What are pre-assembled cables?

Pre-assembled cables are electrical or signal cables that arrive with connectors already attached at one or both ends. They are factory-terminated using professional crimping or soldering techniques, then tested for continuity and insulation integrity. In event technology, pre-assembled cables include DMX lighting cables, XLR audio snakes, powerCON mains feeds, and speakON loudspeaker assemblies. The main advantage is eliminating field termination errors and reducing installation time on-site. Each cable is built to precise length specifications with proper strain relief and shielding, ensuring reliable performance in touring and fixed installations.

What does cable assembly mean?

Cable assembly refers to the process of attaching connectors to cable ends and testing the finished product for electrical and mechanical integrity. Professional cable assembly involves stripping the cable jacket to the correct depth, preparing individual conductors, crimping or soldering contacts into connector housings, and installing strain relief components. The assembly is then subjected to continuity testing, insulation resistance measurement, and sometimes high-voltage dielectric testing. In event technology, cable assembly ensures that DMX, audio, and power cables meet industry standards for impedance, shielding effectiveness, and contact resistance, reducing the risk of failures during live events.

What are the advantages of pre-assembled cables over bulk cable?

Pre-assembled cables eliminate the need for on-site termination, saving installation time and reducing the risk of wiring errors. Factory assembly guarantees consistent quality through automated cutting, crimping, and 100% functional testing. Professional assemblies use strain relief and shielding techniques that are difficult to replicate in the field, especially under time pressure during event setup. Pre-assembled cables also arrive at precise lengths, eliminating waste and ensuring clean cable runs. For touring productions, the reliability of factory-tested assemblies reduces downtime and troubleshooting costs. The trade-off is higher upfront cost compared to bulk cable, but the time savings and reduced failure rate typically justify the investment.

Which connector types are standard for stage audio cables?

Stage audio cables primarily use XLR connectors for balanced microphone and line-level signals, following the IEC 61076-2-103 standard. Three-pin XLR connectors are standard for mono signals, with pin 1 carrying the shield, pin 2 the positive signal, and pin 3 the negative signal. SpeakON connectors are the industry standard for loudspeaker connections, with NL4 variants providing four poles for bi-amped systems. Quarter-inch TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) jacks are used for instrument cables and some line-level connections. Neutrik manufactures the majority of professional audio connectors, with XX series XLR and NL series speakON models dominating the touring market.

What is the difference between PVC, TPE, and PUR cable jackets?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) jackets are economical and flame-resistant but become brittle below 0 °C and degrade under UV exposure and oils. They suit indoor fixed installations. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) jackets remain flexible from –40 °C to +80 °C, resist oils and solvents, and are halogen-free, making them ideal for portable outdoor setups. PUR (polyurethane) jackets offer the highest abrasion resistance and are the standard for touring-grade cables, withstanding repeated coiling and mechanical stress. PUR resists oils, fuels, and UV light, and maintains flexibility down to –30 °C. PUR cables cost approximately 30% more than TPE equivalents but last significantly longer in demanding touring environments.

How long can a DMX cable run be before signal degradation occurs?

DMX512 protocol specifies a maximum cable run of 300 metres between the console and the last fixture in a daisy chain, assuming properly specified cable with 120 Ω impedance and low capacitance. Beyond 300 metres, signal reflections and attenuation can cause flickering, missed commands, or complete data loss. To extend DMX networks beyond this limit, use DMX splitters or opto-isolators that regenerate the signal. Each splitter output can drive another 300-metre run. Cable quality significantly affects maximum distance – professional DMX cables with foil shielding and twisted pairs maintain signal integrity better than repurposed microphone cables. Always terminate the last fixture in a DMX chain with a 120 Ω resistor to prevent reflections.

What does a professional audio snake cost?

Professional audio snakes vary in price based on channel count, length, and construction quality. A basic 8-channel snake at 15 metres with XLR connectors costs approximately €80–€120. A 16-channel snake at 30 metres ranges from €180 to €280, while a 24-channel snake at 50 metres costs €350–€600. Touring-grade snakes with individually shielded pairs, PUR jackets, and Neutrik connectors command premium prices – a 32-channel snake at 60 metres can exceed €800. Stage boxes with integrated connectors add €100–€300 to the price. Custom-length assemblies and hybrid snakes combining audio, DMX, and power lines are available at higher price points. Investing in quality snakes reduces failures and extends service life in demanding touring environments.

When should pre-assembled cables be replaced?

Pre-assembled cables should be replaced when they show signs of mechanical damage, electrical degradation, or intermittent failures. Visible indicators include cracked or abraded jackets, exposed conductors, bent or corroded connector pins, and loose strain relief. Electrical symptoms include crackling noise, intermittent signal loss, or complete failure during continuity testing. Cables used in touring environments typically require replacement every 3–5 years, depending on usage intensity and handling practices. Inspect cables before each event for jacket damage, connector integrity, and cable flexibility. Test audio and DMX cables with a cable tester to verify continuity and shielding effectiveness. Retire cables that fail insulation resistance tests or show intermittent faults, as they pose safety risks and can cause equipment damage.

Ready-made cables

OMNITRONIC XLR cable 3pin 5m bu

Package contents 1 x XLR cable • Cable construction: Audio cable • Cable length: 5 m • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (F) • Material: Metal • Color:...

€7.50 *

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PSSO Combi Cable DMX PowerCon/XLR 3m

This DMX+POWER hybrid cable combines a shielded light control wire and the power supply wire. The DMX-cable, which is shielded by a tin-coated copper braiding is perfectly suited for the control of...

€74.90 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

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DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 10 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 10 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Connector 1: XLR 5P • Connector 2: XLR 5P • Cable Length: 10 m • Pins: 5...

€19.01 *

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DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 1,5 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 1.5 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Connector 1: XLR 5P • Connector 2: XLR 5P • Cable Length: 1.5 m • Pins: 5 • Outer...

€5.54 *

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DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 20 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 20 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Connector 1: XLR 5P • Connector 2: Power Pro True In (Female) • Cable Length: 20 m...

€33.88 *

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DAP FL08 - bal XLR/M 5 p. > XLR/F 5 p. 3 m

DAP-Audio FL08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 3 m

This 110-ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. : Cable Length: 3 m •

€10.00 *

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DAP FL12 - 6 farbige bal. Klinken-Patchkabel 90 cm

DAP-Audio FL12 - 6 coloured bal. patch 90 cm

90 cm : Connector 1: TRS 6.3 mm balanced • Connector 2: TRS 6.3 mm balanced • Cable Length: 0.90 m • Pins: 2 • Material: PVC • Colour: Multi-colour • Conductors: 2...

€15.45 *

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DAP-Audio FL82 - IP65 DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 3p. > XLR/F 3p. Neutrik - 6 m

DAP-Audio FL82 - IP65 DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik XX HD 6 m

: Cable Length: 6 m •

€39.90 *

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DAP-Audio FL83 - IP65 DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5p. > XLR/F 5p. Neutrik - 1,5 m

DAP-Audio FL83 - IP65 DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P Neutrik XX HD 1.5 m

: Cable Length: 1.5 m •

€52.50 *

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DAP-Audio FL83 - IP65 DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5p. > XLR/F 5p. Neutrik - 3m XX

DAP-Audio FL83 - IP65 DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P Neutrik XX HD 3 m

: Cable Length: 3 m •

€54.90 *

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DAP-Audio FL84 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5p. > XLR/F 5p. Neutrik - 3 m

DAP-Audio FL84 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P Neutrik 3 m

: Cable Length: 3 m •

€56.50 *

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DAP-Audio FL74 XLR M/F Mic/Linecable - 10 mtr Neutrik

DAP-Audio FL74 XLR M/F Mic/Line Cable Neutrik XX series 10 m - silver plated

Microphone/line cable constructed out of MC-226 double insulated cable and Neutrik NC3 mXX + NC3FXX cable connectors. 3-pin male and female cable connectors with Nickel housing and silver contacts....

€28.90 *

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DAP-Audio FL74 XLR M/F Mic/Linecable - 3 mtr Neutrik

DAP-Audio FL74 XLR M/F Mic/Line Cable Neutrik XX series 3 m - silver plated

Microphone/line cable constructed out of MC-226 double insulated cable and Neutrik NC3 mXX + NC3FXX cable connectors. 3-pin male and female cable connectors with Nickel housing and silver contacts....

€21.50 *

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dB Technologies DPTC-160L, 160 cm

PowerconTRUE1 Link Cable 160 cm

€79.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Monacor MECN-100/SW XLR-Verlaengerungskabel

MONACOR MECN-100/SW XLR Cables

XLR Cables Line and microphone extension cables. Fitted with NEUTRIK connectors • 1 x XLR inline jack and 1 x XLR plug, balanced • Shielded low-noise OFC cable material, Ø 6.5 mm...

€16.00 *

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Monacor MECN-200/SW XLR-Verlaengerungskabel

MONACOR MECN-200/SW XLR cable

XLR cable, line and microphone extension cables. Fitted with NEUTRIK connectors • 1 x XLR inline jack and 1 x XLR plug, balanced • Shielded low-noise OFC cable material, Ø 6.5 mm...

€17.00 *

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Monacor MECN-1500/SW XLR-Verlaengerungskabel

MONACOR MECN-1500/SW XLR cable

XLR cable Line and microphone extension cables. Fitted with NEUTRIK connectors • 1 x XLR inline jack and 1 x XLR plug, balanced • Shielded low-noise OFC cable material, Ø 6.5 mm...

€39.87 *

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IMG STAGE LINE MECN-2000/SW XLR-Verlaengerungskabel

MONACOR MECN-2000/SW XLR cable

XLR cable, line and microphone extension cable. Fitted with NEUTRIK connectors • 1 x XLR inline jack and 1 x XLR plug, balanced • Shielded low-noise OFC cable material, Ø 6.5 mm...

€56.00 *

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MONACOR AAC-500IEC Mains cable

Mains cable 3-pin IEC inline jack with IEC LOCK • Cable specification: H05VV-F3G x 1mm2 • Length: 5 m • : Intended use: mains voltage • Connectors: 1 x right-angle earthed plug,...

€19.00 *

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DAP-Audio FV33 - VGA to VGA 15 m

15 m : Impedance: 75 O • Cable Length: 15 m •

€59.33 *

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DMT Drum of 100m with 2 fiber Singlemode 9/125 cable - Glasfaserkabel

DAP-Audio Drum of 100 m with 2 fibre Singlemode 9/125 Cable Fibre optic Cable

2x fibre single mode 9/125 cable • IP67 rating • Robust push-pull coupling mechanism • Optical Fibre cable Drum 100 m. With 2 x fibre Single-mode 9/125 cable, equipped with robust...

€1,299.48 *

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Adam Hall Cables 8101 KF 2000 Verlängerungskabel CEE 7/7 IP44 - CEE 7 IP44

Adam Hall Cables 8101 KF 2000 - Extension Cable CEE 7/7 IP44 - CEE 7 IP44 20 m

Extension Cable CEE 7/7 IP44 - CEE 7 IP44 20 m suitable for IPX4 connectors only • not suitable for angled plugs • splashproof • : Product type: Pre-assembled Cables • Type:...

€42.42 *

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SOMMER CABLE XLR Kabel 3pol 0,9m sw Neutrik

SOMMER CABLE XLR cable 3pin 0.9m bk Neutrik

STAGE 22 HIGHFLEX microphone cableThe STAGE 22 highflex is a high quality, very reasonably priced cable with a wire diameter of 2 x 0.22 mm² and a 6.4 mm thick supersoft PVC-jacket. It is...

€20.90 *

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SOMMER CABLE XLR Kabel 3pol 1,5m sw Neutrik

SOMMER CABLE XLR cable 3pin 1.5m bk Neutrik

STAGE 22 HIGHFLEX microphone cableThe STAGE 22 highflex is a high quality, very reasonably priced cable with a wire diameter of 2 x 0.22 mm² and a 6.4 mm thick supersoft PVC-jacket. It is...

€22.50 *

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