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I ran my compressor last night for the first time and I think I'm in love. For the first time ever, I was able to take my finger off the gain knob while my "overly dynamic" singers were whispering and wailing away. I didn't have insert cables, so I just ran mic to compressor to amp. However, I hear compressors work even better using insert cables. What brands are good quality for this and which ones should I stay away from?

For the best I prefer making my own with ninety degree Switchcraft plugs. The mixer end needs a stereo plug (tip send.... ring return) The collar has to be drilled or reamed so you can insert 2 cables.

Although expensive (over a dollar/foot) Belden 8412 is the industry standard. Use both conductors in each one. On the send solder both conductors on the tip etc. Solder both shields to the the common ground point. I dress the cables in the rack and cut to length.


photo

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IMO Hosa makes pretty much entry level cables a little on the fragile side.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--HOSSTP20
Horizon has a slightly better version
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=336120
ProCo and Whirlwind are both good products
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4 ... _1_4_.html
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdet ... er=241-882
Mogami is also another big name in audio and make fine cables.
http://www.thecablefactory.net/audio-ca ... e-222.html

I've used the Hosa's, Whirlwinds and the ProCo's, I have no experience with the Horizon or Mogami. I would think either the Whirlwind, Mogami or the ProCo would do a fine job for you, all three offer good materials, construction and reliability. I would stay away from Boutique names like Monster as the value vs quality just isn't there.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

I was using Hosa at the beginning but I changed all my cables to Mogami, an incredible change in sound (studio)

What, your cables are now very danceable?

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Keep one thing in mind. You can't necessarily go by the name on the cable as all of your better name brands like ProCo, Whirlwind and Mogami to name a few, make more than one line of cables. A good, better, best kind of thing. I'm not to sure if this pertains to their specialty cables like you are looking for, but I do know it pertains to their mic and speaker cables as well as their snakes. For example, I know the entry level ProCo's are actually made in China and the mid and upper level Cables are made in Kalamazoo Michigan. I suspect that other manufacturers might follow the same practices. In any case, any cable these companies will put their name on will do you a good job.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

Thanks for all the help. While we're on the topic...

Does anyone make an insert cable that uses two XLR plugs (in and out to the compressor) and one 1/4" TRS plug (into the insert on the amp)?

Sure:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IPTBQXFXM5

I haven't personally had any problem with TRS-->TS cables myself.

Now if only more units had locking power cables -- those IEC cords pull out all the time.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

If your compressor gives you XLR Inputs and Outputs by all means take advantage of the superior connection and contact area they give.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

That's the plan!

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IPTBQXFXM5


This is exactly what I want. But does anyone make this in a 3 foot version...

Found a five footer, but it's only four bucks less than the ten footer.. hmmm...

Ummm, you're splitting hairs between 3 and 5 foot on this type of cable. Do you/will you ever need a 10' cable? If not then get the 5' one. When it comes to most cables I just get out the solder iron and the wire strippers and make them whenever length I need. On this one I just say get the closest one to your need and then use a zip or velcro tie to wind the overage.

If you know how to use a soldering iron, make them yourself. The Band I do sound for, make most of the cables that they use.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

Jian has it right. I work for a company that makes wiring harnesses and cables for all manor of applications. I usually make my own cables for the speakers and other connections. I don't make the mic cables though. All I have to do is ask the owner to order me what i need and "viola", I got it in a few days and proceed to make my own. I am a god on the soldering iron. I also give myself a lifetime guarantee

I wouldnt dream of using store bought. If you looked at the photo i linked above, everything permanent is a 90 degree plug. I can put the lid on without unplugging anything and besides it makes for a more professional installation.

The molded plugs are the shacks 6 foot instrument cables cut in half the to length for each run and another 90 degree soldered on.

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