The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Signal Cables
- Raviraj Panchal
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
As being an Audio Systems Specialist at Long & McQuade and 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 is running through the wrong cable, you’re setting yourself up for tone loss, noise, or even failure right when it matters most. So let me break it down for you, in plain English, so you can confidently wire up your pedalboard, studio, or full-blown live rig.
Here in this blog I will be focusing on cables used in the analog signal flow.
Let's first start by knowing different types of cable.
Understanding Cable Types: Balanced vs. Unbalanced
Unbalanced Cables (TS - Tip/Sleeve)
These are the standard instrument cables you use 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 under 40 pF/ft to preserve clarity and top-end.
***Speaker cables aren’t always labeled 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 specs — including capacitance — in their product manuals or on their websites.
So if you want to check the capacitance of a cable before buying, look for the brand's technical manual or product spec 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)
These are designed for professional audio and long cable runs—used for 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 (like 12 AWG) have less resistance and are better for handling higher power over longer distances. This numbering system can be unintuitive, so keep it in mind when choosing your cables.
Tech Specs to Know
Available Cable Options at Long & McQuade (Toronto & Canada-Wide)
Instrument Cables (TS – Unbalanced)
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)
Top Recommendation:
Canare L-4E6S Star Quad: Excellent for noise rejection and long mic runs
Patch & Specialty Cables
Recommended Brands by Use Case
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? Come talk to me at Long & McQuade—I’m happy to help.
Let’s get your rig sounding the way it should.
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