Audio Cables

Ready-made audio cables connect instruments, mixing consoles, interfaces, speakers and other equipment, carrying an analogue signal between two connectors. They differ in connector type, length, shielding and construction. When choosing, always check which connectors both devices have and what you will use the cable for, because instrument, microphone and speaker cables are not the same.

Which cable for which use?

Cable type	What it is used for	What to watch out for
Instrument cables	Connecting a guitar, bass or keyboard to an amplifier or pedal	Unbalanced signal, susceptible to interference over long distances
Microphone cables	Connecting a microphone to a console or interface	Balanced connection, XLR connectors
Patch cables	Connecting effects and equipment over short distances	Short length and low-profile connector
Speaker cables	Connecting an amplifier to speakers	The correct type, not an instrument cable; conductor cross-section
MIDI cables	Transmitting MIDI data between devices	This is not an audio signal

What to look for when choosing

First determine which connectors you need: 6.3 mm jack, 3.5 mm jack, XLR, RCA or another type. Then choose a length with a little extra, not an unnecessarily long cable that tangles and may degrade the signal. Shielding and connector strength are also important if you frequently plug and unplug the cable. For live performance, look for a durable design; for studio work, focus on quality soldering and clean transmission.

Balanced and unbalanced connections

Balanced cables with XLR or TRS connectors suppress interference better over longer runs. Unbalanced connections are common with instruments and short cable runs. If you are carrying the signal over a long distance, for example from the stage to the console, choose a balanced solution.

Check that the connectors are compatible with both devices.
Consider the length and where the cable will be routed.
With a cable that has become worn over time, check whether the signal cuts out when it moves.
Keep different types of cables in your setup for different uses so you do not mix them up.

Cable care

Coil cables loosely in a circle, not around your elbow or at a sharp angle, to avoid damaging the shielding and conductors. Clean the connectors with a dry cloth and protect them from dust and moisture during storage. It is better to replace a damaged cable than risk signal dropouts while playing.

You can find a wider selection in the ready-made cables category. The range includes cables from Revoltage and Soundking, for example.