Looking for DIY audio cable tester

labjr · 16th December 2018, 05:32 PM

I've started helping a local band with their sound system and running into a few technical problems with running dozens of cables. Does anyone know if there's a circuit for a DIY audio cable tester? I've seen some simple continuity testers, but I want to be able to check balanced XLR cables for shorts and phase reversal too. Looking for a simple but innovative design with a few LEDs which doesn't require switches and fancy circuitry. Thanks.

JonSnell Electronic · 16th December 2018, 06:40 PM

Here is all you will ever need.
g027ec | eBay

MAAC0 · 16th December 2018, 10:48 PM

Behringer CT100 is what I use.

turk 182 · 16th December 2018, 11:15 PM

i'm partial to the Whirlwind Q box, the fact that if you have two units they can be used as a mini comm system is valuable. Qbox - Catalog - Whirlwind

but after looking at Jon's suggestion i might have to put that SoundLab unit on my Christmas list!

Enzo · 17th December 2018, 06:18 AM

Google "audio cable tester", and you will see zillions. The $16 one at Guitar Center ought to do fine, but there are a variety on the $30 range. I really couldn't build one for that, and unless you really wanted a project rather than a useful tool, I'd go with the commercial unit. I had a little WHirlwind one I used for years and years, but more recent ones will include Speakons and others, which you will want. These commercial units all will allow you to flex the cables to check for intermits.

nigelwright7557 · 2nd January 2019, 04:20 AM

I just use an el cheapo multi meter for a few $

16th December 2018, 05:32 PM	#1
labjr diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: MA	Looking for DIY audio cable tester I've started helping a local band with their sound system and running into a few technical problems with running dozens of cables. Does anyone know if there's a circuit for a DIY audio cable tester? I've seen some simple continuity testers, but I want to be able to check balanced XLR cables for shorts and phase reversal too. Looking for a simple but innovative design with a few LEDs which doesn't require switches and fancy circuitry. Thanks.

16th December 2018, 06:40 PM	#2
JonSnell Electronic diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: The Jurassic Coast, England. GB	Here is all you will ever need. g027ec \| eBay __________________ Support for Fender, Marshall and all Valve Equipment; Audio Innovations, Audiorama FU29, Quad and Leak. www.jonsnell.co.uk

2nd January 2019, 04:20 AM	#6
nigelwright7557 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Carlisle, England	I just use an el cheapo multi meter for a few $ __________________ PCBCAD51 download or CDROM 2019 version out now http://www.murtonpikesystems.co.uk

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16th December 2018, 10:48 PM	#3
MAAC0 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2010	Behringer CT100 is what I use.

16th December 2018, 11:15 PM	#4
turk 182 diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2012	i'm partial to the Whirlwind Q box, the fact that if you have two units they can be used as a mini comm system is valuable. Qbox - Catalog - Whirlwind but after looking at Jon's suggestion i might have to put that SoundLab unit on my Christmas list!

17th December 2018, 06:18 AM	#5
Enzo diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lansing, Michigan	Google "audio cable tester", and you will see zillions. The $16 one at Guitar Center ought to do fine, but there are a variety on the $30 range. I really couldn't build one for that, and unless you really wanted a project rather than a useful tool, I'd go with the commercial unit. I had a little WHirlwind one I used for years and years, but more recent ones will include Speakons and others, which you will want. These commercial units all will allow you to flex the cables to check for intermits.

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