Have you ever used a Cordial cable and/or Neutrik connectors? They're about the only "professional" cables/connectors I can get here in Romania.

Also, I plan to do my own soldering. Do you know what sort of solder should I use? I've heard that ideally it should contain some silver and less lead then usual solder stuff.

Any opinions?...

I took the top off my VMP-4000e a little while back, and was quite impressed with the construction of the thing. Everything is nicely dressed - heat shrink pretty much everywhere it could be used - glass/epoxy PCB - just a nice looking rig inside. There is obviously a lot of time and care in putting these things together.

Hi everyone,

I am getting ready (and practicing) soldering my own cables... I am using Neutrik balanced TRS connectors and Mogami balanced cable... anyway, my questions are:

OK...as I am going through this "wonder" that I call re-wiring my studio using a patchbay, I have found one cable that I would like to have made that I am a bit unclear about how to design.

OK, so, we now know to get solid nickel contact patchbays rather than plated. Alright, now what's a good 48-point, 1U, 1/4" to rear solder, solid nickel contact patchbay? And what kind of price are we looking at; for 3-blades and 5-blades?

Yep, it's true. Of course you don't believe it. Hearing the sound difference be so like what I've heard on some of the best recordings I've found, I suspect this may be a closely guarded secret of some producers, but that's a guess. Just try making one cable that brings sound into or out of an external box, or from a synth to the in of your recorder using no solder. Voila..

Anybody done testing on Lead Free Solder? Kester makes 95%Tin5%Silver (mostly for potable water sources). Only other Silver I've found is RadioShack 2% Silver, rest lead and tin.

What are your opinions on Punchdown vs Solder in patchbays? Do you feel or hear a difference? Is it worth the time to solder?

I'm considering an Audio Accesories TT bay. I can choose between unwired, adc style punchdown, and wrapped terminal. The people there were very patient and friendly and their prices were fair.