Whether you’re recording, performing, or running live sound, the cables you use make a difference in sound quality and reliability. It’s easy to overlook patch cables or other audio cables when you’re investing in a rig ” but this component can be the crucial difference that helps you get the most out of your gear. Sweetwater makes it easy to find the right cables for your particular needs, and our huge inventory of all the top brands means you’ll get exactly what you want.
What types of cables are there, and what are they used for?
Our cable categories are clearly labeled to point you in the right direction. Here are the cable options offered on the TECHNEOS Online Store:
Microphone cables
Also known as XLR cables, these types of cables are designed to pass a mic-level signal, which is no stronger than 0.010 volts. The signal is then amplified significantly by preamplifiers for use in recording. The typical connector will be an XLR input and output for compatibility with most microphone inputs.
Guitar/instrument cables
Made for use with your guitar or another amplified instrument, these cables have a voltage output falling anywhere between the mic and line level. Typical connectors are 1/4-inch TS to 1/4-inch TS, though other configurations are available.
Speaker cables
While speaker and instrument cables look very similar because they both can have 1/4-inch connectors, don’t let their appearances fool you. Speaker cables are designed to pass a signal far stronger than the mic or instrument level because the sound has already been amplified.
Pedalboard cables
In essence, these are short-length instrument cables to pass your instrument’s output through guitar pedals or other signal processing.
Patch cables
These are made for use with Eurorack and modular synthesizers or even your pedalboard ” They are available in a myriad of connector configurations.
MIDI cables
These are cables designed to pass MIDI information from one device or instrument to another.
Digital cables
This category includes but is not limited to AES, BNC, TDIF, SPDIF, USB, Ethernet, thunderbolt, and optical cables. Digital cables are useful for more than professional audio applications “Technology enthusiasts and consumers alike are able to find the right cables they need at Techneos.