Unfinished cables

Unconfectioned Cables by the Metre – Your Specialist for Stage & Event Technology

Unconfectioned cables give you the freedom to build cable runs exactly as your rig demands. Whether you wire speakers, microphones, moving heads or a full network backbone, you cut every metre to length and terminate it your way. At LTT you order proven bulk cable — speaker cable, microphone cable, DMX cable, multicore and twisted-pair network cable — priced fairly per metre or on a full spool.

As your specialist for event technology, LTT supplies the raw material for reliable signal transmission on stage, in the club and on the road. Get flexible cable for custom setups and achieve dependable results every time.

What Are Unconfectioned Cables? Fundamentals and Distinction

Unconfectioned cables are cables sold without connectors already fitted — as bulk cable, on a spool or cut to length by the metre. The term "unconfectioned" means the cable ships bare so you can add the exact connectors your application requires, such as XLR, speakON, PowerCON or RJ45.

Difference between confectioned and unconfectioned cable

A confectioned cable is a finished product with plugs already soldered or crimped on and tested to a fixed length. An unconfectioned cable is the raw cable only. This distinction matters for event technicians who need non-standard lengths, custom colour coding or specific connector brands.

Why professionals choose cable by the metre

Buying cable by the metre lets you plan cable runs precisely, avoid coiled-up excess and keep spare stock for repairs. You control cross-section, shielding and sheath type instead of accepting whatever a pre-made lead offers.

Unconfectioned cable is the foundation for speaker lines, microphone loops, DMX chains for lighting and structured cabling. Compared with a fixed patch lead, bulk cable adapts to your venue rather than forcing your venue to adapt to a cable. That flexibility is exactly why rental companies and touring crews stock spools rather than boxes of pre-made leads.

Cable Types at a Glance: Speaker, Microphone, DMX, Multicore & Network

Each application in event technology needs a specific cable type. Choosing the right one is the difference between clean signal transmission and hum, dropouts or a blown amplifier channel.

Speaker cable

Speaker cable carries the amplified signal from the power amp to passive loudspeakers. Common cross-sections are 2x1.5 mm² for short runs and 2x2.5 mm² for longer runs or higher power. For multi-driver stage systems, versions such as 8x2.5 mm² feed several cabinets over one jacket.

Microphone cable

Microphone cable transmits low-level balanced audio. Typical constructions are 2x0.22 mm² or 2x0.35 mm² with two conductors plus a screen. The balanced design cancels interference, keeping vocals and instruments clean over long stage runs.

DMX cable

DMX cable carries digital lighting control data. It uses a 2x0.22 mm² construction with a defined 110 Ω impedance, which is essential for stable signal transmission to moving heads and effects.

Multicore cable

Multicore cable bundles many pairs into one jacket — 8-pair, 12-pair or 32-pair versions are common for stage and studio. Multicore keeps large channel counts tidy between stage box and mixing console.

Network cable

Twisted-pair network cable (Cat.6, Cat.6A, Cat.7, Cat.8) transports digital audio protocols such as Dante and AES67, media servers and DMX-over-IP across the venue.

Comparison: Which Cable for Microphone, Line, Speaker, DMX and Network

Use this comparison table as a quick buying-guide matrix. It maps each application to a recommended cable type, cross-section or category, and shielding — the single reference no competitor consolidates in one place.

Why you should not swap DMX and microphone cable

A recurring pro question is whether microphone cable can replace true DMX cable. The short answer: not for reliable rigs. DMX cable is specified at 110 Ω impedance, while microphone cable typically sits around 45–75 Ω. The impedance mismatch causes signal reflections that lead to flickering fixtures and control errors, especially over long runs or with many devices in the chain. For a stable lighting show, always use dedicated DMX cable.

Shielded vs. Unshielded: What the Difference Means for Your Signal

The choice between shielded and unshielded cable directly affects signal integrity in event technology. A shield is a conductive layer around the conductors that drains electromagnetic interference (EMI) to earth.

What unshielded means

An unshielded cable has no dedicated conductive screen around its conductors. Unshielded designs are common for speaker cable, where the amplified signal level is high enough that induced noise is negligible. Unshielded network cable (U/UTP) is lighter and more flexible but more vulnerable to interference in electrically noisy environments.

What shielded means and how it works

A shielded cable adds an aluminium foil, a braided screen, or a combination of both around the conductors. The braid protects against low-frequency fields, and the screen coverage should exceed 30 % to be effective. A foil-plus-braid combination has proven most effective at reducing both internal crosstalk and external EMI, though it makes the cable thicker and stiffer.

Shielded vs. unshielded network cable

In network cabling you will see designations such as U/UTP (unshielded), F/UTP (foil), and S/FTP (braid plus foil per pair). For a stage packed with dimmers, LED walls and radio links, S/FTP shielded cable is the safer choice; for a quiet office run, unshielded may suffice.

As a rule: any low-level audio, digital control or data line benefits from shielding, while high-level speaker lines usually do not need it.

Technical Buying Criteria: Conductor Quality, OFC Copper and Cross-Section

Beyond the cable type, several technical features decide real-world performance. Judge unconfectioned cable by conductor material, cross-section and construction.

OFC – Oxygen Free Copper

OFC stands for Oxygen Free Copper. OFC conductors offer improved conductivity and signal quality compared with standard copper, lower resistance and reduced heat build-up under load. Fine copper stranded conductors also keep the cable flexible for repeated coiling on the road.

Cross-section selection by run length and power

Cross-section (measured in mm²) is the decisive value for speaker and power cable. As a practical guide: use 2x1.5 mm² for short speaker runs up to roughly 20 m at moderate power, and step up to 2x2.5 mm² for longer runs or higher wattage to limit voltage drop and power loss. The longer the run and the higher the load, the larger the cross-section you need. For DMX and microphone lines, the tiny 0.22 mm² conductor is standard because these carry signal, not power.

Impedance and electrical values

Watch impedance (110 Ω for DMX), conductor resistance (Ω/km) and capacitance (pF/m). Lower conductor resistance and capacitance generally mean cleaner transmission over distance.

Sheath and flexibility

A rubber or high-flex PVC sheath survives touring abuse better than a rigid installation jacket. For repeated setup and tear-down, choose road-tough, double-jacketed constructions.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Cable for Your Application

This buying guide walks you through the decisions that matter before you order unconfectioned cable at LTT.

1. Define the application first

Start with the signal: is it high-level speaker power, low-level balanced audio, DMX control or data? The application dictates the cable type and whether shielding is mandatory.

2. Measure your run length

Measure the actual cable run — plus a safety margin for routing around obstacles. Longer runs demand larger cross-sections for speaker/power cable and higher-category cable for network runs (remember the 100 m limit for structured twisted-pair links).

3. Match cross-section to power

For speaker and power lines, oversizing the cross-section slightly is cheap insurance against voltage drop. Never undersize a power cable feeding an amp rack.

4. Rubber sheathed mains cable for stage (TITANEX H07RN-F)

For professional power distribution on stages and outdoor events, TITANEX H07RN-F rubber sheathed cable is the industry benchmark. It stays flexible in cold weather, handles a wide temperature range, resists abrasion and oils, and is built for tour and road use. Available as 3x1.5 mm² and 5x1.5 mm² and larger, it carries mains power safely to distros and dimmers.

5. Choose spool or metre

Order full 50 m or 100 m spools for stock and installation, or exact cut-to-length metres for a single job. LTT prices bulk cable per metre (Preis pro lfm.) so you only pay for what you use.

Terminating Cables Yourself: Soldering, Crimping and Connectors

Because unconfectioned cables ship without plugs, you finish them to suit your rig. Knowing how to confection cables yourself is a core skill for every event technician.

Soldering vs. crimping

Soldering creates a permanent, low-resistance joint and is the classic method for XLR and jack connectors on audio cable. A clean solder joint with strain relief is mechanically robust and easy to inspect. Crimping uses a calibrated tool to form a gas-tight mechanical connection and is fast, repeatable and ideal for RJ45 network plugs and many power contacts. For touring gear, both methods work — pick the one your connector system specifies.

Matching connectors to cable type

• XLR for microphone, DMX and balanced line cable
• speakON for loudspeaker cable
• PowerCON / TRUE1 for mains power on stage
• RJ45 / etherCON for twisted-pair network cable

Practical tips

Always strip the jacket carefully to avoid nicking the conductors, keep the screen intact and grounded on one defined end, and use the connector's strain relief. For RJ45, follow the EIA/TIA 568A or 568B wiring scheme consistently at both ends. Test every finished cable with a cable tester before it goes into service — a two-minute check saves a show.

Safe Cable Routing and Management on Stage and at Events

Good cable management protects your signal, your gear and your audience. Once cables leave the spool, safe routing becomes a safety-critical task at every event.

Cable ramps and floor protection

Where cables cross walkways, use cable ramps to prevent trip hazards and to shield the cable from foot and vehicle traffic. Check the load rating of a ramp against the weight it must bear — pedestrian ramps and drive-over ramps have very different ratings.

Securing and bundling

Gaffer tape holds cables flat to the floor for short-term events without leaving heavy residue. Hook-and-loop ties bundle cable runs neatly and are reusable, unlike single-use cable ties. Keep power and signal cables separated where possible to reduce induced interference.

Routing without damage

Respect the minimum bend radius of every cable — tight bends damage conductors and shields over time. When fixing cables along walls or truss for a clean look, use proper clips, ties or hangers rather than nails or staples that pierce the jacket. Strain relief at every connector prevents the plug from taking the mechanical load. For rigging-related routing above the crowd, combine cable management with certified rigging accessories from your event assortment.

Brands and Manufacturers of Unconfectioned Cables

LTT stocks unconfectioned cable from established brands that professionals trust for daily touring and installation work. You get high-quality branded products chosen for reliable signal transmission and road durability.

Leading cable brands at LTT

• DAP-Audio — a broad range of speaker, signal, DMX and multicore cable by the metre and on spools, engineered for stage and studio.
• Adam Hall Cables / Sommer Cable — flexible instrument, microphone and multicore cable known for consistent quality.
• TITANEX — the H07RN-F rubber sheathed mains cable regarded as the number one for power distribution on stage.
• HELUKABEL and OMNITRONIC — solid options for installation and audio applications.
• Neutrik and Hicon — the go-to connector brands to confection your cable with XLR, speakON, PowerCON and etherCON.

Alongside these, LTT carries connectors and accessories from further specialists so you can build a complete, matched cable solution from a single supplier.

Accessories for Unconfectioned Cables

Unconfectioned cable is only half the job — the right accessories turn bulk cable into a finished, road-ready solution.

Connectors

Stock XLR, speakON, PowerCON and RJ45/etherCON connectors to terminate your cable for its intended application. Choose robust metal-housing versions for touring use.

Tools and consumables

A quality soldering station, a calibrated crimp tool, wire strippers and heat-shrink tubing are the essentials for clean confectioning. Add solder, a cable tester and marker sleeves for labelling.

Management and protection

Cable ramps, hook-and-loop ties, gaffer tape and cable drums keep your runs tidy and safe. Store and transport finished cable in dedicated cases to protect connectors between shows.

Combining the right connectors, tools and management accessories with your bulk cable is the most reliable way to achieve professional, repeatable results on every job.

Care and Maintenance of Event Cables

Cables are among the hardest-working parts of any rig, so regular care and maintenance directly extends their service life and protects your signal quality.

Correct coiling

Coil cables using the over-under technique rather than wrapping them around your arm. Over-under coiling prevents internal twisting that fatigues conductors and shields over time, keeping cable flexible and tangle-free for the next show.

Inspection and cleaning

Before and after each event, inspect the jacket for cuts, the connectors for bent pins and the strain relief for damage. Wipe cables down to remove dust and moisture, and dry any cable used outdoors before storing it. A quick continuity and shield test with a cable tester catches faults before they cost you a gig.

Storage

Store cables loosely coiled in a dry case or on a drum, away from heat and sharp edges. Label each cable with type and length so the right cable is always at hand. Well-maintained cable keeps signal transmission reliable season after season.

LTT – Your Specialist for Event Technology

When you build custom cable runs, you want raw material you can rely on. As your specialist for event technology, LTT combines a deep assortment of unconfectioned cable with the service of a genuine professional partner — from single metres to full spools.

Orders ship from Bocholt, Germany, with free shipping from €69 and express delivery available when a show can't wait. Every purchase is backed by the 3-year LTT warranty, and B2B customers and resellers benefit from dedicated wholesale conditions through our international dealer network.

Complete your setup with matching connectors and cable management, or explore related ranges such as finished cables and connectors, stage lighting and audio equipment. Whatever your project, LTT helps you wire it right and achieve dependable, professional results every time.

FAQ – Questions & Answers