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Audio Cables

Our range of audio cables covers XLR, jack, RCA phono and speaker cable in the lengths and terminations that stage and studio work actually needs. Cable is the cheapest part of a system and the most common cause of a fault, so buying properly made leads saves far more trouble than it costs. Found it cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price.

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Balanced or unbalanced?

This is the distinction that matters most. A balanced cable, on XLR or TRS jack, carries the signal twice with one leg inverted, so noise picked up along the run cancels out at the far end. That is why a balanced lead can run tens of metres cleanly. An unbalanced cable, on RCA phono or a standard TS jack, has no such protection and starts collecting hum after a few metres. Use balanced for anything long, and put an unbalanced instrument through a DI box rather than running a long guitar lead.

Signal cable and speaker cable are not the same

They look similar and are built for opposite jobs. Signal cable carries a tiny voltage and is screened against interference. Speaker cable carries high current and has thick conductors but no screening. Using a signal lead to connect a passive speaker will overheat it and may damage the amplifier, and using speaker cable for a microphone will pick up every buzz in the building. Check the conductor size on speaker cable too, since undersized cable wastes amplifier power over a long run.

Connectors and what goes where

XLR handles microphones and balanced line signals, and it locks, which is why it is used on anything that must not fall out. A 6.35mm TRS jack carries balanced line, while a TS jack carries unbalanced instrument signals. RCA phono is for consumer line level, typically mixers, players and amplifiers. Speakon is for speaker connections and locks under load. If a lead has different connectors at each end, check whether it also changes the signal type rather than just the plug shape.

Choosing a length

Buy the length you need plus a sensible margin, and avoid solving a short run by joining two leads, since every extra connection is another point of failure. On the other hand, a permanently coiled excess of ten metres behind a rack is asking for interference and a trip hazard. For a fixed installation, measure the actual route including the vertical drops rather than the straight line distance, which is almost always longer than expected.

Looking after leads

Most cables fail at the connector, because that is where the strain lands. Coil leads over and under rather than winding them around an elbow, which twists the conductors, and never pull a lead out by the cable. Label both ends of anything in a permanent install. If a lead crackles when moved, retire it rather than carrying it as a spare, because it will be the one you reach for in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between balanced and unbalanced cable?
A balanced cable on XLR or TRS jack carries the signal twice with one leg inverted, so noise cancels at the far end and long runs stay clean. Unbalanced cable on RCA or TS jack has no such protection and picks up hum after a few metres.

Can I use a signal cable for my speakers?
No. Signal cable has thin screened conductors for tiny voltages, while speaker cable has thick unscreened conductors for high current. Using signal cable for a speaker can overheat it and stress the amplifier.

Which connector do I need?
XLR for microphones and balanced line, and it locks. A 6.35mm TRS jack for balanced line, TS for unbalanced instruments. RCA phono for consumer line level. Speakon for speaker connections. Check whether a lead changes signal type as well as plug shape.

Does cable thickness matter?
For speaker cable, yes. Undersized conductors waste amplifier power and heat up over long runs, so step up a size for longer distances. For signal cable, screening quality matters more than conductor size.

Is it better to buy one long lead or join two?
One lead of the right length. Every extra connection is another point of failure. Equally, avoid huge coils of excess cable behind a rack, which invite interference and become a trip hazard.

Why does my cable crackle?
Almost always a failing connector, since that is where strain lands. Retire it rather than keeping it as a spare. Coil leads over and under instead of around an elbow, and never unplug by pulling the cable.

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