Cables / Connectors

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.

Two very handy 'accessories' come under scrutiny: PJB's Bass Buddy, a Bass Guitar Recording DI Box, and from Little Labs their STD Instrument Cable Extender.

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?

Where do you turn when you need a multicore that will handle two MIDI lines, a 9V DC power line and a voltage control line?

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.

All tangled up when it comes to audio leads? Here are the answers to the most common queries on the subject from SOS readers.

Poor studio wiring can lead to hums and buzzes, but you can avoid the worst of these problems by following a few simple rules.

Paul White gives a new patchbay a shameless (jack) plug...

The spread of the ADAT 8-channel optical digital interface to studio equipment of all kinds has raised the prospect of a revolution in multitrack digital recording. Self-confessed digital evangelist (amd Korg UK product specialist) Paul Wiffen explains how the optical digital interface and several fibreglass cables made keyboard session player Wix Wickens' life easier at last year's prestigious Songs and Visions concert at Wembley.

Midiman are a company devoted to producing cost-effective problem solvers, and with the Digipatch they're aiming to solve the problem of affordable digital patching. Paul White finds out how well they've succeeded.

Now that digital equipment is arriving in project studios, a patchbay becomes a worthwhile purchase. Mike Collins goes back to his routes...