TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- DJ Booth
-- RCA Cables - For Traktor setup
Pages (2): [1] 2 »

RCA Cables - For Traktor setup

So after reading a few posts on another forum, i'm contemplating ditching my multicore cables from my Traktor DVS setup.

I remember someone on here mentioning that the cables have a tendency to short etc, think it was Freak.

What i'm looking to do instead is use normal RCA's instead.

A few questions though.

Does anyone know of any good coloured RCA connectors. Where the whole cable is coloured. I'd like to be able to use certain colours for deck A and likewise for Deck B. Just so i don't have to trace the cables while in the booth.

Question two, It wont matter using a small (~1.5meter) RCA extension from the turntable to the Audio8 that I've got will it? Single wont degrade etc. I'm assuming that only happens over long distances.

I think that is all for now.

Cheers lads.
(I'm based in dublin so uk sites/european ones are more useful)

yeah I didn't like mine either, ditched em for some HOSAs. No multi-colored cables I know of, I just used a label maker to put A or B on either end.

Hey Max,

I'm not actually looking for other multi core cables. Just normal RCA's but was hoping i could find some nice colourful ones

I remember seeing a user that had multi-coloured cables in his dj booth set up pic. But there's no way i'm going to go through that thread looking for them.

Couldn't you theoretically buy some colored heat shrink tubing and put it on the outside of a normal rca cable?

Yes it was me that said it- they are shit.

Maybe not so much for someone who is just playing at home, but for touring or playing out with any regularity they massively overcomplicate things, are WAY too long, and the original longer multicores have a really crap join in them that causes problems.

I made my own-and have used them constantly with no problems...and ive made a couple of sets for a couple of big names too after they too had problems with theirs & liked my method.
They were basically microphone cable (thick, and good screening) with decent RCA plugs on the end.... you can get all the stuff you need at maplin for not much cash at all, and a little soldering yourself.

You will have no problem using normal off the shelf regular RCAs though- just buy them in different colors, use tape, or some PVC tape with the in/out etc scribbled on them, or put labels on the cable end, then clear heatshirnk over the top.
Better still, learn your box rca layout, plug them one at a time, then you dont need to label them at all - saves you trying to read small labels or see colors in the dark or when pissed.

If you have to have seperate colors for each cable, then buy some colored XLR cable, (you may have to buy pre prepared cables, in which case, desolder the XLR plugs and solder on the RCAs.)
Will be a good idea to label them too though.

PM me and i will send you the link to the RCA plugs that work well with the audio 8 (some types dont work too well with it and dont stay in solidly...)

FYI - i use the same mic cable + RCAs for turntables and remove (solder internally) the ground....much neater, longer and engineer-friendly, and more robust & better signal than the original shitty technics RCAs.

quote:

Originally posted by Freak Yes it was me that said it- they are shit. Maybe not so much for someone who is just playing at home, but for touring or playing out with any regularity they massively overcomplicate things, are WAY too long, and the original longer multicores have a really crap join in them that causes problems. I made my own-and have used them constantly with no problems...and ive made a couple of sets for a couple of big names too after they too had problems with theirs & liked my method. They were basically microphone cable (thick, and good screening) with decent RCA plugs on the end.... you can get all the stuff you need at maplin for not much cash at all, and a little soldering yourself. You will have no problem using normal off the shelf regular RCAs though- just buy them in different colors, use tape, or some PVC tape with the in/out etc scribbled on them.. better still plug them one at a time, then you dont need to label them at all. FYI - i use the same mic cable + RCAs for turntables and remove (solder internally) the ground....much neater, longer and engineer-friendly, and more robust than the original shitty technics RCAs.

Polt..

That is a good idea actually. I like that a lot. Would need to pick up a heat gun though as i haven't got one.

I do however have a soldering iron and learnt how to solder rca/XLR/Scart connectors so i might just make my own cables.

Did you remove the old RCA's from the turntables at your club and install the new ones? Or snip the ends off and extend the rca's coming out of the turntables?

Are we (uk/irl) able to ground the turntables internally due to having a third ground pin? Compared to our american neighbours?

Finally, i wont be able to change the RCA's at my club. So do i just get a set of extension RCA's? IE. like the multicore cables.

Cheers for the reply.

quote:

Originally posted by n3lly Polt.. That is a good idea actually. I like that a lot. Would need to pick up a heat gun though as i haven't got one.

you can use a soldering iron to gently stroke the heatsrhink with the tip... no heat gun needed.

quote:

I do however have a soldering iron and learnt how to solder rca/XLR/Scart connectors so i might just make my own cables. Did you remove the old RCA's from the turntables at your club and install the new ones? Or snip the ends off and extend the rca's coming out of the turntables? Are we (uk/irl) able to ground the turntables internally due to having a third ground pin? Compared to our american neighbours? Finally, i wont be able to change the RCA's at my club. So do i just get a set of extension RCA's? IE. like the multicore cables. Cheers for the reply.

Making your own cables saves cash, plus you can be sure you have solid quality- certainly at the level i work at I have to have absolute faith in the cables, so i make my own.

You have to open up the TT and completely de-solder the RCA, solder new ones in, then have to solder the existing ground to 1 point, then link that point to another.
Its not hard at all- if your soldering skills are ok it should take less than about 30 mins a turntable. Doing this way not only inceases the length, signal and connection of the RCA, but it most importantly elimiates having to fuck about with the ground, which when changing mixers, repatching stuff into stuff, makes things massively easier.... i would HIGHLY recommend you get your club to do it. If not, then colored tape will do. Extension cables not ideal as its another link in the chain to potentially go wrong.

Its not the mains/plug ground thats being removed - it doesnt affect that or electrical safety in any way....
Im overseas at the moment on tour, but i can post internal pictures of my TT when im back home later this week and PM you details.
In fact, I have another 1200 to do it to, so if i can ill do a step by step and post it up with pictures so you can see exactly what I mean.

quote:

Originally posted by Freak you can use a soldering iron to gently stroke the heatsrhink with the tip... no heat gun needed. Making your own cables saves cash, plus you can be sure you have solid quality- certainly at the level i work at I have to have absolute faith in the cables, so i make my own. You have to open up the TT and completely de-solder the RCA, solder new ones in, then have to solder the existing ground to 1 point, then link that point to another. Its not hard at all- if your soldering skills are ok it should take less than about 30 mins a turntable. Doing this way not only inceases the length, signal and connection of the RCA, but it most importantly elimiates having to fuck about with the ground, which when changing mixers, repatching stuff into stuff, makes things massively easier.... i would HIGHLY recommend you get your club to do it. If not, then colored tape will do. Extension cables not ideal as its another link in the chain to potentially go wrong. Its not the mains/plug ground thats being removed - it doesnt affect that or electrical safety in any way.... Im overseas at the moment on tour, but i can post internal pictures of my TT when im back home later this week and PM you details. In fact, I have another 1200 to do it to, so if i can ill do a step by step and post it up with pictures so you can see exactly what I mean.

That would be cool. Thanks a mill. there's no rush though.

I didn't mean the mains plug ground was being removed i was just wondering whether we were able to ground it internally because we had a ground coming to the turntable via the earth pin that we have on our three prong plugs.

I'm confusing you now no doubt.

Anyway, i might have a stroll into the maplins shop tomorrow and buy myself a length of microphone cable with some rca connectors.

I'll have to go with the extension cables though as i'm looking to replace my multicores and every club wont have turntables with extended RCA cables on them.
When you made up cables for other people did you not have to do the same? I'm assuming you made up 4 sets of cables?

I suppose the only problem with not using the multicores is if you were using real vinyl and wanted to by pass traktor you'd have to plug the connectors directly into the mixer and then swap them back over.

It looks like you actually can buy colored RCA cables: http://www.amazon.com/GSI-GTP17-Cha...r/dp/B001OS8YDW

quote:

Originally posted by Polt It looks like you actually can buy colored RCA cables: http://www.amazon.com/GSI-GTP17-Cha...r/dp/B001OS8YDW

Limited to the length of that cable then though.

What i'm thinking of doing now is getting Microphone cable. As Freak said it'll be nice and thick. Get some RCA connectors and solder them on myself.

Then instead of creating hassle for myself, i'll just buy heat shrink. Various colours and cover the ends of the cables. Giving me a perfect method of identifying each cable nice and quickly.

I was warming up for Jamie Jones (name dropping) there on Friday and we were both using Traktor (Vinyl timecode).. with 4 sets of multicores it all got a little confusing for a few seconds. Hence i'm on here.

I like where I'm at now though. You guys have been a great help. As always

Orange County Speakers sell all sorts of colored cables.

http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/me..._Code=all-patch

Their site doesn't show RCA to RCA but it shows other combinations. I'm sure if you email them, they'll get you colored RCA's.

quote:

Originally posted by DjWoody Orange County Speakers sell all sorts of colored cables. http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/me..._Code=all-patch Their site doesn't show RCA to RCA but it shows other combinations. I'm sure if you email them, they'll get you colored RCA's.

Nice! If only they weren't in the states i'd probably give them my money.

That's exactly what i was looking for though.

I like the idea of making my own though now. A little project so to speak.
Thanks a mill though.

quote:

Originally posted by n3lly Nice! If only they weren't in the states i'd probably give them my money. That's exactly what i was looking for though. I like the idea of making my own though now. A little project so to speak. Thanks a mill though.

Making your own cables is the way to go. You can make them how ever you want. You can also use a lighter on heat shrink if you have one handy.

I run multi core or a 4 pair of Mogami to both sides of my coffin. 8 lines total.

I like Freaks idea with the TT's. I removed the existing lines from 1210's and added Canare cable as the replacement. Instead of going up into the TT, I added a box on the bottom with RCA connectors. So then I can unplug the RCA's and not have them dangling when I have to remove a TT from a coffin. I also had the ground removed.

Freaks on target again.

Nelly, you could make em yourself but honestly I would just go with Van Damme Cable. I used to work for them and I can attest the are the best made cables I have ever seen. I've got them at home and they are the only ones that I can abuse endlessly and they just don't break. Looking at the soldering makes you never want to solder again - they are fucking artists and frankly made cable will probably only cost you �5 more from them.

This is what I have at home:

http://www.vdctrading.com/products_...ctID=1008#p1008

...and they can make them in any config you need, mutlicore or singles, with any tail length you want. Just ask them if you should go for the blue multicore or the hifi interconnect cable.

These will outlast your DJ setup and no one can ever mistake them for theirs as they can put Nelly on the Cables!

When I worked for them, we made all the cables for Liam Howletts studio (his personal one and the long term one at SARM west), Audiofly's and Coldplay's entire tour rig is Van Damme. Not to mention
every major studio and nightclub in the UK is nearly entirely Van Damme lines.

Seriously, just buy Van Damme and you'll never need to upgrade.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN Freaks on target again. Nelly, you could make em yourself but honestly I would just go with Van Damme Cable. I used to work for them and I can attest the are the best made cables I have ever seen. I've got them at home and they are the only ones that I can abuse endlessly and they just don't break. Looking at the soldering makes you never want to solder again - they are fucking artists and frankly made cable will probably only cost you �5 more from them. This is what I have at home: http://www.vdctrading.com/products_...ctID=1008#p1008 ...and they can make them in any config you need, mutlicore or singles, with any tail length you want. Just ask them if you should go for the blue multicore or the hifi interconnect cable. These will outlast your DJ setup and no one can ever mistake them for theirs as they can put Nelly on the Cables! When I worked for them, we made all the cables for Liam Howletts studio (his personal one and the long term one at SARM west), Audiofly's and Coldplay's entire tour rig is Van Damme. Not to mention every major studio and nightclub in the UK is nearly entirely Van Damme lines. Seriously, just buy Van Damme and you'll never need to upgrade.

That's all well and good mate, and I do trust your opinion on this however. Having looked quickly at the price. We're talking �20 for a 1m length of RCA cable. I'll need ~8 of them.

I'm not about to drop ~�160 on cables???

Naming the cables would be cool of course but not cool enough for me to drop that kind of cash.

On a completely separate note, how do you throw up a link for someone to click on and it directs that person to a page and then automatically scrolls to the product you want to show them? I've seen this a few times and always wondered how you write the link/get the page to auto scroll down

Thank you.

Van Damme. Hmmm. I'll have to check those out. Do they sell their cable in bulk? At my sound company we mostly use Belden, Canare, Mogami, and Whirlwind. I'm always looking for new stuff. Thanks for the link.

@N3lly, I have six RCA to RCA @ 9 feet already made. They were left from an install I did a few months ago. Technically they're already paid for. I can send you them. 3 are blue and 3 are red with Neutrik RCA connector wired with Canare.

That's the retail pricing. Give them a call and get trade pricing

Bear in mind multicores are significantly cheaper than singles in scale terms so don't just multiply the cost of a pair to get the multicore.

But even so, I'm telling you, you will never have to replace your cables again which over 5 years is far cheaper than crappy hosa's or monsters which will go in year or so.

@katmaus - hinestly Van Damme are fucking superb and we also sold all the other brands but VD is just so much easier to work with. The micable and starquad is THE mosr flexible and robust I've ever worked with, and it's so damn easy to use. Even When I make Mogami or Canare over here, I wish I had vandamme as there's none of the cotton fillers to cut out and the copper just braids and flexes so easily.

Even though it's generally more expensive, if you're a live sound engineer or installer, you go for Van Damme because it saves you so much time and effort, as well as no problems with shorts, which equals money.

Thank you for the tip DJ Rann. I checked out the link you provided. I just started using those exact Neutrik RCA connectors on my stuff and on my clients stuff. The only issue I have with them is soldering them to the Canare cable.

Is the cable a twisted pair with a braided shield or a foil?

quote:

Originally posted by djkatmaus Thank you for the tip DJ Rann. I checked out the link you provided. I just started using those exact Neutrik RCA connectors on my stuff and on my clients stuff. The only issue I have with them is soldering them to the Canare cable. Is the cable a twisted pair with a braided shield or a foil?

The phono cables I have at home are this (scroll down to the twin interconnect stuff):

http://www.van-damme.com/products/hifiseries.htm

I also have the Neutrik Gold Plated RCA's which are solid as fuck. If you look at the cable, you'll see it's like a coax with an super flexible outer braided conductor and the a thick, but fine stranded, center conductor. Becuase of this, they are really easy to solder: the center one slots perfectly in to the bucket on the center pin of the RCA and the braid solders on the flat shield. So because of the insulation between the two conductors and the sheer amount of copper, signal transmission is just outstanding. Then on top of that the two cables in the pair are separated by a little rubber track.

My only one criticism of that cable is that because of it being a side by side design (you can see in the pic where the center joining rubber track part has been cut) they don't flex well from left to right but up and down is very flexy.

And yes, they do sell it in bulk.

Have a read on this thread - granted, I don't buy in to the hifi audiofile shit but these guys are going crazy over the VD and prefering them to seriously expensive hifi cables.

http://community.whathifi.com/forum...ShowThread.aspx

quote:

Originally posted by djkatmaus @N3lly, I have six RCA to RCA @ 9 feet already made. They were left from an install I did a few months ago. Technically they're already paid for. I can send you them. 3 are blue and 3 are red with Neutrik RCA connector wired with Canare.

Private message sent mate. You're too kind.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN Give them a call and get trade pricing

Cheers for the heads up. I'm assuming they can do custom multicore rca cables for you so? Maybe get them to put some female rca plugs on as well as male ones?

This thread has been uber useful. Thanks a million to all of you.

steve

quote:

Originally posted by n3lly Private message sent mate. You're too kind. Cheers for the heads up. I'm assuming they can do custom multicore rca cables for you so? Maybe get them to put some female rca plugs on as well as male ones? This thread has been uber useful. Thanks a million to all of you. steve

They can do any configuration, with any connector, in any length, any colour with naming, bradys, pliosil tails. Go to the VDC trading website and click on manufacturing to see some of the custom options but remember they can make anything for you.

If you're willing to make your own cables, you could get Cordial's CMK 222. It's a microphone cable and comes in black, blue, yellow, green, mint, red, violet and white. I used some 50 meters of it for my XLR to TRS cables some years back. I ordered it from Thomann. I ordered proper Neutrik connectors too.

http://www.cordial-gmbh.de/catalog2,11,14.html

Making your own cables might end up costing quite a lot though. If you want to connect every out and in of the Audio 8 DJ someplace, you're gonna need 32 RCA connectors. If you'd get the NEUTRIK NYS 373 from Thomann for example, they'd end up costing you 62,40 � + 0,69 �/m for the cables + shipping. So unless you really have a problem with the multicore cables or have way too much money on your hands, I'd think twice about making your own.

quote:

Originally posted by skip Making your own cables might end up costing quite a lot though. If you want to connect every out and in of the Audio 8 DJ someplace, you're gonna need 32 RCA connectors. If you'd get the NEUTRIK NYS 373 from Thomann for example, they'd end up costing you 62,40 � + 0,69 �/m for the cables + shipping. So unless you really have a problem with the multicore cables or have way too much money on your hands, I'd think twice about making your own.

I've sorted out a way of getting some cables for a great price (pretty much free). Thanks to Katmaus He's being ridiculously cool sending me the above offer he gave me.

I only use 2 Decks Skip, so if I decided to go with my own ables i'd only need 8 separate ones. Or what i'd most likely do is get multicore, and get 4 multicore (2 per multicore).

When i come into some money, I might check out the Van Damm stuff that's been so highly recommended. But being a mature student i've only got a little bit of part time work here and there so saving cash at the moment is key.

As i said before i'll take some pics of the cables in use etc.

quote:

Originally posted by n3lly On a completely separate note, how do you throw up a link for someone to click on and it directs that person to a page and then automatically scrolls to the product you want to show them? I've seen this a few times and always wondered how you write the link/get the page to auto scroll down Thank you.

Any ideas what I'm talking about there RANN?

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright © 2000-2021, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.