Topic: The AKG Active Project - 2

[terrapinj]

I'm really surprised we don't get more reports of RF/cell interferance on TS.  For a while it seemed like most of the few reports we were getting involved the Marantz 660.  Not sure if it was that recorder or the combo of gear typically used with it....

I've long wondered whether quad cable would provide better rejection than single pair... But the problem has been surprisingly minor enough that nobody seems to have bothered doing testing.

My cell noise experiences have been MK46 cables>460 bodies>interconnect(silver clad stuff)>722. When I use the V3 and no MK46 cable, ie: 461's>silver clad mic cables>V3(analog out)>722, I get no cell noise.

same here - i use the same interconnects and have no issues when not running the mk46 cables - and although i don't get interference all the time it definitely seems to happen more often than not

[esteyes]

if you cut up one of the mk46 cables you will see that the shield is not like what you are used to seeing when you work with most star quad or other cables used for XLR cable making. it is not the typical braided shield. it is a single direction wrap. i could see how EMI or RF energy could possibly get thru the shield if their proximity were close enuff.

also, even tho members state their cables are "fine", maybe the presence of RF noise is an indicator that the shield strands are breaking and in reality the cable is showing its age....

food for thought, maybe

neil

[F.O.Bean]

also, even tho members state their cables are "fine", maybe the presence of RF noise is an indicator that the shield strands are breaking and in reality the cable is showing its age....

sounds like a reasonable and logical explanation to me! Damn its nice having an EE person who seems to know their SHIT WELL on the boards I really hope the AKG 480 Actives becomes a reality sooner than later and that technology-wise, a solution can be found for it/them Keep up the great work Neil

Bean

[rokpunk]

just a thought.........




3 pole female EMC-XLR cable connector

The EMC-XLR Series is a specifically designed version of the XX series to give enhanced RF screening for critical applications in live performance and recording where there are particular problems with radio transmission or mobile phones. The design guarantees a continuous RF shield connection from the cable to the chassis connector housing via a circular capacitor around the cable shield. An EMI suppression ferrite bead between pin 1 and the cable screen provides a low-pass filter for improved RF rejection.

Features & Benefits

3 pole male and female XLR cable connector with integrated capacitive shield to shell connection
Circular capacitor around the cable shield enables low-inductive shield connection to connector housing
Female connector with circumferential ground spring providing an accurate connection to the mating shell
Cable shield - Pin 1 connection includes EMI suppression bead to block high frequencies
Avoid ground loops as there is no LF-shield connection to ground
Rugged zinc diecast shell, long lasting and durable
Chuck type strain relief system for secure clamping of cables
Boot with rubber gland gives high protection against bending stresses

[ts]

Nice find. Now I'm wondering if these "chopped" right angle XLR's, that so many of us use with the 722's, are part of the RF problem. Wonder if that Neutrik comes in a right angle.

[bluegrass_brad]

Nice find. Now I'm wondering if these "chopped" right angle XLR's, that so many of us use with the 722's, are part of the RF problem. Wonder if that Neutrik comes in a right angle.

Been using those the whole time Ive had my MK46's, no RF problems.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

What RF problem? 

Fwiw, the stubbies are definitely a high risk of RF because the back side is completely open. I've thought about covering it with a metal disk but haven't noticed a problem...

Of course we could have subtle rf problems that don't manifest with big spikes, etc.

[terrapinj]

Nice find. Now I'm wondering if these "chopped" right angle XLR's, that so many of us use with the 722's, are part of the RF problem. Wonder if that Neutrik comes in a right angle.

never used those before and i still have problems - ive had them on multiple sets of interconnects that don't give me issues otherwise. problem is definitely either the mk46 cables or the ckXx caps

[it-goes-to-eleven]

As Neil described, the mk46 cables are a wrap shield.  That type of shield can be very good but it is the wrong choice for active cable.  It is NOT designed for rough handling.  So it isn't surprising that folks are having trouble with it as it ages.

[willndmb]

i don't know if its related or what kind of cable is used for the 39x actives
but the few people i know who had those ran into trouble after a while too
not so much rf but more skips and just not getting s signal - prob from wrapping them up and whatnot

[terrapinj]

As Neil described, the mk46 cables are a wrap shield.  That type of shield can be very good but it is the wrong choice for active cable.  It is NOT designed for rough handling.  So it isn't surprising that folks are having trouble with it as it ages.

ignorant question here - can the shielding be improved by changing the type of cable or is it dependent on the connections on each end of the cable?

[spreadheadtom]

Todd.....can the cable that you used to make these extensions not work?

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Changing the cable should fix it unless there is an issue with the ends.  The signal on the active cable is unbalanced so it is even more susceptible to noise than a balanced mic.  Schoeps uses Very heavy shielding on their active cable that is heavier than most mic cable.  The shielding in 1804a is very light but it is braided.

[Todd R]

Todd.....can the cable that you used to make these extensions not work?

Sorry Tommy, I'm not understanding the question.

[spreadheadtom]

Todd.....can the cable that you used to make these extensions not work?

Sorry Tommy, I'm not understanding the question.

what are the cables made of that you used to make the extension cables for the JKLabs cables?  Can that same type of cable not be used for this project?