What is the primary purpose of the Adam Hall 3 STAR CAT6A cable?

It is designed for high-speed data transmission in home internet setups and professional digital audio networking protocols. It is specifically built to handle live sound and studio environments where reliability is key.

What does 'S/FTP' stand for in this cable?

S/FTP stands for Screened Foiled Twisted Pair. This means the individual internal pairs are wrapped in foil, and there is an additional overall screen to prevent electrical interference.

What material is used for the conductors?

The cable uses 99.999% oxygen-free copper (OFC) wiring. This high-purity material ensures precise signal transmission and minimizes signal loss or interference.

Are the connectors proprietary?

The cable features original Adam Hall RJ-45 connectors. These are designed to provide a secure and stable connection specifically for professional use cases.

What is the benefit of nickel-plated contacts?

Nickel plating on the RJ-45 contacts provides a durable surface that resists corrosion. This ensures long-term connectivity and reduces the risk of signal failure during important sessions.

Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?

The cable features a durable PVC jacket designed for frequent use on stage or in the studio. While it is robust, it is generally intended for indoor or temporary professional setups rather than permanent outdoor burial.

How long is this specific model?

This specific version of the Adam Hall 3 STAR CAT6A cable is 1 metre in length. This makes it ideal for short patches within a rack or desk setup.

Can this cable be used for Dante networking?

Yes, as a CAT6A cable with high-quality OFC wiring and S/FTP shielding, it is well-suited for digital audio protocols like Dante that require reliable network infrastructure.

How does the price compare to other professional cables?

The cable typically retails around GBP 8, making it a budget-friendly option for professional-grade shielded networking compared to premium series like the Adam Hall 5 STAR range.

What does the '3 STAR' designation mean?

The '3 STAR' label is part of Adam Hall's product categorization. It represents their standard professional range, offering a balance of dependable performance and affordability.

Does the PVC jacket offer enough flexibility for stage use?

Yes, the PVC jacket is designed to be durable for frequent handling on stage while maintaining enough flexibility for routing through studio furniture or equipment racks.

Why is 99.999% oxygen-free copper important for a network cable?

Higher purity copper reduces the resistance and signal degradation over the length of the cable. This is critical for maintaining data integrity in high-speed digital audio transmissions.

Gear article

Adam Hall 3 STAR CAT6A (S/FTP) Cable

The Adam Hall 3 STAR CAT6A is a professional-grade network cable designed for both home internet and digital audio network protocols in live and studio environments. It features S/FTP shielding and 99.999% oxygen-free copper wiring to ensure precise, interference-free signal transmission at a cost-effective price point.

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Background and Design

The Adam Hall 3 STAR CAT6A cable is part of the manufacturer's '3 STAR' series, which aims to provide reliable, high-performance connectivity solutions for the budget-conscious professional. Specifically designed for the rigours of modern digital audio environments, this cable supports high-speed data transmission required for networking protocols. The construction prioritises durability and signal integrity through the use of high-quality raw materials.

Technical Specifications

The cable utilises an S/FTP (Screened Foiled Twisted Pair) architecture. This design incorporates individual foil shielding for each twisted pair of wires, along with an overall screen, providing robust protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI). The core consists of 99.999% oxygen-free copper (OFC), which is selected for its superior conductivity and ability to maintain signal precision over time. The exterior is finished with a durable PVC jacket that balances flexibility with physical protection.

Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable 60cm

Connectivity and Build Quality

Equipped with original Adam Hall RJ-45 connectors, the cable ensures a stable mechanical and electrical connection. The contacts are nickel-plated to resist corrosion and wear, which is essential for equipment that may be frequently patched and re-patched in a studio or live rack. The 1-metre length makes it particularly suitable for short-distance connections, such as patching within a rack or connecting a laptop to a nearby network switch.

Applications

While suitable for standard home internet tasks, the cable is primarily marketed for professional audio-visual applications. This includes:

Connecting digital mixing consoles to stage boxes.
Patching Dante, AVB, or EtherSound networked audio systems.
Linking studio computers to high-speed network storage.
General-purpose networking in environments with high levels of electrical noise.

Comparison with Alternatives

Within the Adam Hall range, the 3 STAR series offers a more affordable alternative to the 5 STAR Neutrik-equipped series, such as the 5 STAR DMX cables. Compared to standard unshielded network cables, the S/FTP shielding of this model provides significantly better rejection of noise, making it more appropriate for professional settings than generic IT cables. It sits alongside other utility cables in the market, such as basic XLR patch cables from Studiospares or instrument cables from Ernie Ball, serving as a specialized tool for digital signal paths.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Adam Hall 3 STAR CAT6A cable?: It is designed for high-speed data transmission in home internet setups and professional digital audio networking protocols. It is specifically built to handle live sound and studio environments where reliability is key.
What does 'S/FTP' stand for in this cable?: S/FTP stands for Screened Foiled Twisted Pair. This means the individual internal pairs are wrapped in foil, and there is an additional overall screen to prevent electrical interference.
What material is used for the conductors?: The cable uses 99.999% oxygen-free copper (OFC) wiring. This high-purity material ensures precise signal transmission and minimizes signal loss or interference.
Are the connectors proprietary?: The cable features original Adam Hall RJ-45 connectors. These are designed to provide a secure and stable connection specifically for professional use cases.
What is the benefit of nickel-plated contacts?: Nickel plating on the RJ-45 contacts provides a durable surface that resists corrosion. This ensures long-term connectivity and reduces the risk of signal failure during important sessions.
Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?: The cable features a durable PVC jacket designed for frequent use on stage or in the studio. While it is robust, it is generally intended for indoor or temporary professional setups rather than permanent outdoor burial.
How long is this specific model?: This specific version of the Adam Hall 3 STAR CAT6A cable is 1 metre in length. This makes it ideal for short patches within a rack or desk setup.
Can this cable be used for Dante networking?: Yes, as a CAT6A cable with high-quality OFC wiring and S/FTP shielding, it is well-suited for digital audio protocols like Dante that require reliable network infrastructure.
How does the price compare to other professional cables?: The cable typically retails around GBP 8, making it a budget-friendly option for professional-grade shielded networking compared to premium series like the Adam Hall 5 STAR range.
What does the '3 STAR' designation mean?: The '3 STAR' label is part of Adam Hall's product categorization. It represents their standard professional range, offering a balance of dependable performance and affordability.
Does the PVC jacket offer enough flexibility for stage use?: Yes, the PVC jacket is designed to be durable for frequent handling on stage while maintaining enough flexibility for routing through studio furniture or equipment racks.
Why is 99.999% oxygen-free copper important for a network cable?: Higher purity copper reduces the resistance and signal degradation over the length of the cable. This is critical for maintaining data integrity in high-speed digital audio transmissions.