Running eight analog audio channels one cable at a time quickly becomes messy. A well-designed multicore keeps the same signal paths organised inside one cable assembly, reduces connector clutter and makes studio, rack and stage wiring much easier to understand.

The Scale SG8 series is built around eight balanced analog channels and is available in DB25, XLR and TRS configurations. The DB25 versions use the TASCAM analog DB25 pinout, while the fanout versions provide clearly separated, numbered channels for direct connection to interfaces, converters, mixers, patchbays and outboard equipment.

These are not basic throwaway looms. Across the range, Scale uses 24 AWG copper conductors, individually shielded channels, hand-soldered terminations, durable connector hardware and protected fanouts. The entire SG8 range is also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Scale SG8 multicore cables at a glance

Prices and availability checked on 21 September 2026 for Spain, in EUR. All eight SG8 models were in stock at that check. Prices and availability can change.

Premium construction at surprisingly accessible pricing

One of the strongest aspects of the SG8 range is the relationship between construction and price. These cables use details normally associated with professional permanent wiring: 24 AWG copper conductors, individual shielding, hand-soldered terminations, metal D-sub hardware, protected fanouts and a lifetime warranty.

The SG8 range is priced surprisingly close to many simpler multicore solutions while offering a construction specification aimed at long-term professional use. The SG8-DSTR, for example, starts at €70.19 and combines eight balanced channels with hand-soldered terminations, individual shielding, protected fanouts and a lifetime warranty.

The point is not that connector branding alone determines sound quality. It is that build quality matters in a multicore that may live behind a rack for years, be disconnected repeatedly, or carry eight channels at once. Good shielding, robust terminations, strain protection and reliable connector hardware are practical features—not cosmetic extras.

What is a multicore cable?

A multicore cable combines several independent audio channels inside one outer cable assembly. In the SG8 series, there are eight balanced analog channels. Instead of running eight separate cables between two racks, an interface and a patchbay, or a console and outboard equipment, one multicore carries the group together.

The advantage is mainly practical. Cable routes become easier to follow, racks are cleaner, setup time is reduced and related channels stay together. This is particularly useful in studios where eight-channel microphone preamps, converters and interfaces are common.

Why DB25 is so common in professional audio

A single 25-pin D-sub connector can carry eight balanced analog audio channels, which makes it ideal for equipment where rear-panel space is limited.

The Scale DB25 models use the TASCAM DB-25 analog pinout. TASCAM documents this layout as compliant with AES59-2012, with one DB25 connector carrying eight balanced analog channels.

DB25 to DB25: the cleanest rack connection

The Scale SG8-DS is the simplest version: TASCAM-standard DB25 at both ends. It is designed for equipment that already provides compatible eight-channel analog D-sub connections on both devices.

Typical examples include connecting an eight-channel converter to a patchbay, an audio interface to summing or monitoring equipment, or two compatible rack units without individual fanout connectors. Because all eight channels remain inside a single cable from end to end, this is usually the cleanest solution when both pieces of equipment support the same standard.

The SG8-DS uses 24 AWG conductors, all-metal D-sub shells, hand-soldered terminations and metal thumbscrews. It is available in 1 m and 3 m lengths.

DB25 fanouts: when one side uses XLR or TRS

A DB25 fanout keeps the compact eight-channel connection at the rack end while separating the other end into eight individual connectors. The SG8 DB25 fanout models use a 40 cm Techflex braided section to keep the individual tails organised and protected.

SG8-DSM — DB25 to male XLR

The SG8-DSM breaks a TASCAM-standard DB25 connection out to eight male XLR connectors. It is useful when the DB25 side is feeding equipment with individual XLR inputs.

SG8-FDS — female XLR to DB25

The SG8-FDS provides eight female XLR connectors and a DB25 connection. This is useful for bringing eight individual XLR outputs into a compatible DB25 analog input.

SG8-DSTR — DB25 to TRS

The SG8-DSTR provides eight balanced TRS connectors on the fanout. It is a practical choice for interfaces, patchbays, mixers or outboard units that use balanced 1/4-inch line connections rather than XLR.

XLR and TRS multicore cables without DB25

Not every rack uses DB25. The SG8 range also includes conventional fanout-to-fanout assemblies for connecting eight channels directly between XLR and TRS equipment.

These models use individually shielded, numbered channels and 40 cm Techflex-protected fanouts. The custom XLR and TRS connectors use gold contacts, and the terminations are hand-soldered.

SG8-FM — female XLR to male XLR

The SG8-FM is the straightforward XLR-to-XLR option. It is well suited to eight-channel connections between racks, stage equipment, preamps and other balanced XLR devices.

SG8-FTR — female XLR to TRS

The SG8-FTR connects eight female XLR channels to eight balanced TRS connectors. This configuration is useful where an XLR-equipped device needs to connect to a line-level interface, converter or patchbay using TRS.

SG8-TRM — TRS to male XLR

The SG8-TRM provides the complementary connector arrangement: eight TRS plugs to eight male XLR connectors.

SG8-TRS — TRS to TRS

The SG8-TRS keeps all eight channels on balanced TRS connectors at both ends. It is particularly useful for patchbays, interfaces and line-level rack equipment that use 1/4-inch balanced connections throughout.

Why conductor size and shielding matter

The SG8 multicore range uses 24 AWG copper conductors. In a multicore, the cable has to balance electrical performance with physical flexibility: it needs enough conductor area for reliable analog signal transmission while remaining practical to route through racks and studios.

Each channel is individually shielded. This matters because eight independent analog signals are running alongside each other inside the same outer assembly. Proper shielding helps reduce interference from neighbouring channels and external RF or electromagnetic sources.

For fanout models, the individual channels are also numbered. That sounds like a small detail, but it makes a large difference during installation and troubleshooting. Channel 1 at one end should be immediately identifiable as channel 1 at the other end without tracing cables manually.

Balanced analog audio: XLR, TRS and DB25 are different formats for the same job

At line level, balanced XLR, balanced TRS and TASCAM-standard analog DB25 can all carry the same type of balanced analog audio signal. The connector changes, but the underlying principle remains the same: each channel uses hot, cold and shield/ground conductors.

This means the choice between the SG8 models should usually be based on the connectors fitted to the equipment—not on the assumption that one connector format inherently sounds better than another.

Three practical studio setups

1. Audio interface to analog patchbay

If both units provide TASCAM-standard DB25 analog connections, the SG8-DS keeps the connection simple: one DB25 plug at each end and eight balanced channels inside the cable.

If the interface uses DB25 but the patchbay uses balanced TRS, the SG8-DSTR provides the required breakout without adding adapters.

2. Eight-channel preamp to audio interface

If the preamp provides eight individual XLR outputs and the interface accepts a TASCAM-standard DB25 input, the SG8-FDS is the natural connector combination.

If both devices use individual XLR connectors, the SG8-FM keeps the eight channels together without requiring a DB25 connection at all.

3. TRS-based outboard rack

For racks where both devices use balanced TRS, the SG8-TRS provides eight channels in one organised loom. For XLR-to-TRS routing, choose the FTR or TRM configuration according to the connector genders required by the equipment.

Check signal direction before ordering

Audio signals themselves are not aware of connector gender, but the equipment sockets are. With XLR fanouts, check whether the device uses male or female XLR connectors for the required input or output before ordering.

The model names help identify the connector arrangement:

• DS — D-sub to D-sub
• DSM — D-sub to male XLR fanout
• DSTR — D-sub to TRS fanout
• FDS — female XLR fanout to D-sub
• FM — female XLR to male XLR
• FTR — female XLR to TRS
• TRM — TRS to male XLR
• TRS — TRS to TRS

Choose the shortest practical length

More length is useful when equipment is physically separated, but unnecessary cable adds bulk behind a rack. The DB25 models are offered in shorter rack-friendly lengths, while the XLR/TRS fanout models are available in longer 3 m and 5 m versions for installations that need more reach.

Measure the actual cable route rather than the straight-line distance. Include the path down the side of a rack, around cable management and enough slack to connect or service the equipment without pulling on the connectors.

Built for repeatable professional wiring

Across the SG8 range, the focus is consistent: eight balanced channels, durable outer construction, individually protected channels, hand-soldered connections and connector formats designed for common professional audio equipment.

The DB25 versions use all-metal D-sub shells and metal thumbscrews. The XLR/TRS fanouts use braided Techflex protection for the individual tails, and the SG8 assemblies include two reusable cable straps. Combined with hand-soldered terminations, individual shielding and the lifetime warranty, the construction is aimed at long-term professional use rather than minimum-cost assembly.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Scale DB25 multicore cables TASCAM standard?

Yes. The SG8 DB25 models are wired to the TASCAM analog DB25 pin configuration. TASCAM identifies this pinout as AES59-2012 compliant and uses one DB25 connector for eight balanced analog channels.

Can I use any DB25 cable for analog audio?

No. The physical DB25 connector is used for several different wiring standards and applications. Confirm that both the cable and equipment use the TASCAM/AES59 analog pinout. A DB25 cable intended for AES/EBU digital audio, control or another pinout may look identical but is not automatically compatible.

Does DB25 sound different from XLR or TRS?

Not simply because of the connector format. When correctly wired and used with compatible balanced analog equipment, DB25, XLR and TRS are different physical ways of carrying balanced signals. Cable construction, shielding, termination quality and the connected equipment matter more than the connector shape alone.

How many channels does one DB25 analog cable carry?

With the TASCAM/AES59 analog pinout used by the SG8 range, one 25-pin D-sub carries eight balanced analog audio channels.

What is the difference between SG8-DSM and SG8-FDS?

Both combine DB25 with XLR fanouts, but the XLR gender is different. SG8-DSM uses eight male XLR connectors, while SG8-FDS uses eight female XLR connectors. Match the cable to the input/output connectors on your equipment.

What length should I choose?

Use the shortest length that reaches comfortably while allowing sensible cable routing and service slack. Shorter cables keep racks tidier; longer versions are useful when equipment is spread across several racks or positions.

ScaleNordic product information and availability were checked on 21 September 2026. TASCAM documentation identifies its eight-channel balanced analog DB25 layout as the TASCAM DB-25 Pinout Standard and AES59-2012 compliant. Always verify the pinout and analog/digital application of both connected devices before using a DB25 cable.