This snake is designed to interconnect pro audio gear with balanced phone jacks. It is ideal for u...This snake is designed to interconnect pro audio gear with balanced phone jacks. It is ideal for use with mixing consoles and patch bays. Features include:
- Nickel-plated plugs for rugged durability and efficient signal transfer
- Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) conductors for enhanced signal clarity
- OFC spiral shields for effective EMI and RFI rejection and flexibility
Connectors: 1/4" TRS to 1/4" TRS
Specifications
Connector 1 Type: 1/4" stereo jack
Connector 1 Quantity: 8
Connector 1 Gender: Male
Connector 2 Type: 1/4" stereo jack
Connector 2 Quantity: 8
Connector 2 Gender: Male
Cable Length (mm): 1000
Colour: Multi-coloured
Hosa CSS-801 8-Way 6.35mm TRS Jack Plugs Balanced Snake Cable (1.0m)Free delivery in 1–3 days£36.96Visit shop →
Product Information
Full details
The Hosa Technology CSS-801 is an 8-way balanced snake cable designed for professionals interconnecting pro audio gear with balanced phone jacks, such as mixing consoles and patch bays. Its key benefit is providing clear signal transfer and robust durability through OFC conductors and nickel-plated plugs. A potential caveat is its 1.0m length, which may be limiting for some studio setups. This cable offers efficient signal routing with eight balanced 1/4" TRS connections on both ends.
All features
Colour
Multicolor
Model Part Number
CSS-801
Brand
Hosa Technology
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of the Hosa CSS-801?
The Hosa CSS-801 is designed to interconnect professional audio equipment, providing eight balanced audio channels via 1/4" TRS connectors, making it ideal for mixers and patch bays.
Are the connectors on the CSS-801 balanced or unbalanced?
The connectors are 1/4" TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve), which are designed for balanced mono audio signals. This offers superior noise rejection compared to unbalanced TS connections.
What does 'OFC' stand for and why is it important?
OFC stands for Oxygen-Free Copper. Using OFC conductors enhances signal clarity and reduces signal loss, ensuring a cleaner audio signal path.
Can I use this cable with unbalanced equipment?
Yes, you can plug a 1/4" TRS connector into a 1/4" TS (unbalanced) jack. However, the signal will only use the tip and sleeve connections, and you will lose the benefits of balanced audio, such as noise rejection.
How long is the Hosa CSS-801 cable?
The cable has a length of 1.0 meter (approximately 3.3 feet).
What is the benefit of the spiral shield?
The OFC spiral shield helps to reject electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), protecting the audio signal from external noise and ensuring a cleaner sound.
How do the multi-coloured cables help?
The individual cables are colour-coded to make identification and connection management easier, especially when dealing with multiple audio sources or destinations.
Troubleshooting
No audio signal on one or more channels
Verify that all 1/4" TRS connectors are fully inserted into both the source and destination devices. Check that the connected devices are correctly routed and functioning. Ensure the correct balanced connections are being used.
Hum or buzz in the audio signal
Confirm that all connections are balanced. Ensure the cable is not routed near sources of strong electromagnetic interference (e.g., power supplies, fluorescent lights). Try a different cable to rule out a fault with the CSS-801 itself.
Audio is distorted or weak
Check that the signal levels on your connected equipment are appropriate. Ensure the cable is fully seated in the jacks. Inspect the connectors for any visible damage or debris.
One or more individual cables are damaged or broken
Discontinue use of the affected channel(s) and consider replacing the entire snake if the damage is significant or affects multiple channels. Inspect other channels for signs of wear.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Facilitates clean and organized audio connections.
Durable construction with nickel-plated plugs for longevity.
High-quality OFC conductors and shielding for superior signal clarity.
Color-coded cables simplify setup and troubleshooting.
Ideal for studio patch bays and mixing console routing.
Cons
Limited cable length (1.0m) might not suit all setups.
Balanced TRS connections may not be compatible with all unbalanced gear.
Potential for tangling if not managed carefully due to its multi-cable design.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Identify the 'send' and 'return' ends of your audio equipment.
Connect one end of the CSS-801 to the appropriate outputs or inputs on your source device (e.g., mixer, interface).
Connect the other end to the corresponding inputs or outputs on your destination device (e.g., patch bay, amplifier).
The multi-coloured cables allow for easy visual matching between connected devices.
Compatibility:
This cable is designed for balanced mono audio signals using 1/4" TRS connectors.
It is compatible with professional audio equipment featuring 1/4" TRS balanced phone jacks, such as:
Mixing consoles
Patch bays
Audio interfaces
Processors and effects units
Ensure your equipment uses balanced TRS connections to take full advantage of the cable's noise rejection capabilities. It can be used with unbalanced (TS) equipment, but only the tip and sleeve will carry signal, and balance is lost.
Care:
Store the cable loosely coiled to prevent kinks and damage to the internal conductors.
Avoid excessive pulling or yanking on the connectors.
Clean the connectors periodically with a contact cleaner if signal degradation is suspected.