Gear article

Adam Hall Professional ECON CAT6A Cable 30m

The Adam Hall Professional ECON CAT6A 30m is a high-performance network cable from the manufacturer's premium 5 Star series, designed for demanding stage and studio environments. It features Draka Cat.7a bulk cable and genuine Neutrik etherCON connectors to ensure data integrity over long distances in both indoor and outdoor settings.

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Overview

The Adam Hall Professional ECON CAT6A is a specialised 30-metre network cable engineered for high-bandwidth data transmission in professional audio-visual and lighting environments. Part of the 5 Star series, it represents the brand's highest tier of cabling solutions, balancing signal purity with physical durability. The cable is designed to facilitate reliable connections for digital mixing consoles, stage boxes, and networked lighting rigs that require robust Cat.6a specifications.

Technical Composition

The cable's construction is defined by two primary high-end components: Draka Cat.7a bulk cable and Neutrik etherCON connectors. The use of Draka Cat.7a material provides a higher technical overhead than standard Cat.6a, ensuring that the 30-metre span maintains maximum signal integrity without packet loss.

The internal structure consists of four twisted wire pairs, each individually shielded to prevent crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI). This architecture is critical for maintaining high-speed data transfer in environments populated by power cables and wireless signals.

Durability and Field Use

Designed for both fixed installations and mobile stage use, the cable is characterised by its flexibility and robustness. The outer jacket is formulated to withstand 'tough outdoor conditions', making it suitable for festival environments or outdoor broadcasts. The integration of Neutrik etherCON connectors provides a locking mechanism and ruggedised housing that protects the delicate RJ45 termination from physical damage, dust, and accidental disconnection during a performance.

Applications

This 30-metre cable is typically deployed in scenarios requiring long-distance digital communication. Typical uses include:

  • Connecting front-of-house (FOH) digital consoles to stage-based I/O racks.
  • Linking networked lighting systems via Art-Net or sACN protocols.
  • Broadcasting and recording studio setups requiring reliable Cat.6a throughput.
  • Outdoor events where environmental resistance is a priority.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Adam Hall ecosystem, this cable sits above entry-level network leads due to its 5 Star series classification and use of Draka Cat.7a components. While standard network cables or products like the Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX cable serve specific signal types, the ECON CAT6A is specifically optimised for high-speed Ethernet-based protocols. Compared to shorter patch leads, such as the Studiospares Standard 30cm or 60cm XLR cables, this 30m network cable offers significantly more reach for large-scale stage deployments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total length of this cable?
The Adam Hall Professional ECON CAT6A cable has a total length of 30 metres, making it suitable for medium-to-large stage runs.
What brand of connectors does this cable use?
It uses original Neutrik etherCON connectors, which are industry-standard for secure, locking network connections in professional audio.
Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the cable is highly flexible and robust, designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions.
Which series does this cable belong to in the Adam Hall range?
This cable is part of the Adam Hall 5 Star series, which denotes their high-quality, professional-grade cabling products.
What specific bulk cable is used in its construction?
The cable is manufactured using original Draka Cat.7a cable, which provides performance levels exceeding standard Cat.6 requirements.
How is the internal wiring shielded?
The cable features four individually shielded twisted wire pairs to ensure exceptional performance and reliability against interference.
What is the typical price for this 30m cable?
The typical price for this specific 30m model is approximately GBP 120.
Can this cable be used for digital mixing consoles?
Yes, its Cat.6a rating and etherCON connectors make it ideal for connecting digital stage boxes to mixing consoles.
Is the cable flexible enough for touring?
Yes, despite its robust build, the cable is designed to be highly flexible for easy routing on stage and in fixed installations.
Does this cable provide better performance than standard Cat.6?
Yes, by using Draka Cat.7a cable stock, it offers higher performance overhead and reliability compared to basic Cat.6 cables.
What makes the Neutrik etherCON connectors special?
They provide a ruggedised, locking metal shell around the network connector, preventing the fragile plastic tabs of standard RJ45s from breaking.
Can this be used for lighting control?
Yes, it is suitable for network-based lighting protocols like Art-Net or sACN that require Cat.6a specifications.