Patchbay/Cables Question

[Helminthes]

I'm about to acquire what will probably be around $700 worth of cables for my current studio setup. My specific question is: If I have a balanced patchbay running to sound modules and preamps that all have unbalanced connections am I supposed to have all those cables wired with one end balanced and the other unbalanced? Or is it redundant?

Also, a more general question: Where can I find a resource for cables? Such as where to buy and what to buy so I can be confident about my purchase?

Thanks a million.

Mike

[cigam]

Hey,

The ultimate way to do it is to balance everything, but sometimes that is not totally necessary, depending on the amount of gear and the length of your cable runs.

You can tie the low to the ground on the unbalanced side and wire the balanced side 2 conductor with a ground and then if you happen to get any ground loop or hum issues you can lift the ground at the patchbay.

The way to know is to try it and see what you get.

If you want to make your own cables you can go to:

http://www.redco.com

or

http://www.cablefactory.com

I bought my cable, (Gotham cable from Switzerland) from Cable Factory. I talked to Dominic he's really nice guy.

You could buy prefab cables, but it's so easy to make them and you'll save a bunch of cash too.

Gotham, Canare, Mogami and even Belden Full Foil are all good cable. I would use good Neutrik or Switchcraft connectors.

This is just my two cents, but I hope it was worth the read.

Later,

CIGAM