The Cable Conundrum: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Cables are easy to overlook—but they’re one of the most important parts of any sound or lighting setup. At EpicZebra Music, we see it all the time: incredible gear held back by poor-quality cables. Whether you’re setting up a live show, a home studio, or a lighting rig, your system is only as good as its weakest connection.
We stock cables for every budget—but we always aim to find the good ones. Because when the pressure’s on, you want gear you can trust.
XLR Cables: Built for Clean Audio
XLR cables are the gold standard for pro audio. They carry balanced signals, which drastically reduce hum, interference, and signal loss—especially over long distances.
You’ll find XLRs used to:
Connect microphones to mixers or audio interfaces Link active speakers or stage monitors Send balanced audio between gear
If you’re dealing with unwanted noise or weak audio signals, swapping in a high-quality XLR cable might fix it instantly. And no, not all XLRs are created equal—cheaper versions often skimp on shielding, connectors, and durability.
DMX Cables: Control Your Lighting the Right Way
DMX cables look like XLRs, but they do something completely different. DMX (Digital Multiplex) cables are designed to carry data—not audio. They’re essential for controlling intelligent lighting, effects machines, and pixel mapping.
Why not just use a mic cable? Because DMX requires 120-ohm impedance, optimized for high-speed digital communication. Using standard XLR cables in a DMX chain can cause flickering, latency, or failure to respond.
If you care about smooth fades and precise lighting cues, you need the right DMX cables. Trust us—your lights will thank you.
Jack Leads: Know Your Mono from Stereo
Jack leads come in several types, and knowing the difference can save you a lot of time and troubleshooting.
The basics:
TS (Tip-Sleeve) = Mono, unbalanced (used for guitars, synths, etc.) TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) = Stereo or balanced mono (used for headphones, balanced audio, and patch cables) Mini-jack (3.5mm) = Common in portable devices, but comes in both TS and TRS formats
And then there’s XLR to Jack, which is ideal for connecting mics to gear that doesn’t have XLR inputs. Just make sure to match the jack type to the input:
XLR to TRS = Balanced connection XLR to TS = Unbalanced
Not sure what you need? Browse our range of jack leads and adapters or get in touch—we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Choosing Quality Without Overpaying
There’s a big difference between affordable and cheap. At EpicZebra Music, we work hard to stock cables that perform reliably without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner building your first setup or a touring tech replacing spares, we’ve got options that fit and last.
Our team hand-picks cables that offer:
Strong, road-ready connectors Proper shielding and impedance Real-world durability
Check out our full cable collection and you’ll see what we mean.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Cable Be Your Weakest Link
It’s easy to get excited about the big stuff—mics, mixers, lights, speakers. But it’s often the smallest parts that make or break a show.
The right cable won’t just work—it’ll work every time. It’ll carry your sound cleanly, keep your lights synced, and save you from stress at the worst moments.
Need help choosing? Our team at EpicZebra Music is here to help. Whether you’re upgrading your rig or replacing something that’s failed mid-gig, we’ll help you find the right solution.
