Topic: Copper vs milspec silver interconnect

[Tedley]

I prefer the sound of copper cables with my mics. Would using an interconnect from my pre to the recorder in milspec silver have any effect on the sound? I am using copper from the mics to the pre.

[willndmb]

in theory yes
can you hear it

[raymonda]

In theory, no. Can you hear it, yes!

[udovdh]

I prefer the sound of copper cables with my mics. Would using an interconnect from my pre to the recorder in milspec silver have any effect on the sound? I am using copper from the mics to the pre.

'milspec silver'?
Would that mean a cable made with wire solely from silver? (no copper at all)
Or silver coated copper?
I don't know, just asking.

[kirk97132]

Milspec refers to the copper plated silver like the Belden cable

[newplanet7]

I prefer the sound of copper cables with my mics. Would using an interconnect from my pre to the recorder in milspec silver have any effect on the sound? I am using copper from the mics to the pre.

'milspec silver'?
Would that mean a cable made with wire solely from silver? (no copper at all)
Or silver coated copper?
I don't know, just asking.

Silver plated copper. Sometimes nickel plated copper.
Military grade for high temps.
The cable/conductors have a Teflon insulation.

[huskerdu]

"Mil Spec" is certainly a broad description. Unless you know the exact specification that the wire was manufactured to you won't know it's true composition. If you know the spec, you can look it up at http://www.everyspec.com/library.php

[newplanet7]

We do a few military jobs at work and its quite a process.
Everything we do for them is with a few different types of mil spec wire and cable.
It is for things that are permanent installs, meaning not handled/moved, plugged or unplugged.
They have a lot of requirements also that we have to meet during assembly.
ANYWHO, that's where I had my teflon silver cable "donated" from. I still have a few hundred feet.

[Nick's Picks]

I *think* I like the sound of the silver cables.  I really feel like I can hear it..but ...never did a blind A/B test.
I know I like the feel and manageability of copper wire better.  For best of both worlds, the Belden 1804a mic/AES cable is pretty awesome.  Just pricey.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

The significance of the teflon insulation is more significant, and more measureable.

And, yet, as I recall 1804a isn't teflon.

[Nick's Picks]

nope..its rubber.

The "millspec" stuff we use has one thing going for it that is totally superior to any "audio grade" cable I've used, and that is its shielding.  WAY tighter, much more metal involved.  Some even have double shielding layers.
it adds to the stiffness of the cable, but it also is a plus in terms of doing its job.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Nick, I wasn't talking about the outer jacket (which is rubber like, and mainly just holds everything together and protects the shield), but the conductor insulation.  I assume you meant the jacket.

The 1804a has a very light shield..  And, obviously, the conductors are very fine so there isn't much conductor for long runs.

The "milspec" stuff all varies and some of it should definitely be avoided for our application.  I've bought stuff from ebay, and you really need to know what you're buying.  Stuff like how fine are the strands, how are the conductors twisted, shield construction.  Not all of that cable is teflon insulated.

I've also bought from Allied Wire and Cable.  Anyone who wants to learn more about this style of cable should dig into their catalog and familiarize yourself with what is available, the numbering scheme, etc.

And I've said it before and I'll say it again.....   We really should do a quad vs. non-quad comp.  Most of the "milspec" on ebay is not quad.  Though AWC has it.

[Nick's Picks]

my bad, I did misunderstand.

the 1804a is teflon coated, but thin.  its a star quad config, so the leads inside are very small and plyable.
I've got plenty of millspec quad, but nothing that is anywhere near the diameter we would want for mic cables.  Too thick and stiff

[it-goes-to-eleven]

the 1804a is teflon coated, but thin.

According to the specs, it is polypropylene.

[Nick's Picks]

so it is.
feels like Teflon.  snips like Teflon...my brain just took the path of least resistance.

and that is the MilSpec way...overkill.  the only thing they skimp on (usually) is the outermost jacket.  the "tape" is 100% techflex required.  the thicker coatings are good stand alone.  Imo..at least.