Multicore cables... cheap or expensive ones.. ?

Hi there.

I need a 30m (~1200 inch) multicore cable for my studio. (32 pairs).
But whats the difference between the cheap ones for 200€ incl. stagebox and xlrs and a mogami cable for 1600€ without any connectors?

I know the china connectors are bad, but I wanted to cut off the stagebox, make a new 19" panel and use neutrik XLRs.
I think the cheap XLRs at the mixer-side don't needs to be changed to better ones because I will not touch them as long as I don't change the console.

Probably a stupid question... but whats the advantage of the expensive cable? Wonder-Copper? Special audio plastic around the copper? And whats the advantage of oxygen-free copper? Anyone has the specs of any china-cable? (wire/wire capacity) :roll:

Frank.

honestly, having used both, i have not found any real difference other than durability...which is not an issue in a permanent install.

Flexibility and shielding come to mind. And the quality of the twist/balancing/CMRR.

I'll check my cable supplier here, they make some very affordable high quality bulk cable.

- more oxydation with time, with cheap cable the copper get oxydation inside plastic cover (not a mythe, i've seen that)
- the twisted pair is sometimes not absolutly rigth covered by the ground wire

Hmm...
I read so much about cables on the internet these days that iam totally unsure now. :roll: I think its time to get the expensive one to salve my conscience. :razz:

Frank.

I went "cheap" with Gepco -straight from the company. Very well made cable but a bit stiff. I would rather spend in other areas than get into the cabling debates.

I went with sommercable for my studio wiring, being situated Germany, that's a good option. Check the "Aktionen" section on their website and give them a call, they might even go down further with the price.

I went with sommercable too, excellent choice, excellent shielding. worth every penny!




Synthi

I have a mixture of stuff in my studio, some good 16 way balanced looms
with Belden cable, some DIY cables with Belden/Neutrik and some cheap
balanced looms costing £30 for an 8 way.
So long as they are not constantly pulled in/out etc I can tell zero difference
between any of them.
Recently bought some new balanced cables, Jack-XLR etc from Ebay, they
were about £7 each and they are well made and work fine and dandy.

Spend more time working on your songs and mixes, than reading on the dangers
of cheap cable !!!

MM.