Demevalos’ Guide to Building Audio Cables

In this blog post, we will show you a step-by-step guide on how to build your very own headphone cable using some basic materials and tools. With a little effort, you can have a custom cable that suits your needs perfectly.

Materials Needed:

Before we begin, let’s gather the materials required for this project:

1. Mogami W2893 cable: A flexible and excellent wire for our purpose.
2. Rean Neutrik Stereo 3.5mm connector: You can choose any 3.5mm connector you prefer.
3. CESS TA3F 3 Pin Mini XLR connector: Alternatively, you can use a Redco connector.
4. Type III Paracord: Pick your preferred color; it works best for a single-strand, non-braided cable.
5. Weller WLC100 Soldering Station: An affordable and reliable soldering station.
6. Weller ST7 Needle Tip: Perfect for soldering small wires like these.
7. Helping Hands: A useful tool to assist you during the soldering process.
8. 2:1 heat shrink tubing: Make sure to have a variety of sizes available.
9. Multimeter: An essential tool for testing connections.

Making the Cable:

1. Cut lengths of paracord and Mogami, ensuring the paracord is slightly longer than the Mogami. Remove the strings from the paracord.
2. Carefully remove the rubber sheathing from the Mogami by using a knife. Take your time and be cautious to avoid injuries.
3. Unravel the shielding from the Mogami, exposing four thin wires, which we will be using.
4. Start threading the Mogami through the paracord. For smoother progress, use the “snake-and-pinch” method to push the paracord back and forth while pinching the wire inside.
5. Once the threading is complete, you’ve made the cable!

Assembling the Connectors:

6. Test the Mini XLR side with a multimeter to determine which hole corresponds to each function (Tip – Left Channel, Ring – Right Channel, Sleeve – Ground).

7. Ensure you assemble the components in the correct order on the Mini XLR side: Boot, heat shrink, wire clamp, and connection cover.
8. Strip the paper covering from the Mogami wires and remove one of them as we only need three for this build.
9. Carefully strip the colored sheathing off the wires using a knife.
10. Tin the wires and the cups of the connector with your soldering iron.
11. Assemble the Mini XLR side and slip another piece of heat shrink on the other side of the boot.
12. Proceed to wire up the 3.5mm side. Take your time and be patient while soldering these small connections.
13. Test your connections before final assembly to ensure everything is working correctly.
14. Stretch the paracord before assembling, then clamp the strain relief on the jack down on the paracord securely.
15. Use heat shrink tubing to cover the connections and give the cable a professional finish.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have successfully built your own headphone cable with custom connectors and paracord. Enjoy your personalized creation and improved audio experience. Happy listening!