What is the primary use for this cable?

It is designed for professional audio networking, connecting digital mixing consoles to stage boxes or networked speakers over distances up to 50 metres.

What protocols is this cable compatible with?

It supports AES50, Dante, EtherSound, CobraNet, and AVB, as well as standard Ethernet data transmission.

What type of connectors does it use?

The cable uses Hirose RJ45 terminals protected by rugged Neutrik etherCON connectors for secure, tour-grade connectivity.

Does the cable have shielding?

Yes, it features dual-shielding designed to protect the digital signal from EMI, RF, and ESD interference.

Is the cable drum included?

Yes, the cable comes pre-spooled on a lightweight Schill cable drum for easy deployment and storage.

What is 'etherFLEX' cabling?

EtherFLEX is a type of ruggedised cable jacket that provides high durability for touring while maintaining excellent flexibility for handling and coiling.

Can I use this for standard internet networking?

Yes, it functions as a high-quality Cat5e Ethernet cable and can be used for general-purpose IT networking if required.

How long is the cable?

The cable is 50 metres in length, which is approximately 164 feet.

Why is dual-shielding important for audio?

Dual-shielding prevents external electrical noise from disrupting the digital data stream, which is critical for maintaining audio sync and preventing pops or dropouts.

Is the cable suitable for outdoor use?

While the dual-jacket construction is rugged and 'tour-grade,' it is designed for portable pro-audio use rather than permanent outdoor burial or extreme weather exposure.

How does the dual-jacket construction help?

The dual-jacket provides an extra layer of physical protection against abrasions and impacts, ensuring the internal twisted pairs remain intact under heavy use.

Is the Schill drum replaceable?

Schill drums are industry-standard components; while the cable comes mounted on one, the drums themselves are generally robust enough to last for years of touring.

Gear article

Klark Teknik Tour-Grade Cat5e Network Cable 50m Reel

The Klark Teknik Tour-Grade Cat5e is a 50-metre professional network cable designed for high-performance audio transmission in demanding live environments. Mounted on a lightweight Schill cable drum, it features ruggedised etherFLEX cabling and dual-shielding to ensure reliable data integrity for protocols such as AES50 and Dante.

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Overview

The Klark Teknik Tour-Grade Cat5e Network Cable is a professional-standard solution for long-distance digital audio transmission. At a length of 50 metres, this reel is engineered to meet the rigours of touring and portable professional audio applications. The system combines high-specification etherFLEX cabling with industry-standard connectors to provide a dependable link between digital consoles, stage boxes, and networked audio systems.

Design and Construction

The cable is built using a dual-jacket construction, which offers a balance between physical durability and flexible handling. This ensures that the cable can withstand being stepped on or dragged across stages while remaining easy to coil. Protection against interference is a primary focus, with dual-shielding integrated to mitigate Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Radio Frequency (RF) interference, and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). The assembly is terminated with Hirose RJ45 internal terminals housed within rugged Neutrik etherCON shells, ensuring secure, locking connections that prevent accidental disconnection.

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

Technical Applications

While compatible with general-purpose Ethernet, this cable is specifically optimised for low-latency audio networking protocols. Key supported standards include:

AES50: Commonly used in Behringer and Midas digital ecosystems.
Dante: The industry-standard for multi-channel digital media networking.
EtherSound and CobraNet: Legacy and specialised digital audio protocols.
AVB (Audio Video Bridging): For synchronised, low-latency streaming.

The 50-metre length is ideal for Front of House (FOH) to stage connections in medium-sized venues.

Handling and Portability

To facilitate rapid setup and teardown, the 50-metre cable comes pre-spooled on a genuine Schill cable drum. The drum is designed to be lightweight to reduce the physical burden on touring crews while providing a robust frame that protects the cable during transport. The etherFLEX jacket ensures that even after long periods on the reel, the cable lays flat without excessive kinking.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard office-grade Cat5e cables, the Klark Teknik Tour-Grade version offers significantly higher mechanical resistance and shielding. While shorter patch cables like the Studiospares 30cm XLR are suitable for internal rack wiring, the 50m Klark Teknik reel is intended for long-haul signal runs where signal degradation and physical wear are greater risks. Unlike basic instrument cables such as the Ernie Ball 10ft P06049, which carry analogue signals, this cable is a high-bandwidth digital data carrier capable of transporting hundreds of audio channels simultaneously.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for this cable?: It is designed for professional audio networking, connecting digital mixing consoles to stage boxes or networked speakers over distances up to 50 metres.
What protocols is this cable compatible with?: It supports AES50, Dante, EtherSound, CobraNet, and AVB, as well as standard Ethernet data transmission.
What type of connectors does it use?: The cable uses Hirose RJ45 terminals protected by rugged Neutrik etherCON connectors for secure, tour-grade connectivity.
Does the cable have shielding?: Yes, it features dual-shielding designed to protect the digital signal from EMI, RF, and ESD interference.
Is the cable drum included?: Yes, the cable comes pre-spooled on a lightweight Schill cable drum for easy deployment and storage.
What is 'etherFLEX' cabling?: EtherFLEX is a type of ruggedised cable jacket that provides high durability for touring while maintaining excellent flexibility for handling and coiling.
Can I use this for standard internet networking?: Yes, it functions as a high-quality Cat5e Ethernet cable and can be used for general-purpose IT networking if required.
How long is the cable?: The cable is 50 metres in length, which is approximately 164 feet.
Why is dual-shielding important for audio?: Dual-shielding prevents external electrical noise from disrupting the digital data stream, which is critical for maintaining audio sync and preventing pops or dropouts.
Is the cable suitable for outdoor use?: While the dual-jacket construction is rugged and 'tour-grade,' it is designed for portable pro-audio use rather than permanent outdoor burial or extreme weather exposure.
How does the dual-jacket construction help?: The dual-jacket provides an extra layer of physical protection against abrasions and impacts, ensuring the internal twisted pairs remain intact under heavy use.
Is the Schill drum replaceable?: Schill drums are industry-standard components; while the cable comes mounted on one, the drums themselves are generally robust enough to last for years of touring.