replace all my cables with store-bought?

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

I'm a Switchcraft man myself and build my own cables. Have had trouble with Neutriks maintaining reliable continuity.

If your cables aren't giving you trouble might as well leave them alone. If it ain't broke ...

Lance Blair · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 07:22 (GMT) Post subject:

I wouldn't use Mogami in the field, and I've always had great results with Canare for field work.

I haven't even thought about coiling my Mogami yet, nor will I. It will stay resting in place.

John, you'll be in great shape with those cables. I only store-bought the Mogamis for convenience.

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

If it's convenience you want, I would think Markertek could make you up some Canare cables with Switchcraft on either end. You might pay for the convenience, but hey, it's only money.

Brian Hart · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 16:39 (GMT) Post subject:

Opinions are like... and all that. I prefer the Neutrik to the Switchcraft connectors when I make cables. Interesting to hear Chris's take on it though.

Lance Blair · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 18:28 (GMT) Post subject:

Scott Paxton · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008, 00:35 (GMT) Post subject:

After reading this thread, I started looking at the two main cables in my chain. I realized that my mic cable was a cheaper store (standard music store) bought cable. And to top that off I wasn't using a TRS cable to run from the mic processor to the mixer. I have ordered a new Mogami mic cable and a 3 ft TRS cable for my studio. I will be very interested to see if I can tell a difference.