[sdiy] [semi-ot] making patch cables with thin console cable.

[cheater cheater]

REAN are definitely better quality than what you described. maybe you
got knockoffs, or it was a warranty claim situation.

On Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 9:25 AM brianw <brianw at audiobanshee.com> wrote:
>
> You'll be happy with NP3X
>
> I looked through my Mouser order history, and it doesn't actually go back to 2008 when I got the ones I described. Mouser only has my history back to 2015.
>
> Anyway, I think I found the product, and the brand is REAN, manufactured by Neutrik.
>
> Where the NP3X cost $7.00 in quantity, the REAN NYS204 are $2.32 each. They also have a lower profile, which might be useful if you have patch bays with closely-spaced jacks. At least they change the "branding" to reflect that it's not as fancy.
>
> Brian
>
>
> On Sep 5, 2026, at 7:28 PM, Jimmy Moore <jamoore84 at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Thanks for the advice and validation haha
> >
> > I'm looking at the np3x series, so I think that's the right direction.
> >
> > On Sat, Sep 5, 2026, 12:18 PM brianw <brianw at audiobanshee.com> wrote:
> > ... and beware that even high-quality brands like Neutrik have cheap alternatives in their product line, so make sure you select an appropriate part.
> >
> > For one project, I found the cheapest Neutrik 1/4" plugs that I could find on Mouser, and I definitely would not go that cheap again. There were no actual problems, but the shells were not conductive, and thus do not extend the shield over the solder points. I got what I paid for, and realized that I should have paid just a little more.
> >
> > My understanding is that brands do not want to lose 100% of the budget market, so they offer a bottom-of-the-line family of products that they can sell to folks on a budget. That makes business sense. Like I said, no problems - the 1/4" jacks worked - but I would have preferred something a little nicer. Since then, I go to the Neutrik web site and read about the different product families to make sure I pick the appropriate ones.
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
> > On Sep 5, 2026, at 10:31 AM, Michael E Caloroso wrote:
> > > I have built my own audio cables for 40+ years.
> > >
> > > I strongly recommend not skimping on cheap plugs for patchbay, console, or rack wiring.
> > >
> > > You want Switchcraft or Neutrik.  Beware of "look-alike" counterfeits. Accept nothing less than the real thing.
> > >
> > > Cheap plugs WILL malfunction, and you do not want the aggravation of chasing down a faulty connection in a rats' nest of cabling, especially when a recording is in progress!
> > >
> > > I made the mistake of buying "switchcraft-like" economy plugs from a supplier.  1/3 of the plugs were defective out of the bag because the solder lug for the tip or ring were shorted to the sleeve when they were assembled, rendering them useless.  Also when the metal shell worked loose, it would rest on the sleeve and other lugs, resulting in an intermittent short causing loss of audio.  Even with the internal plastic insulator intact.  The metal shells just would not stay in place once fully assembled.  That was a BITCH to hunt down.  I had to add insulating tape over the lugs on ALL of the cables I built that used those plugs.
> > >
> > > You got best quality cable.  Use best quality plugs.
> > >
> > > BTW Switchcraft makes plugs with extra large inserts in the shells for large diameter cable.
> > >
> > > MC
> > >
> > > On Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 1:12 PM Mike Bryant wrote:
> > >>
> > >>      • I suspect the recommendation will be heat shrink tubing + neutrik jacks
> > >>
> > >> If you are using the best cable, why would you not use the best jacks ? 🙂
> > >> From: Jimmy Moore
> > >> Sent: 05 September 2026 17:44
> > >>
> > >> I got a great deal on a spool of mogami w2944, so time to revive the patchbay project.   This is console wire, so has a very thin OD of about 2.54mm:
> > >>
> > >> https://mogamicable.com/category/bulk/console/#gsc.tab=0
> > >>
> > >> I foresee this causing some challenges with audio jacks that are designed around much beefier wire.
> > >>
> > >> I'm curious if anyone had suggestions for preferred (1/4") connectors for this kind of thing.  I have a samson S-patch plus, so no TT or bantam jacks for me just yet.
> > >>
> > >> I suspect the recommendation will be heat shrink tubing + neutrik jacks. I would love to hear what you think.
> > >>
> > >> jimmy
> > >>
> > >> PS: if anyone has some spare jacks or heat shrink you would be interested to sell, let me know!
> > >
>
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