Any suggestions on audio cables?

A

ANGENOUX

Member
Hi Everyone, I apologize if this has been discussed before. I tried doing a search but wasn't able to find anything. I just purchased the rode ntg-3 special and I'm not sure which cables I should get to connect the mic to the camera? I am new to this so I may be just fine with those $6-$12 cables I see on amazon.com. I just want to be sure.

Are there any cables that you can recommend? I'm trying to connect the mic directly to my DVX. Any links would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much

EDIT: Also, any headphone links/suggestions would be awesome as well...
 
I make my own cables (always have). If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can make whatever length you want, with whatever kind of cable, connectors, etc.

Next best would be to have cables made to order by someone like Redco. You can specify what kind of cable you want, what kind of wire, length, what kind of connectors, etc, and they build, test, and guarantee it. I priced a 20 foot house-brand (Redco) cable and Redco's XLR connectors at $14.70 These prices seem roughly equivalent to the ones I saw on Amazon, but from Redco, I know what kind of materials and workmanship quality I'm getting. I buy my raw cable (Redco and Canare) and connectors (Neutrik) from Redco. I have no connection with Redco except as a paying customer.

If you want to buy pre-made cables "off the peg", I would rather buy from an audio vendor like Sweetwater, ZZsounds, Markertek, or even GuitarCenter/Musician's Friend vs. Amazon, etc. I would stick with a good solid brand of pre-packaged cable like ProCo or Whirlwind. Else, look for cable from Belden, Canare, Mogami, Gepco, Gotham, etc. And connectors from Neutrik or Switchcraft. (And Redco's house-brand availble from them only.)

Recommend AGAINST "botique" vastly-over-hyped and over-priced cable brands like "Monster" because of poor value and sleazy business practices. And also avoid low-end goods like "Hosa" because of quality and reliability issues. Some microphone brands sell cable with their name (Shure, Blue, etc.) They are probably OK, but watch out for over-pricing because of the "brand name" which buys you nothing.

Despite claims to the contrary, there is no objective advantage to "magic" cable. Consider the fact that 99.9999999999% of all commercial CDs, DVDs, broadcast radio and TV, movies in the theatre, etc. etc. were ALL made (and delivered) with "ordinary" cable.
 
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ANGENOUX said:
Hi Everyone, I apologize if this has been discussed before. I tried doing a search but wasn't able to find anything. I just purchased the rode ntg-3 special and I'm not sure which cables I should get to connect the mic to the camera? I am new to this so I may be just fine with those $6-$12 cables I see on amazon.com. I just want to be sure.
Are there any cables that you can recommend? I'm trying to connect the mic directly to my DVX. Any links would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much
EDIT: Also, any headphone links/suggestions would be awesome as well...
Click to expand...
It's difficult to believe you did not find anything on cables.
Audio Forum is the place to start for audio related subject matter. Use the "Search this Forum" function at the top of the yellow stickies. If you are ever at a loss for what forum your subject falls under, use the main Search tab at the top of the page. They are both powerful tools and yes, it has been discussed before.
 
It is a good idea to make your own cables once or twice so that in the field you can deal with them if they go south on you. The cables that Richard recommends are definitely the best. I do occasionally buy the Hosa cables, cause I'm lazy and they are cheap on eBay.
 
Thanks for your help everyone.

Edited to Say: I found a lot of people suggesting that I make my own cables. I'm not quite ready for that adventure just yet. Maybe down the line but right now, I just need some good cables to get me through my first few shoots and then I'll attempt making my own. Thanks again for the advice.
 
ANGENOUX said:
Thanks for your help everyone.

Edited to Say: I found a lot of people suggesting that I make my own cables. I'm not quite ready for that adventure just yet. Maybe down the line but right now, I just need some good cables to get me through my first few shoots and then I'll attempt making my own. Thanks again for the advice.
Click to expand...

Trew Audio carries cables under their Remote Audio brand that use Neutrik connectors on Canare Star-Quad cable. (Also available through B&H.)
 
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