[Harp-L] Re: Which cable do you use

[BluzeHarp@xxxxxxx]

Depends on the application.  For lo-z mics cable length  is NOT a factor.  
Assuming the quality is good & things are  properly routed, cable runs of 
100 feet have no appreciable loss.
 
For low impedance:   Better quality guitar cables are fine for  hi-z 1/4" 
connections.  If you need an unbalanced screw  fitting cable for a JT-30 or 
modified Shure bullet, Shure 585 etc...  then there are a few of customizers 
including myself that  can fabricate a good quality one for you in any 
specified length.  I  use expensive high end Mogami OFC wire, silver solder, self 
gluing heat  shrink + Switchcraft & other high quality fittings.   I think 
Gregg Heumann offers one that is similar.  By reading  Chuck Gurney's 
marketing his look to be ok too.  I don't know of any  others (but there may be 
some) which are anywhere close to the same  overall quality.  Haven't had one 
in my hands but hear from many  owners that the "Roadhouse" cable from 
Hohner is cheaply constructed.   When it fails they come to me for one that will 
hold up to the rigors  typically imposed by a touring musician.
 
Avoid all cables with a braided 'tweed' outer jacket.   The synthetic tweed 
rubs against the rubber sheath below and generates a  tiny electrical 
charge.  This induces capacitance into the cable; think  about rubbing a balloon 
on your head & the resulting static.   While the outer layer of 'tweed' may 
offer some small additional  protection, it is there for mostly 
cosmetic/marketing reasons, it will  likely degrade your signal.
 
A major cable manufacturer once did a study on length vs signal  
degradation.  The published result was that 18.5 feet was the max for stage  use 
before effects were discernable.  They used to sell 18.5 foot  cables but (this 
part is speculation) lost sales to the manufacturers  selling 20 footers, so 
went back to 20 feet for purely marketing  reasons.  Due to crowd noise, hum 
from lighting + other extrainous  factors, a typical club gig is not likely 
to allow anyone in the  audience to hear the difference between an 18 & 20 
foot cable in  a hi-z application.  I recommend 18.5 feet & would not go  
longer than 20 feet for hi-z stage use.
 
For critical RECORDING applications, a hi-z mic cable should be  of the 
best possible quality and no more than 10 feet in length.   Nuances that can't 
be heard on a live stage can be easily discernable during the  mastering 
process of studio tracks.  Skimping here WILL result in a  lesser quality 
finished product.
 
More on this topic in my free Harp Mic Buyers Guide.  Request a copy  at 
harmonicaplanet.com 
 
Christopher Richards
Twin Tone Harmonica Microphones
_www.harmonicaplanet.com_ (http://www.harmonicaplanet.com)    .