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View Full Version : How can you tell if a cable is shielded?


luvmyshiner
April 10th, 2009, 04:26 PM
Strummy's post got me thinking. I've always assumed that the cable I use from my amp to my cab was a non-shielded speaker cable because it's only three feet long and very thin. But truth is I don't even remember when I got it. Is there a way to tell if it's shielded or non-shielded?
just strum
April 10th, 2009, 04:43 PM
Can you see any of the wiring? I used speaker wire to make my cord/cable. It's just made up of two pieces of standard wire with a thin plastic coating on each of the two wires and then bonded together to make a single cord.

on the other hand:


Shielded

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/auroraohio/726px-Shielded_wire_4F.jpg
Spudman
April 10th, 2009, 04:46 PM
Unscrew the jacket on the plug. Look at the two wires where they disappear into the rubber of the cable. If the ground goes all the way around the inside of the cable in a braid then it most likely is shielded. If you only notice two of the same type of wire (single strand) and both are rubber covered then it most likely isn't shielded.

2 individual wires with rubber coating inside the main cable = non shielded
1 individual rubber coated wire inside the main cable and bare braided wire = shielded

Shielded instrument cable
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/attachments/remotes-cables-accessories/9940d1225630944-how-solder-illustrated-diy-guide-making-your-own-cables-cable-prep-4.jpg


Speaker cable
http://www.germes-online.com/direct/dbimage/50160378/Speaker_Cable.jpg
luvmyshiner
April 10th, 2009, 04:47 PM
Not to be difficult, um, but the plugs are molded. Is there a way I can tell with a multimeter?
Spudman
April 10th, 2009, 04:49 PM
Not to be difficult, um, but the plugs are molded. Is there a way I can tell with a multimeter?

Probably an instrument cable then. There is no way to tell with a meter.
just strum
April 10th, 2009, 04:49 PM
Not to be difficult, um, but the plugs are molded. Is there a way I can tell with a multimeter?

now you are being difficult.
luvmyshiner
April 10th, 2009, 04:56 PM
Crap, think I'll play it safe and get or make a new one.
tyoc
April 10th, 2009, 05:36 PM
shielded cable is suppose to be used for eliminate or not permit mucho noise, so, I dont know exactly, but if you are near a source of noise (dont know what ca be) you can test if it is shielded... by the way noise for signals... not NOISE like play and make some noise :P.


Also you can cut a little the cable (if is your cable and whatn to experiment).
markb
April 10th, 2009, 05:41 PM
Plug the cable between your guitar and amp using a known guitar cable for reference. If you get a normal signal it's shielded. If the signal is weak and noisy it's a speaker cable. OTOH a new speaker cable of that length should only cost a few dollars, so maybe it's best just to get one you can be sure of.
Plank_Spanker
April 13th, 2009, 06:53 PM
Plug the cable between your guitar and amp using a known guitar cable for reference. If you get a normal signal it's shielded. If the signal is weak and noisy it's a speaker cable.

Not neccessarily...................................... ......

In doubt? Buy the right cable. Don't get penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to your gear.
Rocket
April 13th, 2009, 09:00 PM
In doubt? Buy the right cable. Don't get penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to your gear.
Yup! +1

(Another way to tell if your cable is shielded... check for the reservoir tip!)
sunvalleylaw
April 13th, 2009, 09:59 PM
Not neccessarily...................................... ......

In doubt? Buy the right cable. Don't get penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to your gear.


Those LiveWire ones I have a few of seem good, and decently priced. I believe you agree with me, if I remember correctly. I replaced a couple cheapies with 'em I had and my noise factor went way down.

See review I did some time ago here: http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=6282&highlight=live+wire+cables
Plank_Spanker
April 15th, 2009, 06:07 PM
Those LiveWire ones I have a few of seem good, and decently priced. I believe you agree with me, if I remember correctly. I replaced a couple cheapies with 'em I had and my noise factor went way down.

See review I did some time ago here: http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=6282&highlight=live+wire+cables

I have several Live Wire cables and I really like them - durable, sound good, and they don't break the bank.