XLR Multicore Cables & Stage Looms

Multicore cables bundle several XLR lines into one jacketed run, so a band, venue or hire company can get stage inputs back to the desk and sends out to the stage without a pile of individual leads. Every one in this section is W Audio.

The stage looms are labelled by sends and returns. The 6/2 versions give six inputs back to the desk and two returns out, enough for a small band with a pair of wedge mixes or a stereo feed, in 15m and 25m. The 8/4 looms in 15m and 30m add more of both, which suits a fuller line-up or extra monitor mixes. For straight runs there is the 25m 8-Way XLR Multicore Cable Drum (CABL194) and the 10m 12-Way XLR Multicore Cable (CABL201).

Count your inputs and outputs first, then add spare channels, and measure the real cable route from stage to mix position rather than the straight line.

For individual leads see XLR Cables, and our guide to Dante vs analogue multicore helps if you are weighing up a digital stage box instead.

Multicore Cables FAQs

What does 6/2 or 8/4 mean on a multicore? The first number is the sends from stage to the desk, the second is the returns from the desk back to the stage. A 6/2 loom has six inputs and two returns.

How long a multicore do I need? Measure the real cable route from the stage to the mix position, including any runs around the audience, and allow some slack. The looms here run from 15m to 30m, with a 10m 12-Way option for shorter runs.