The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Signal Cables
As an Audio Systems Specialist at Long & McQuade with experience working on audio systems for musicians, studios, and live venues, I can confidently say cables matter more than most people think.
You could have the best gear on the planet, but if your signal runs through the wrong cable, you’re setting yourself up for tone loss, noise, or even failure when it matters most. Let me break it down for you in plain English so you can confidently wire up your pedalboard, studio, or full-blown live rig.
In this blog, I will focus on cables used in analog signal flow. Let's start by identifying the different types of cable.
Understanding Cable Types: Balanced vs. Unbalanced
Unbalanced Cables (TS - Tip/Sleeve)
Unbalanced cables are standard instrument cables used to connect guitars, basses, and keyboards to amps or pedals.
Connectors: TS (Tip-Sleeve)
Length Limit: Keep under 20 ft to avoid signal degradation or noise
Best Use: Guitar to amp, pedals to pedals, keyboard to DI box
Tech Note: These are high-impedance cables—so capacitance matters. Look for cables with capacitance under 40 pF/ft to preserve clarity and top-end performance.
- Speaker cables aren’t always labelled with their capacitance (like "40 pF/ft") right on the packaging, so it’s not always obvious at a glance. However, reputable cable brands often include detailed technical specifications, including capacitance, in their product manuals or on their websites.
- If you want to check a cable's capacitance before purchase, consult the manufacturer's technical manual or product specification sheet. That’s where you’ll typically find important details like capacitance per foot (pF/ft), resistance, and inductance — all of which can affect audio performance.
Balanced Cables (XLR or TRS - Tip/Ring/Sleeve)
Balanced cables are designed for professional audio and long cable runs, used with microphones, mixers, and studio monitors.
Connectors: XLR or TRS
Length: Can run 100+ ft without signal loss
Best Use: Microphones, line-level gear, active monitors
Tech Note: Balanced cables reject noise by carrying the signal on two conductors plus a ground, making them ideal in high-interference environments.
What Type of Cable Do You Need?
Here’s what I typically recommend based on gear type:
Instrument Cables
Use: Guitar, bass, keyboard to amp or DI
Type: TS (unbalanced)
What to Look For:
- Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)
- Capacitance under 40 pF/ft
- Strong strain relief near connectors
Microphone Cables
Use: Mic to mixer, interface, preamp
Type: XLR (balanced)
What to Look For:
- Braided shielding for noise rejection
- Durable jackets for live use
Patch Cables
Use: Pedalboards, synths, rack gear
Type: TS or TRS
Tip: Flat patch cables help reduce clutter on tight boards.
Speaker Cables
Important: Never use an instrument cable as a speaker cable—this is a common mistake that can damage your amp or cause cable overheating.
Type: 2-conductor, unshielded
Recommended Gauge:
- 12 AWG: Long runs or high-power systems
- 14 AWG: Medium runs and passive speakers
Note: The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wires (e.g., 12 AWG) have lower resistance and are better suited for handling higher power over longer distances. This numbering system can be unintuitive, so keep it in mind when choosing your cables.
Cable Tech Specs to Know
| Spec | Why It Matters | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitance | Affects the tone in instrument cables | Under 40 pF/ft |
| Shielding | Prevents noise and interference | Braided preferred |
| AWG (Gauge) | Thicker wire handles more current | 20-24 AWG (signal), 12-14 AWG (speaker) |
| Stranding | More strands = better flexibility | 50-64 strands |
| Connector Quality | Prevents dropouts and signal loss | Neutrik, Amphenol |
Available Cable Options at Long & McQuade
Instrument Cables (TS – Unbalanced)
| Model | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPP-100 10' | $12 CAD | Entry-level, great for short runs |
| 20' Bulk Red/Black Cable | $19.99 | Great for building or backups |
| 30' Coiled Cable (Black/White) | $49.99 | Classic look, stage-friendly |
| Fender Festival Rainbow 18.6' | $24.99 | Great tone, fun aesthetic |
Top Recommendations:
- Mogami Gold Series: ~20 AWG, OFC, braided shield – studio-grade clarity
- Planet Waves (D’Addario): Mid-tier, durable and affordable
- ProCo Excellines: Rugged for touring; solid tone at a reasonable price
Balanced Cables (XLR or TRS)
| Model | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkville XLR/TRS | $34.99-$63.99 | Reliable pro audio cables |
| 20' XLR Microphone Cable (Black) | $34.99 | Balanced, stage-ready |
Top Recommendation:
- Canare L-4E6S Star Quad: Excellent for noise rejection and long mic runs
Patch & Specialty Cables
| Model | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10' Stereo Breakout (CMP-159) | $16.29 | Perfect for keyboards or small rigs |
Recommended Brands by Use Case
| Use Case | Brand/Model | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Studio-grade recording | Mogami Gold | Ultra low capacitance, lifetime build |
| Live stage durability | ProCo Ecellines/Planet Waves | Rugged, reliable, solid value |
| Noisy environments | Canare Star Quad/Yorkville Pro | Star quad shielding, pro-grade components |
| Budget setups | CPP-110/Link Audio | Affordable, easy to replace |
| Unique visuals | Fender Festival | Stylish + solid performance |
Construction Materials to Consider
- Conductor: OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) – better conductivity, less signal loss
- Gauge:
- 20–24 AWG for signal
- 12–14 AWG for speaker power
- Shielding:
- Braided > Spiral > Foil for noise rejection
- Stranding:
- 50+ fine strands = more flexibility, less breakage
- Connectors:
- Neutrik / Amphenol are top-tier; Yorkville also offers in-store service support
Final Thoughts from Your Audio Systems Specialist
Your tone, clarity, and reliability all come down to one overlooked component: your cables.
If you're investing in quality gear, don't skimp on the cables connecting it all. Whether you're wiring up a $500 pedalboard or a $50,000 studio, the right cable can make the difference between clean, consistent performance—or frustrating failure.
Need help choosing the right cable for your gear? Speak with one of our experts at Long & McQuade. We're happy to help. Let's get your rig sounding the way it should.
