[Harp-L] Re: Cables: Are there really any sonic differences

[BluzeHarp@xxxxxxx]

The cable thread is mixing several points as if they are the  same.  
 
Cable length:  This does affect performance in all hi-z  applications.  It 
is easily measurable, and is audible to  most human ears in some but not all 
situations.  Most that  are hearing challenged are likely to detect a 
difference between a 10  foot & a 50 foot cable of otherwise the same 
construction, more so  if the cable has a lot of capacitance or other  performance 
issues.  Deafness at specific frequencies will of  course cause some to hear no 
differences, but your audience  might.  Additional length is also a bigger 
antenna for external noise  sources such as neon lights, power cables, 
transformer fields, wireless  transmissions etc...
 
Cable Construction / Quality:  I agree with Rick that many  of the high 
quality cables will sound similar or even the same.  I agree  with others that 
a cheap cable can sound just as good in some  circumstances.  However, 
'better' quality cables almost always have  superior shielding characteristics.  
Side by side comparison in a 'clean'  environment maybe(?) not much 
difference.  Real world on a stage along side  of power lines & other interference 
sources you  want good shielding to keep the noise out of your signal path.   
What shielding there is on cheap cables typically isn't well bonded,  step 
on it a few times, or even flex it a lot & the shielding can begin  to pull 
apart beneath the outer jacket. You won't see it, but your cable becomes  
more susceptible to external noise.  Flexibility is another factor, stiff  
cables aren't fun to work with.
 
Tip:  Make sure your cable isn't running side by side up  against a power 
cord.  This close proximity can induce AC  hum.  If you need to cross a power 
line over any audio cable do so at  as sharp an angle as possible.
 
Not much mention of durability so far.  One comment about a mic  dropping 
to the floor illustrated the need for a cable to be well  constructed.  Even 
if your mic is safe from dropping, a cable that is  cheaply/poorly 
constructed is much more likely to leave you high &  dry mid-solo.  Look for high 
quality connectors, sturdy strain relief,  and in the cases where it is 
observable... good soldering  practices.
 
This is the bulk wire I recommend, Mogami Neglex W2534.  I use it for my 
custom screw fitting cables: 
_http://www.mogamicable.com/category/bulk/microphone/quad/_ (http://www.mogamicable.com/category/bulk/microphone/quad/)     
It is flexible at all temperatures, durable, great shielding, conductor 
jacket  doesn't melt or shrink during soldering.  Carried at some Guitar Center  
stores at about 1 dollar per foot.  Ok if you like something  else, just 
offering what works best for me & many happy  clients.
 
Christopher Richards  -  Twin Tone Harmonica Microphones
www. harmonicaplanet.com