Custom insert cables

[Blah067]

Hey all!

Looking for the best not too overprice bus cable...like 21-22 gauge cable for making insert cables.

I need to do the ever famous...trs send return split out into xlrs.
So...I need to fit two cables into one 1/4" TRS connector.

Also...does anybody know if neutirk makes a comparable trs connector thats made for wide cable, similar to the np3x? Thats what I use on my normal xlr to 1/4", and it barely fits with belden 8412.

Thanks

[museav]

Inserts are typically unbalanced line level signals run short distances so just about any decent cable would usually work, something like West Penn 291 or Belden 8451/9451. If you want to stay with a braided shield, maybe Belden 1696A or similar.

You may want to look at the Amphenol T-Series Jumbo or Switchcraft 188/279 series plugs, they feature a larger body and can be a good option when working with multiple cables or heavier gage cabling.

I have to ask, but any reason to not use premade cables?

[Blah067]

I like building cables.
Does anybody know what Neutriks version of the big 1/4" connectors are for large diameter cables?

I just want some lighter weight cables...and 8412 is HUGE!
I just built my first 30 cables with that stuff, and ONE cable is hard to maneuver in a TRS, let alone TWO.

[waynehoskins]

For insert cables (and other at-FOH jumpers) I'll do one of two things. If it's permanent, I'll probably use 8451/9451 or whatever install cable I have knocking around. Some's nicer than others, but it all works. If it's portable, I'll use something like 8-pair snake. Sometimes I'll use each pair for an insert, jumpering on the far end; increasingly, especially when I can use twice as many pairs, I'll build it "balanced", using one pair for send and one for return, just happening to wire them both unbalanced into the same plug.

Snake cable is nice because, with decent heat shrink, the pairs are small and flexible. 9451 is nice because it's reasonably small but large enough to work with, and it's cheap.

No reason I can ever see to use something as large as 8412 on an insert cable unless I really just wanted to punish myself.

[museav]

Originally Posted by Blah067

I like building cables.
Does anybody know what Neutriks version of the big 1/4" connectors are for large diameter cables?

Neutrik seems to head in the other direction, offering smaller diameter housings. The NP3C is a little larger maximum diameter than the NP3X (0.638" versus 0.571"). I think the shape and construction of the NP3C do not really provide more internal room than the NP3X, however the bushing might be easier to work with for multiple cables.

You probably already know this but on the NP3X, for cables larger than 0.216" diameter you are supposed to break off the blunt end of the chuck. This allows you to tighten the boot down without squeezing as much on the chuck.

[Blah067]

Ahhh...it makes sense now 8451, not 8412...haha.

This 8451 is really cheap stuff!!
How would you go about building a "balanced" insert cable?? Could you explain this a bit more?

Is 8451 still good quality cable?

Two other q's...
Is 8412 a pretty decent cable for stage connections, rugged and good quality that is?

Whats a good multi-pair cable for snake use?

[Blah067]

Originally Posted by waynehoskins

For insert cables (and other at-FOH jumpers) I'll do one of two things. If it's permanent, I'll probably use 8451/9451 or whatever install cable I have knocking around. Some's nicer than others, but it all works. If it's portable, I'll use something like 8-pair snake. Sometimes I'll use each pair for an insert, jumpering on the far end; increasingly, especially when I can use twice as many pairs, I'll build it "balanced", using one pair for send and one for return, just happening to wire them both unbalanced into the same plug.

Snake cable is nice because, with decent heat shrink, the pairs are small and flexible. 9451 is nice because it's reasonably small but large enough to work with, and it's cheap.

No reason I can ever see to use something as large as 8412 on an insert cable unless I really just wanted to punish myself.

Could you elaborate a bit more on how you build your "balanced" inserts into the unbalanced plugs?