Cables / Connectors

I’m looking to get some kit PAT tested and am getting some quotes, but everyone wants to know how many items are to be tested? If I have a power amp with an IEC mains lead, would that count as two tests or one?

If a single mic cable isn’t long enough but two plugged together will reach, should I let that worry me or can I go ahead and sleep easier at nights?

I recently acquired a Focusrite Control 2802 analogue mixer/DAW controller. There are numerous connections on the back, including three female DB25 interfaces...

Most of my connectors and cables were bought second-hand, but some are blemished and I wonder if you could give a little advice as to what would be the best way to clean the connectors?

I have a Nord Electro 4HP keyboard, which I’d like to run seamlessly through guitar pedals in real time and in stereo. The signal distorts quite badly at higher keyboard and pedal volumes. Can you suggest a device that would remedy this?

Hi there, I’m using some old-style MIDI cables to connect some older synths, however I’m finding that when I plug...

I’ve read that pro gear should use balanced connections, but I’ve been looking for a mixer recently and find that most have unbalanced insert points. My interface uses balanced I/O, as does most of my outboard gear. What gives?

I have three laptops in the house, all of which produce various sparks and flashes at the mains end when plugged into the wall. Can this be ‘right’ ?

If you’re choosing a new audio interface or a new computer, what are the pros and cons of the many different connection protocols that are on offer?

In a shop recently, I was almost persuaded to buy some Mogami XLR cables.

The line inputs on my computer interface are all balanced on TRS sockets, but the outputs of my hardware synths are all unbalanced on mono TS sockets...

At one time, you'd buy a guitar cable and if the plugs didn't fall off or short out, it was a good cable, right? Now we have...

With so much focus on computer workstations these days, wiring up analogue gear is becoming a bit of a lost art, but don't fear: all you need to know is here.

I recently bought an old Trident VFM mixing desk, but I was disappointed to discover that it only offers unbalanced line...

I'm putting together a list of equipment for a venue. We already have a PA (the amps are behind the stage), and the mixing...

Years ago I touched a guitar that was plugged into an amp against a radiator, and it blew the amp and melted the guitar string. Afterwards someone told me that this was caused by a ground loop. Can you explain?

I'm about to move house and set up a studio in the spare bedroom with all my stuff, and I'm just interested in what the best use of power points is.

Can you recommend products suitable for the European power grid that can be used to clean up the power signal and ground loops?

Is it possible to use a video patchbay, such as the one Studiospares sell, as an S/PDIF patchbay?

Suffering from signal degradation or mains hum on your audio lines? The chances are that you're having problems with impedance matching or earth loops. However, with a little understanding and some careful planning, these gremlins can be successfully eliminated.

Most SOS readers seem either to be setting up a studio or refining their existing setup, and could save money and hassle by doing much of the wiring and installation themselves. We explain how.