Studio Monitor Cables

[riverrick]

I have a pair of Mackie MR 5 studio monitors. One of the speakers cuts out from time to time. I have adjust the plug pull in out and put it back in again. I'm using guitar cables to connect them to my computer. Is that a BIG no-no. Should I be using speaker cable??? Input greatly appreciated.

 

[oldguy]

I have a pair of Mackie MR 5 studio monitors. One of the speakers cuts out from time to time. I have adjust the plug pull in out and put it back in again. I'm using guitar cables to connect them to my computer. Is that a BIG no-no. Should I be using speaker cable??? Input greatly appreciated.

As I understand it, you should use unshielded speaker cables for speakers. Guitar cables are a no-no.

 

[riverrick]

OK then....Thanks for setting straight oldguy.

 

[Robert]

Big NO-NO!

Get some balanced cables for your monitors.

http://www.homemusicstudio1.com/balanced-vs-unbalanced-cables/

 

[riverrick]

Big NO-NO!

Get some balanced cables for your monitors.

http://www.homemusicstudio1.com/balanced-vs-unbalanced-cables/

Man I'm a bit confused now Robert. Oldguy says unshielded cables and you say balanced cables. Are they altogether different or will they both work equally well???

 

[Robert]

Read that article I posted.

From the manual of your Mackie MR-5 monitors:

There are three types of input connectors: XLR (balanced), 1/4-inch (balanced), and RCA (unbalanced). Since all three of them are connected together electrically, do not connect more than one signal at a time to the input jacks.
• The XLR connector and 1/4-inch TRS (tip-sleeve-ring) connector accept a balanced signal while the RCA connector accepts an unbalanced signal. A balanced signal provides better noise rejection and is the preferred method, especially if using a cable longer than 20 feet (6 meters).
• The 1/4-inch TRS jack can also accept an unbalanced signal from a 1/4-inch TS (tip-sleeve) plug.

Unbalanced cables for your monitors will be more prone to noise.

Shielding is not quite the same thing.

Here is a good explanation for guitar cables vs speaker cables: http://www.fender.com/news/why-instrument-cables-and-speaker-cables-arent-interchangeable/

 

[riverrick]

Thanks for the info Robert...BIG help!!!