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I have to source some cables which will be connected between a multicore run to mixing desk/power amp/cd dvd player etc., as the cables require to be changed for safety.

I have noticed that you can get balanced or unbalanced cables, so my question, what is the difference? (as simply explained as you can).

My thoughts were that instrument (guitar) cables were balanced, but speaker cables were unbalanced, but what about mic cables?

After I get an idea of what is required, does anyone know of a reputable company/shop who will provide tailor made cables to specified lengths? Thanks in advance.

Try http://www.studiospares.com/

Alan

Put simply and generally, guitar cables are not balanced but mic cables are. Both types are screened to minimise noise and interference pick up ie they have the signal carrying conductors (insulated) within an overall cover often of braided copper which is connected to ground.

A guitar or instrument cable has a single inner conductor and screen.

A balanced cable has 2 cores and each core carries a version of the same signal that is out of phase with the other so that any noise occuring in the cable run is cancelled out within the cable. Balanced cables terminate in 3 conductor connectors, often an XLR (but that in itself doesn't guarantee the cable is balanced) or a TRS (tip/ring/sheath or "stereo") jack.

Speaker cables may have as few as 2 conductors (more for bi-amped etc set ups) and are not usually screened. They may terminate in jacks or Speakons or terminals suited to binding posts etc (more usually Speakon or jacks in a PA application).

A stereo cable (which is what you may need to hook up the cd players etc) has 2 conductors within a screen but to distinguish this from the balanced set up, each centre conductor carries a different signal (right and left channel).

A decent explanation here:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan02/a ... aq0102.asp

Jim's link to Studiospares will take you to a host of different options

Roger