Guitar cables - Why can't I find shielding specs on most cords?

[gmm52]

There's a thousand different offerings of guitar cables, but very few companies seem to furnish shielding specs. I recently bought 2 10ft Planet Waves cables only to discover that they do in fact provide the spec on their packaging, and they're 90%. Companies shouldn't even be allowed to sell cables without this spec., but in any event, does anyone know of a major brand that has 100% shielded cables?

 

[Swirling Snow]

Most stores don't list it, but the manufacturer's websites brag about it.

For audio signals, I'm not sure you need 100% shielding. There's a Faraday effect to consider. Also, loose shielding handles better.

 

[Blrfl]

100% shielding is not something you want in a cable that has to be flexed, nor is it necessary in this application.

Shielding has to be dense-enough that the open areas aren't larger than the wavelength of the interfering signal. 90% shielding on a guitar cable should be sufficient to keep out a 60 Hz signal that has a wavelength of about 3,100 miles.

 

[BryMelvin]

If you buy from a "guitar supplier" you aren't likely to get full specs. Their cables are probably actually made with different suppliers. Beleden cable one day . Chinese bargain another day. If you look fro Audio cable 1/4 phone jack from electronics suppliers (Mouser Newark etc) you will find full spec data sheets.

 

[24 track]

I usually make my own cables I will use Belden 8410 cable and Neutrix ends , Belden publishes their specs and so far the cables last

 

[Peegoo]

I'm guessing they don't advertise specs because they'd have to include a disclaimer such as, "Even though the cable is rated at 95%, attaching plugs to the ends does reduce the cable's shield specification, therefore blah blah blah, E I E I O, etc..."

It would be the same way pots, caps, and resistors have tolerances either side of spec, and most players don't really care about that.

 

[Swirling Snow]

While some of you have used the same cable so long you've given him a name, the average player will be using a new cable within the next 6 months. Rule #1: Cables break.

Belden 8410 is the de facto standard mic/audio cable. Years of professional experience tells us it's 'good enough' to get the job done. You'll note the Planet Waves is better in several respects. You don't have to spend a lot to get good cables. Just keep spares.

 

[Sea Devil]

An aside: For durabilty, I've found nothing that surpasses Whirlwind's The Leader cable. No idea of the shielding specs, but I lent one to Public Nuisance and then Missing Foundation for months back in the 90s, and it came back in working condition. If you're not familiar with either of these bands, you have no idea what they must have put it through (especially Missing Foundation, known for open flame, fireworks, riots, industrial percussion, and general mayhem). Imagine driving over a cell phone with a monster truck during a nuclear attack.

 

[G Stone496]

For audio signals, I'm not sure you need 100% shielding. There's a Faraday effect to consider.

100% shielding is not something you want in a cable that has to be flexed, nor is it necessary in this application.

Shielding has to be dense-enough that the open areas aren't larger than the wavelength of the interfering signal. 90% shielding on a guitar cable should be sufficient to keep out a 60 Hz signal that has a wavelength of about 3,100 miles.

After talking to some seasoned studio players and engineers, they recommended ProAudioLA Sommer Spirit LLX instrument cable as a good blend of lower price and top notch quality. Not sure what the shielding specs on them are, but they’re quiet cables and the sound of the guitar comes in clearer and more detailed than other cables I tried.

Sommer Spirit LLX Instrument Cable | Guitar Bass & Keyboard w/ Neutrik Gold 1/4 TS | ProAudioLA

Save money on custom cables at Pro Audio LA : Lifetime warranty included : Any length, configuration, or color. Get what you need : 323.319.5936 | Sommer Spirit LLX Instrument Cable | Guitar Bass & Keyboard w/ Neutrik Gold 1/4 TS

www.proaudiola.com

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

You don't have to spend a ton of $ for a good cable. Some high dollar ones may not be the best soundwise for your rig.