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Thread: Bgw amp plus eq for free!

  1. #481
    Senior Member RMC's Avatar
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    SOME CABLES AND CONNECTORS

    Latest trip to dealer i added some more Neutrik connectors to my stock. Heard at the time something that i didn't like, dealer wondering if some connectors might be discontinued since their automatic replenishment of those by distributor is not being done for certain models i happen to like. Didn't smell good. Whatever the reason i didn't want to be left with the models i don't like as over time i have many more cable assemblies to make.

    So recently checking Neutrik's web site only confirms the bad news. They discontinued the whole C series (7 models), like NP3C 1/4" TRS; NP2C 1/4" TS and other similar ones. These are good 1/4" connectors i often use, specially the balanced NP3C. Neutrik's bean counter decided he'd seen those long enough i guess. Its a damn shame to pretend, like Neutrik does, the replacement PX series (NP3X and NP2X) is an improvement. Its a joke.

    Owning a pair of those NP3X to look at and test, they're not worth my time, except maybe for someone using a very small cable such as Canare L-2B2AT. Too much assembly time wasted "fighting" with this too small body connector using normal size cable. Not using that pair its a low ball from Neutrik bean counter. Granted in a tight patchbay one might find it acceptable, can't think of another usefulness with actual normal user cables.

    I wouldn't be surprised they'll also discontinue in the near future older XLRs NC3MX and NC3FX i also use, since Neutrik already released replacement models NC3MXX and NC3FXX, that most local professionals simply refuse to purchase! If i'm ever short of NP3C, NC3MX or NC3FX then i'll simply switch the shorter Canare cable assemblies i kept to longer Provo installation cable. This won't be a pain the connectors i used with Canare were mostly good old Swiss made Neutriks that last for life. Don't intend to use the newer models the mfr is pushing. Nein!

    Richard

    91 Neutriks all in, 1/4" and XLRs. Might seem crazy but when i'm done there won't be many left, maybe spares. I want to avoid unplugging cables from say crossover A to use them on crossover B and do the same for EQs, amps, etc. wasting time with plug/unplug for each move. Every device having its own wiring, that leaves turning the switches/pots on or off...
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  2. #482
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  3. #483
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  4. #484
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  5. #485
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  6. #486
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    Needed some more solder so went to local electronics store, then saw they had a small roll of installation cable i like left (32 ft), therefore picked it up too, though not in need of this now, but the way things are going that cable might become B/O ("supply chain issues" being the trend) or gets discontinued like so many things these days.

    Two conductors (twisted pair) wrapped in foil shield plus drain wire in contact with the shield drains the unwanted to ground. I don't really like the cable my dealer uses/sells for installations, it looks more like a smaller size microphone cable with a braided shield.

    Richard

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  7. #487
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    yes. looks like microphone cable for permanent installs. 20ga, so perhaps intended for longer runs. I have a small spool of that somewhere. Handy to have around.

  8. #488
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    Hi grumpy,

    Thanks for the input. I normally use 20-22 ga in my installations and the cable size/weight remains relatively small which i like. I also have similar type cables but in 18 ga and consider this overkill in view of distances implicated up to now (2 meters), haven't used those 18 ga yet.

    Btw, and for comparison purpose only, Eargle mentions in Handbook of Sound System Design page 166, the standard, quality mic cable uses a pair of 24 AWG conductors. And from me, i noted that cheaper mic cables often use smaller 26 AWG conductors i try to avoid. I know the 20 ga balanced (or 22 ga) isn't necessary for my lengths, never had this issue with Canare's 25 ga, but the lesser resistance of the cable available doesn't hurt either. So in my case kind of a doesn't really help much but doesn't hurt type of thing. 20 ga cost involved was not a problem.

    Richard
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  9. #489
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    Was rainy recently so it was a good time to make some more cables i haven't had time to do before.

    Previously shown here unassembled spring RCA connectors with Canare cable (Page 22, post # 320, second pic) are finally done. That Asian connector's spring at cable entry gives a nice curve to cable, instead of a right angle or so in tight places. The connector is a little more tricky for cable assembly than the Senior brand RCAs on hand, the latter being easier to work with. However the Senior has a larger diameter cable entry not required here and doesn't provide an entry spring which is nice to have with very small installation wiring. That connector not being premium brand, though OK, might not take excessive solder cup heat as the insulator around the male pin while being correct doesn't seem heavy duty for heat resistance, in normal use its ok.

    The two 18" lengths are from a leftover of Canare L-2B2AT twisted pair 25 AWG, none left now, they'll be used for Bellari phono preamp to Aphex Interface connections, both devices near each other in the present setup and it will be the same when all is back in the racks. For once very short cables turned into something useful. They'll have a nice curve instead of a tight bend, preferable with a foil shield cable vs a more flexible braided one. Btw of all that Canare i also used in the past (Page 20, post #300, second pic) surprisingly none of it has manufacturer name on the jacket, instead the Canare name is printed on the foil shield inside!

    Though i've used the Canare for years, and keep those 3-4 ft. lenght assemblies as is for shorter distances between equipment, i don't recommended using it, not for quality issue, rather for its very small size, a pain in the ass for large fingers to handle, kids fingers might be more agile in this case. Moreover since i need longer cables now with more gear i'm making new ones, as spare time allows, in 6.5 ft. lengths, using mostly Provo Canada installation cables with 20 or 22 AWG (tinned copper).


    Phono being a two-wire thing per channel (conductor and ground), and the Canare being a three-wire thing (balanced cable, two conductors plus drain wire), this was an opportunity to benefit from Eargle's trick: two identical wire gauges connected in parallel are equivalent to a three-size increase. So the two 25 AWG conductors were twisted together at each cable end before soldering to connectors, effectively acting as one 22 AWG wire, plus shield to ground. I knew i would use the trick one day, this was the perfect occasion re small wire size. Finally the spring RCAs make a pretty good looking assembly with the small Canare cable, at least to my eyes...

    Richard

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    The underside of connector shown. The hole is where the drain wire goes in and rests in a recess in the metal where it is soldered. Curiously, when you increase pic size it seems like the connector has some rust, but it has none, might be some light reflection effect or the small camera i use.

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  10. #490
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    The other cable sets i made recently while it was raining.

    Top cable pair: XLR to 1/4" TRS, for Mackie XLR out to Rolls Mosfet amp in 1/4" balanced, this is in addition to or an alternative to the other cable set used (TRS to TRS) since the mixer has two pairs of main outputs. That amp having gold plated RCAs (no interest in those here) and 1/4" Balanced that i use.

    Bottom cable pair: XLR to XLR, for Mackie XLR out to QSC amp in XLR, also in addition to or an alternative to the other cable set used (TRS to TRS), this amp taking most popular connections: XLR, 1/4" bal. and unbal. plus barrier strip.

    As usual checked all cables made for continuity, shorts and resistance, they're all good. Next step is to test them with gear and music, plus assess the Digiflex DSPDI stereo direct box i haven't tried yet: have the required 1/8" stereo cable to plug my digital recorder in it, the RCAs, 1/4" and XLR cables also on-board, need some spare time to get this in action.

    Richard

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  11. #491
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    Trip to Home Depot yesterday for a few things. At the same time i checked pricing on some wood.

    It went down for typical construction lumber, e.g. $5.50CA for 2"X4" and $5.00 on 2"X3", treated wood fence boards price also went down compared to what i paid in March (a little over a dollar per foot; e.g. 1"X6"X8' was $8.49 at the time). Nicer trend now assuming it would continue...

    However, on plywood it didn't look good. e.g. British Columbia 4'X8' Fir plywood, 7 ply, 18.3 mm thick, my preferred one, sold a year or so ago for $68. and some change. It now goes for $93.58 + tx a sheet (so over $100.) A 37% increase not counting tx! That's quite a "cost of living" adjustment for that industry, or they're simply lining their pockets...

    Richard
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  12. #492
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    If you make your own speaker stands and want to assess a desired tilt back angle these tools could be useful.

    The first's rotating right side level includes an angle finder. Each line represents two degrees, so for a 7 degrees tilt for example you would shoot in between two lines. I've used it and its not complicated.

    The second tool shown is a little more fancy and precise but comes with instructions. There's a third one i haven't shown since its somewhat less relevant here being mostly used in the construction or renovation industry (still a manual tool, not an electronic one).

    Due to the relatively short listening distances in usual homes a half-degree or so error probably won't land you in hell. But a one degree mistake on a 10 miles distance will notably get you off course...

    Richard

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  13. #493
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    Due to interest regarding the spring RCA connector presented in post # 489.

    Recall that i mentioned the connector is a little more tricky for cable assembly than the Senior brand RCAs for example.

    Apart from the drain wire's clever solderring under the connector as shown previously, the only somewhat dumb aspect on that connector is the soldering cup being full circle, not half circle or so as seen on many. A half circle cup makes it easy to solder the wire(s) horizontally in the helping hand, while a fully round cup could risk dripping some hot solder if placed horizontally. Doesn't stop me from liking the connector for its other assets, e.g. the Senior RCA having no dedicated place to solder the drain wire, then its done to the bottom of that connector.

    Seems logical, easier and making a cleaner job to solder the spring connector/conductor wire vertically oriented in the helping hand aligator clip (RCA pin downwards). I filled the full circle cup with hot solder about 3/4 full, depends on wire size used, in order to avoid hot solder spill from the cup when putting the wire(s) in. So filled the cup to appropriate level, prepared the twisted pair wires, during which time solder cooled down (good, connector doesn't like excessive heating) and when ready i heated the cup again, inserted the wires vertically in the hot solder.

    The pics of that process are simulations only since i needed both my hands to hold solder iron and the cable, no third hand to take care of the camera for actual pics of the job.

    The drain wire is easy to solder horizontally in the dedicated place providing its sufficiently long. Tested the cables in my audio setup and i'm pleased with the result, elegant way to make good of a short Canare cable leftover: smaller, shorter and lighter than the Monster Cable it replaces. Will be great in the tight space i have in mind for the Bellari & Aphex.

    Richard


    Left Senior RCA, right the spring RCA connector. Note the full circle solder cup on the right one.
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    Spring connector in the helping hand aligator clip with pin downwards = solder cup is up ready to be filled partly
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  14. #494
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    Simulation of inserting vertically the twisted cable conductors in the hot solder pot.

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    Non-aligned (lol) simulation of the Senior connector where wires can be soldered horizontally in the cup. In that case the red and black conductors would be twisted together and the drain wire shown would be soldered at the bottom of this connector.

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  15. #495
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    The directional Monster Cables retired for now. If you increase pic size you can read some of the "jazz" printed on the jacket. The short Canare cables i made must be directional too since current flows in one direction also... lol. Btw i didn't purchase the Monster they were given to me some years back. Well made but sound better? That's another debate...

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    In real life it looks like this. Ultralinks (double shielding, double twisted pair, Quad cable) from TT to Bellari, my "home brewed" ground wire, then Canare/spring connector cables from Bellari phono Pre to Aphex interface, where its balanced from there on.

    I don't use the cheap China wiring that often comes with a TT. I purchase good ones or make them myself. The two 1/4" TRS seen (barrier strip at the other end) are not used at this time, their purpose is for the Crest Audio amp, while i'm using QSC amp these days (equipment rotation).

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