Monoprice, Cable Matters and Amazon Basics XLR On XLR Mic /Interface Noise Testing - Fethead vs DM-1

The Triton Audio Fethead and sE Electronics DM-1 have been used on XLR mics for years to reduce microphone noise. Often debated only is whether it's best to install directly out of the microphone or sticking out of the interface. In this video I'm going to test 10 foot long XLR cables from Monoprice, Cable Matters and Amazon Basics to see how they perform with both the Fethead and DM-1 in each position.
Links to products tested in this video:
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[@MichaelW.1980]

At first when I saw the setup, I wondered, if that test was sabotaged yet again But as your video showed, it actually showed results already. And with all the noise sources on my stream setup, I actually feel confident, that the better cables, that I got almost right from the beginning did their job. Two routers, tons of switching power supplies…. I am actually astounded, that I managed to keep my audio clean! But my noise is about as low as yours on a similar test. Just to know, that my chain is as EMI/RFI proof as possible, gives me more confidence in results I get from Testing. I’d say: Cheap cables aren’t worth it, judging from your tests on YT and my tests in private. I mean… If i pay for additional hardware, I pay the same money if not more anyways.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I completely agree. Great cables will last so much longer and give you less issues. There's no substitute.

[@JulianKrause]

Great tests Allen! I have the suspicion the hum is coming from the dbx 286s. It has a transformer inside for power supply and that might be source of the EMI. Edit: I guess for your interference test you could deliberately run the cable over the 286s. The Transformer sits in the back on the right, close to the power plug.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Wait until next week. I have an RFI/EMI meter and found the danger zones on my equipment. I run two tests with the cables run together in all around the worst areas and see how well the cables deal with RFI/EMI. You'll like this one.

[@BandrewScott]

All is right in the world because these results are making much more sense. 🎉 Thanks for doing these tests.

[@SoundSpeeds]

More to come next week.

[@fransv1398]

Very good work Allen. This is unique research on youtube. I look forward to the next tests. There are not many youtubers who want to burn their hands on this. Thank you for researching this and sharing it with us.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Absolutely. Happy to. Thanks for watching.

[@father_jordan]

Wonderful video, thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Watch the Extra/Additional testing

[@irpacynot]

Have you tested the WBC cables? I'm seeing videos that say they're on par with the Mogami cables. I know they use Mogami components, but wasn't sure if the craftsmanship was truly on par. Also, have you commercialized your Sound Speed cables, or are they still just a private thing?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have used them since this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooHbl4h9rcyUgNE No issues. I like them. My cables are a private thing and I seldom make them.

[@irpacynot]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks. Will check it out.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@bahathir_]

Hi, CAble length also influneced the RF sheilding. Try with 10m or longer, and see how much noise the cable 'picked up'. :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have another test dropping next Monday that will interest you.

[@bahathir_]

@@SoundSpeeds Great. Looking forward for the video. :) Thank you very much, Sir. p/s: Connect XLR cable as many XLR cables as you can to get xtra long cable. :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Buy 100 footers? Seems kinda excessive for home studio use.

[@imark7777777]

Interesting having used some MonoPrice cables I would say they are decent but I wouldn't want to rely upon them and they're also quite thick. So I guess my thought of putting it on the Mic side of the chain makes the most sense, As annoying as that would be. Seems like some thing like a 3 foot cable at the Mic end will get that lamp to a more manageable spot.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sounds about right

[@cwichura]

Have you tested Hosa XLR cables? They are priced at the "high" end of "cheap" XLRs. Be curious if they are actually any good or just paying for the branding...

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have used Hosa but don't remember them impressing me much. I'm committed to these for this video and the next video.

[@lambda7652]

Why not use the RMS level instead of peak for the comparison? And after all this is there a TL;DR? How many dB RMS is the difference between cables?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I was waiting for someone to mention that. Fair question. Since there's no interference, I chose peak to get an idea of worst case scenario. RMS is on the screen at the same time so you can easily use that too. Just wait until next week. I do a 2 seconds peak and a 30 second RMS tests with the cables run all over the worst RFI/EMI producing gear I have. UPDATE: Tonight I'll make a follow up (unlisted) showing RMS levels

[@SoundSpeeds]

@lambda - I made this to answer your question. Drops on Tuesday, October 11 at noon E.S.T. The link will NOT work before then. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJLPeYKMd9elo7c

[@mrshaheedmalik]

You need a website set up for your cables.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't have time to make them as a rule. As of now, I think I still have two 10' and five 8' available. I'm not making more for a while.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

@@SoundSpeeds Outsourcing!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ha!

[@thepropolys]

@@SoundSpeeds How much does the 10' cable cost?

[@SoundSpeeds]

$80 for a 10 footer including US shipping. $75 for an 8 footer.

[@fluphybunny930]

For home, good enough is good enough. You aren't running 30 metre cable lengths. Cheap will always be too cheap. "Audiophile" grade cables at 100's of pounds a meter are snake oil.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I disagree. Consumer novices are more likely to screw up their sound with bad cables than a pro.

[@imark7777777]

Oh shoot I just came from a video with marginal sound.... I forgot to turn the volume down. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2fdcnaEmrJ9hcU Oh geez it's a two-parter too.

[@SoundSpeeds]

🤷