I notice a lot of posts talking about how Monster Cables are pretty much the sucker's purchase in terms of quality/value etc.
I play live, need them in all shapes and sizes and probably need a good amount
What do you guys use or where do you get your cables that won't break the bank?
Posted Jan 15, 2012, 4:21 AM UTC
Monoprice.com
For HDMI cables, yes, monoprice is a pretty good place for that, cheap.
But I bought a bunch of instrument cables from them and they all suck. They make noise when you move them around or slap them on the ground. The connectors are nice, but these cables are overall crap, for the $10 i saved. The mic cables are less of a problem, but in my experience the instrument cables (1/4 - 1/4 TS) are worth avoiding.
I'll second this...no problems with the HDMI cable I got from them, but I'm not at all pleased with the instrument cables - and they haven't exactly been abused or overused. So I'm hoping the OP gets a good answer.
That's odd. I've got 2 1/4 - 1/4 TS and a XLR - TRS, haven't had issues with any of them, they've been solid.
My XLR - XLR are fine, I saved easily $100 just on the mics. But then I decided to replace all my instrument cables through them, and every single one is in a drawer, unused.
I've been kind of suspecting this. Mostly because of the differences between something like an HDMI cable and an instrument cable in terms of use or durability.
I'm glad I asked before jumping on the wagon and potentially regretting it later on.
Hosa is pretty decent and reasonably priced. I've certainly never had trouble with them.
The other hint is to wind your cables properly. This will save you more than anything else.
Site looks pretty good, i'll check it out.
I think I've just accumulated so many cables over the years and they're beginning to all crap out at the same time, so I'm looking to buy a bunch of replacements. I'll definitely make sure to wind and store them correctly so they all last. thanks.
To be honest...I really like Monster Cables. I thought they were a sucker's purchase too...this was until I broke a few and realized it has a no questions asked warranty...the guy at Sam Ash told me I could literally cut it with scissors and they would've given me a new one. I love the quality as well. I have an instrument cable and a microphone cable from Monster and they both have absolutely no extra noise and most definitely produce a clearer sound. This is just my opinion though...if you don't break cables as often as I do (I'm pretty clumsy) they might not be the best for you. Haha
I make my own cables. Soldering's easy to learn, and good connectors & cables won't set you back as much as buying them premade.
I'd be interested in trying this, do you have a recommendation on a resource to learn this? Where do you buy your materials?
Anywhere that sells music gear will sell you cable by the foot as well as plugs. You will need a good soldering iron (preferably a soldering station if you intend to get deeper into DIY electronics, otherwise a gas-powered soldering iron would come in handy). A de-soldering pump will also come in handy, as will a cable tester.
You all the tools (save the xlr cable tester) can be found at your local hardware store. Don't buy a low-powered soldering iron - it will just make you mad.
Other than that you will also need clamps to hold whatever it is you are trying to solder, unless you have four hands. There are tutorials in YouTube. Cables are fairly easy to get started on.
The number one thing to remember when you're soldering is that less is more. Other than that you just need to practice a ton.
What makoivis said. You'll be looking for two conductor shielded cabling, and I'd recommend Neutrik connectors. They're priced fair, and well made.
Second the recommendation of Neutriks. They are great quality, and more importantly they come apart and together in a sensible way.