Shielded Guitar Cable Wiring?

[The Ballzz]

Some possibly silly questions from a guy who SHOULD know the answers, about using mic cable with 2 center conductors plus a shield for guitar patch cables! The reason I'm asking is that I'm looking at purchasing ONE kind of cable in bulk that can be well used for multiple purposes.

Let's start with the configuration of the wire in question. It is Whirlwind WMKPVC Accusonic+2. This cable is pretty darned durable, flexible and fairly easy to work with and I really like it for portable sound mic cable applications:

http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/bulk-co ... udio-cable

Now I can see several ways to wire this to a 1/4 inch TS connector at each end I am wondering which is best and why:

A) Both center conductors (black & white) connected to tip at both ends of cable. Braided shield connected to sleeve at both ends.
B) One center conductor (white) connected to tip at both ends. Other center conductor (black) connected to sleeve along with the copper braided shield at both ends.
C) One center conductor (white) connected to tip at both ends. The other center conductor (black) connected to sleeve at both ends, but braided shield only connected to sleeve at one end.

I've tried this wire and similar products in all three configurations and noticed not much difference, but would be interested to understand the technical, theoretical and practical implications of each. FWIW, I have a Whirlwind account that makes purchasing through them fairly attractive. Note that they also wholesale many Belden products to their dealers. Any and all suggested comments, observations, comments and opinions from hands on experience would be sincerely appreciated.
Thank You Ladies & Sirs,
Gene

[Deric]

I've tried this wire and similar products in all three configurations and noticed not much difference

Me too.

I use similar cable for both mic and guitar. I wire them like like option "A".

[The Ballzz]

I've tried this wire and similar products in all three configurations and noticed not much difference

Me too.

I use similar cable for both mic and guitar. I wire them like like option "A".

Well,
For years I've done the same, but now that I'm using some higher gain amp settings and doing some recording, I'm noticing a bit of "handling" noise and contemplating making even slight improvements.
Thanks 4 The Reply,
Gene

[pdf64]

In theory, 'C' should provide the best performance (the shield to ground connection should be at the amp input, so cables will need to be marked to facilitate correct orientation).
This document has been a godsend to me, since I became aware of it ~25 years ago http://www.rane.com/note110.html

Bear in mind that twin core cables are unlikely to be optimised for super low capacitance, (super low capacitance is often beneficial where there's a direct connection to a guitar).

[Leo_Gnardo]

In theory, 'C' should provide the best performance (the shield to ground connection should be at the amp input, so cables will need to be marked to facilitate correct orientation).

I agree, (C) shield served only at the amp end with dual-core or 4-core. The idea being, any noise picked up by the braid will go to amp chassis ground and not be mixed with the guitar signal. In practical use I can't say I've ever heard a difference, but you may if you're in a hum-noisy environment and paying close attention.

It's annoying to have cables that crackle when you move or step on them. Funny it seems some of the cable advertised to the "golden ears" society years ago could be counted on to do this. I tossed in the towel on all that fancy stuff, quad-core cable, double reisen-shield, litz wire, and the like about 20 years ago. And don't mention M-----r brand. Plain old Conquest USA-1 for me since then. Affordable, tough, and flexy enough for just about anything.

[The Ballzz]

In theory, 'C' should provide the best performance (the shield to ground connection should be at the amp input, so cables will need to be marked to facilitate correct orientation).

I agree, (C) shield served only at the amp end with dual-core or 4-core. The idea being, any noise picked up by the braid will go to amp chassis ground and not be mixed with the guitar signal. In practical use I can't say I've ever heard a difference, but you may if you're in a hum-noisy environment and paying close attention.

It's annoying to have cables that crackle when you move or step on them. Funny it seems some of the cable advertised to the "golden ears" society years ago could be counted on to do this. I tossed in the towel on all that fancy stuff, quad-core cable, double reisen-shield, litz wire, and the like about 20 years ago. And don't mention M-----r brand. Plain old Conquest USA-1 for me since then. Affordable, tough, and flexy enough for just about anything.

My experience and opposing understanding of the "theory" agree completely with both of you guys! I have always used method "A" when utilizing 2 conductor mic cable for guitar cords, but.......

I read that Rane article back in the 80's/early 90's and while they certainly go into great detail about the why's and wherefore's, I have found it to not always be the case in all situations. Some manufacturers "float" the ground either at the input of their gear or the output or neither or both. Some others tie the balanced "negative" (usually pin-3 XLR or ring of TRS) to ground and choose to only do it at the input or output! Certainly in the "balanced line level" world, it can be quite daunting marrying different brands of equipment in a noise free fashion!

Here is a link to a site with some very interesting info, charts and specs:

http://www.shootoutguitarcables.com

And here's a link to a similar discussion to what we're having, at the Marshall forum:

http://www.marshallforum.com/workbench/ ... iring.html

It all leaves me with more questions than answers! All I'm really trying to accomplish is to send guitar signal to an amp with minimal noise and the least capacitance possible!

Thanks For The Thoughts,
Gene

[Phil_S]

I've been told for guitar cable, the shield should provide at least 90% coverage.

[Structo]

The higher quality guitar cables employ full braided shielding and an additional
conductive sleeve (usually black) that wraps the center conductor insulation.

It is designed to minimize handling noise and errant footsteps.

Just be sure to trim the black film back from the center conductor when soldering the center conductor to the plug or bad things will happen.