Solved Mic cable length

[pezking]

"Directionality: All cables are directional, from hardware store electrical cable to the finest pure silver cables. All AudioQuest cables are marked for direction. With other cables it might be necessary to simply listen to the cables in one direction and then the other. The difference will be clear- in the correct direction the music is more relaxed, pleasant and believable. While cable directionality is not fully understood, it is clear that the molecular structure of drawn metal is not symmetrical, providing a physical explanation for the existence of directionality."
http://www.audioquest.com/pdfs/aq_cable_theory.pdf

There was me thinking you meant the phase of the cable.

This is (no offence) the biggest load of rubbish I have read in quite a while. There is absolutely no truth to this claim.

There is a minute bit of truth in Cable Burn-In - static charge build up in the insulator between conductors can give an increase in noise. However most cables these days have a semi-conductor between the conductor and sheath meaning the build up of any static charge would not affect the sound quality.

In truth, the cable burn-in service and the directionality are blatant lies, generally aimed at the somewhat gullible HiFi enthusiasts (not that all HiFi enthusiasts are gullible) to persuade them:

1. they need to buy their product to make their equipment sound better; and
2. without their product they look less "professional"

These are another such gimmick based on a similarly minute piece of truth: http://www.highendcable.co.uk/Cable%20Tower%20Home.htm

Buy something because YOU need or want it, not because the manufacturer has told you that you need it!

 

[Innovations]

Back to the original question (cable burning...sheesh)

In general do not get cables longer than what you need. The reason is not just economical but that the natural thing to do is to coil up the extra, and that makes it easy to induce hum into a signal.

 

[boingoman]

The reason is not just economica but that the natural thing to do is to coil up the extra, and that makes it easy to induce hum into a signal.

If you are running balanced lines and coiling a cable induces a hum, your gear really sucks, since the point of balancing is to block induced noise.

 

[Innovations]

If you are running balanced lines and coiling a cable induces a hum, your gear really sucks, since the point of balancing is to block induced noise.

True, but why invite trouble?

 

[pezking]

If you are running balanced lines and coiling a cable induces a hum, your gear really sucks, since the point of balancing is to block induced noise.

It depends on where the interference originates. If it's far away then a standard 2 legged balanced cable would be fine. If the interference originates close by, the intensity will be higher. The protection offered by twin core balanced isn't necessarily enough when the interference is close by - starquad cable would be advised. Such an instance would be when there are a considerable number of thyristors (used in light dimmers) in close proximity - e.g. in a concert hall.

Coiling the cable will not affect the induced noise.

 

[boingoman]

Coiling the cable will not affect the induced noise.

That's been my experience too- if you get an induced hum in a mic cable, it makes little difference if it's laid out, coiled up, or knitted into a sweater.

I've also found that it makes little difference if your AC and mic cables run together, that whole thing about only crossing AC lines at a right angle seems a bit ridiculous to me.

That oughta get some comments.

 

[bubbagump]

I would personally stay away from Canare Star Quad. It was VERY disappointing cable for the money.

I am the exact opposite. I think Canare and Neutrik are great... especially Neutrik. I can't stand how Switchcraft crimps onto the cable insulation. Ick. Diffrn't strokes.

 

[pezking]

I've also found that it makes little difference if your AC and mic cables run together, that whole thing about only crossing AC lines at a right angle seems a bit ridiculous to me.

That's correct. Provided the induced interference is identical in each leg of the circuit no interference will ever make it past the transformer (or pair of resistors) in any piece of equipment.

Of course it's not possible to ensure that the interference will be precisely the same in both legs but balancing gets pretty close.

 

[boingoman]

That's correct. Provided the induced interference is identical in each leg of the circuit no interference will ever make it past the transformer (or pair of resistors) in any piece of equipment.

Of course it's not possible to ensure that the interference will be precisely the same in both legs but balancing gets pretty close.

Which is why Starquad works better in some situations, there is a better chance of induced noise being the same amplitude on both legs.

 

[boingoman]

I am the exact opposite. I think Canare and Neutrik are great... especially Neutrik. I can't stand how Switchcraft crimps onto the cable insulation. Ick. Diffrn't strokes.

I'm cool with Canare, but not for live work. The jacket doesn't hold up. Same for Mogami.

 

[crazydoc]

There was me thinking you meant the phase of the cable.

This is (no offence) the biggest load of rubbish I have read in quite a while. There is absolutely no truth to this claim.

There is a minute bit of truth in Cable Burn-In - static charge build up in the insulator between conductors can give an increase in noise. However most cables these days have a semi-conductor between the conductor and sheath meaning the build up of any static charge would not affect the sound quality.

In truth, the cable burn-in service and the directionality are blatant lies, generally aimed at the somewhat gullible HiFi enthusiasts (not that all HiFi enthusiasts are gullible) to persuade them:

1. they need to buy their product to make their equipment sound better; and
2. without their product they look less "professional"

These are another such gimmick based on a similarly minute piece of truth: http://www.highendcable.co.uk/Cable%20Tower%20Home.htm

Buy something because YOU need or want it, not because the manufacturer has told you that you need it!

Thanks for that link - I think it solves our cable problems. Here's one that consists of 8 (yup - 8!) specially treated and wrapped conductors, and claims to transmit at over 87% of the speed of light. Think of the signal clarity that engenders, not to mention being able to hear your results lickity-split!
http://www.highendcable.co.uk/Nordost VALHALLA interconnect.htm

And the price is right too - $3700 for a pair of 1.5m cables (XLR will be a little extra). You can call Dave (01775 761880) to discuss longer lengths.

"Valhalla interconnect is extremely fast at over 87% the speed of light. When it comes to transmitting wide bandwidth at incredible speed this cable is state of the art. This gives incredible transient response so that no musical detail is lost. This allows one to follow complex and difficult recordings with ease."

 

[boingoman]

And the price is right too - $3700 for a pair of 1.5m cables (XLR will be a little extra). You can call Dave (01775 761880) to discuss longer lengths.

How am I supposed to feel comfortable with an XLR upgrade that is only "a little extra"? An upgrade like that should easily be $300 to pay for the time they need to spend aligning the molecules in the shell and phase-compensating the strain relief.

 

[cusebassman]

I've been really impressed with the quad cables from www.audiopile.net

They are made in korea and have neutrik-like connectors (not the real thing). The build quality is good, the cable itself is very supple, and I have no complaints about the sound or price.

For a little more, you can get www.redco.com to make you cables with various wire and connectors of your choosing.

Was about to recommend redco myself, as they made some great stuff for me for a decent price.

 

[tom18222]

www.speakerrepair.com


fucking great cables. cheap too.