Speaker cable - phase shift

[johan]

Will the different speaker wiring - a change of + from tip to ring give and change in tone? Some says yes some, impossible.


[IMG:653:375]http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk15 ... jahopp.jpg[/img]

[talbany]

Johan

The topic of phase sfifts has been brought up in great lengths here... Been There...

Phase shift in an amplifier is not absolute - just because you have an odd number of inverting stages does not mean that you have a signal 180 degrees out of phase with the input signal. Every partially-bypassed cathode stage, coupling network, tone stack, and output transformer imparts a frequency-dependent phase shift to the signal.

If you take the time to run a phase/frequency plot, you will see that it goes all over the place. In fact, you can make a passive network that will have enough phase shift to give you a complete 180 degrees, so you can have an amplifier with an odd number of inverting stages that actually will produce a signal that is in phase with the input! It won't, however, change the polarity of a transient signal, which will still be inverted.
Pedals as well as amplified return driven EFX loops can also impart a phase shift...You also need to consider acoustical phase shifts that take place depending on where your cabinet is placed within a given space (Low frequency's are less directional) as well as where you are standing..There is also a kind of phasing effect that takes place when your amp is placed a top a speaker cabinet by some members here who claim to experience such an anomaly exists..
If you can ear train yourself to recognize a phasing issue.. Keep a reverse cord handy and swap it out and see if you like it better that night.. In that room.. with that guitar.. And that rig setup..And the same amount of alcohol consumed if any..
Be my guest!!

Tony

[johan]

Thanks a lot!
I think I understand now, really!
No further questions you honor!

[dogears]

Although Tony has a point to some degree, there is an undeniable effect when comparing the reverse cable to the regular. In my considerable experience with these cables, I always prefer the reverse cable when using the Dumbleator interface. And I have humbuckers. Mind you I had a wierd experience with Dimarzio's where they had reverse polarity with Duncans, Wolfeetones, etc.....

Point is that although there are subtle phase shifts occuring, the speaker must push out or pull in first. These shifts have no effect on that IMO. But I could be wrong..... I prefer speaker pushing out first. Without fail....

I'd stick to the regular cable when using the straight amp and no tube loop.

Btw, a big hello from Prague! Typing from the hotel!

Thanks a lot!
I think I understand now, really!
No further questions you honor!

[johan]

Why not put a switch in the cab to reverse the polarity and use what sounds best.
I have a stereo cab but only use one input. Maybe a good idea to put a switch in the other hole then.

I guess it's hot in Prague too. Typing from our summer house in Sweden. Weather has been great! Not NC temperatures but anyway...

[Structo]

Yes, I think having the polarity switch on the cab would be a good thing.

[stelligan]

Why not put a switch in the cab to reverse the polarity and use what sounds best.

I have some cabs with banana sockets mounted. Makes reversing polarity at the cab a snap. Don't do much over thinking this & let your ears be your guide. You will know when it's "right" for you.

[ER]

Kimock uses banana clips with solid core wire for switching out polarity.