The Underrated World of Event Cabling
Cables are the last thing most event planners think about — and the first thing that causes problems when something goes wrong. Understanding your cable needs is essential for a smooth, professional event.
The Major Cable Types
XLR (Microphone Cable) The workhorse of audio production. XLR cables carry balanced audio signals between microphones, DI boxes, stage boxes, and mixing consoles. Balanced connections reject electromagnetic interference, making them essential for long cable runs in high-noise environments.
Standard lengths: 10', 25', 50', 100'.
Speakon (Speaker Cable) Speakon connectors are used between amplifiers and speaker cabinets. They're rated for high-current applications and lock securely to prevent accidental disconnection. Never use XLR cables for speaker runs — the connectors look similar but the cable is designed for very different current loads.
HDMI and SDI (Video) For video systems, HDMI is standard for shorter consumer-grade runs while SDI (Serial Digital Interface) is the professional broadcast standard for longer distances and production environments. SDI cables can run hundreds of feet without signal degradation.
CAT6/Ethernet Modern digital audio systems use network infrastructure extensively — Dante, AVB, and AES67 audio-over-IP protocols all run on standard network cabling. A modern event might have thousands of audio channels running across a single CAT6 cable.
PowerCon and SO Cord PowerCon connectors provide reliable, locking power connections for professional audio equipment. SO cord (outdoor-rated extension cable) is used for power distribution across large event footprints.
Cable Management Best Practices
- All cables crossing walkways should be covered with cable ramps or taped flat with gaffer's tape
- Keep audio cables separated from power cables to minimize hum induction
- Label every cable at both ends for fast troubleshooting
- Carry 20% more cable than you think you need — runs are always longer than they look on a stage plot
Our rental packages include all cables fully tested and labeled, with cable ramps and gaffer's tape included in stage packages.
