3.5mm Stereo Headphone & IEM Extension Cable – REAN, Switchcraft & Van Damme

Sometimes the cable you're least likely to think about is the one most likely to let you down.

An extension cable should simply become part of your setup. It shouldn't tug on your bodypack, introduce crackles halfway through a set or be the cable you're replacing every few months because the connectors have given up.

That's why we settled on this combination.

Why we build it this way

There are plenty of ways to build an extension cable. We settled on this combination because it strikes the right balance between durability, flexibility and everyday usability.

At the equipment end we've chosen the REAN NYS231BG. It's compact enough to sit comfortably in wireless bodypacks, headphone amplifiers and portable devices, while its metal construction and gold-plated contacts make it a connector we trust for regular use.

For the cable itself we use Van Damme Tour Grade Classic XKE. Although it's best known as a professional microphone cable, we've always liked it for headphone and IEM extensions because it's flexible, coils neatly and doesn't fight you while you're wearing it. It also offers excellent shielding and low handling noise, which is exactly what you want from a cable that's constantly moving during a performance.

At the extension end we've fitted a genuine Switchcraft 35LJNS inline socket. This is usually the part of an extension cable that receives the most plugging and unplugging, so we'd rather fit a connector that's earned its reputation over decades than save a few pounds on something less robust. Every one we build is finished with our standard black shell for a clean, consistent appearance.

It isn't simply three good components put together. It's the combination we'd normally recommend if somebody asked us to build an extension cable we'd happily use ourselves.

Performance & Build Quality

Van Damme Tour Grade Classic XKE was originally developed for professional microphone systems, but many of the characteristics that make it an excellent microphone cable also make it an excellent headphone and IEM extension. Its low capacitance, close-lapped spiral OFC screen and flexible construction help minimise handling noise while remaining comfortable to wear and easy to coil after every session.

The REAN and Switchcraft connectors complement the cable perfectly. The compact REAN mini jack sits comfortably in portable equipment and wireless bodypacks, while the robust Switchcraft inline socket is designed to cope with years of repeated connection without becoming the weak point of the assembly.

Every cable is hand assembled in our Nottingham workshop before being individually inspected and electrically tested prior to dispatch.

Key Features

• REAN NYS231BG 3.5mm stereo mini jack with gold-plated contacts
• Switchcraft 35LJNS inline stereo socket with Designacable black shell
• Van Damme Tour Grade Classic XKE microphone cable
• Available in multiple cable colours
• Choice of cable lengths
• Flexible, low handling-noise construction
• Suitable for headphones, IEMs, bodypacks and portable audio equipment
• Hand assembled in Nottingham
• Individually electrically tested before dispatch

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work with my in-ear monitor system?

Yes. It's designed for any equipment using a standard 3.5mm stereo TRS connection, including wireless IEM bodypacks, headphone amplifiers and portable audio devices.

Can I use this as a normal headphone extension cable?

Absolutely. Although it's a popular choice for in-ear monitoring, it's equally suitable as a high-quality stereo headphone extension cable for studio, hi-fi and portable audio use.

Can you build a custom version?

Yes. Every cable is built to order, so if you need a different length, connector combination or another custom requirement, just get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

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Van Damme Cable Range – Professional cable trusted throughout live sound, broadcast and recording.