Re: mic cables

["Howard Chandler" <chandler@xxxxxxxxx>]

Howard,

Without getting all scientifical, the bottom line is to use a balanced low
impedance cable for long distances.  These are just as suseptable to static
electrical charges (caused by the triboelectric effect) but because the
signal travels in a differential pair, any noise common to both signal wires
is canceled when the difference in voltage is amplified.  That's why PA
mics (57's 58s etc), which are often cabled long distances to front of house
mixing boards are lo-Z.  If you're amplifying a Hi-Z mike (like a jt-30)
than I agree with Barbeque Bob.  His solution A., using two transformers
will work, but who want's to be dragging a mic cable and transformers around
where it can be stepped on or catch on something.  The wireless units seem
to be getting very reasonable in price these days.  If you like to go a
wanderin', IMO this the way to go.

Here's one for under 100 clams.  I only just looked this up on the web.
I've never used it, so this is not an endorsement.

Good luck.

Howard Chandler


- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe Mahan" <joe.mahan@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 9:01 AM
Subject: re: mic cables


>
>
> From: "Howard Herrnstadt"
>
> >I wonder if cables can be tested to show which ones have less resistance.
If
> >a cable has a lower guage wire (i.e. thicker) it might function more
> >efficiently.
>
>
> The resistance won't be much of an issue for typical cable lengths. The
> more important factor is the tribolelectric characteristic of the wire.
> Good quality microphone cable has carbon-like powdery material in between
> the shield and the insulator to reduce the tendency of the cable to act
> like a piezo pickup and create electrical noise when the cable is moved.
>
> You can do a crude comparison of the triboelectric effect in cables by
> shorting one end, plug in the other end, and wiggling the cable.
>
> Joe
>
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