Difference between Instrument Cable and Speaker Cable (Instrument Cable and Speaker Cable).

If you are playing a guitar with Pickup (EQ) or you have a sound system with multiple devices connected together by cables. Be sure to choose the right cable to get the best sound quality.

The appearance of the instrument cable (Instrument Cable - cable connecting from musical instruments to audio devices) and audio cable (Speaker Cable - cable connecting audio devices to speakers) is actually very similar, they are We can completely confuse these two types of cables if we only look at the appearance, leading to using the wrong cable type, affecting sound quality.

Join Viet Music to learn the difference between musical instrument cables and speaker cables to choose the right cable for your needs.

Use the correct type of cable.

There are a few key differences in how they are made, which are the basis for choosing the right cable you need to use, and why you should not use them interchangeably.

They are all made of copper cores covered with rubber or polyester shells and connectors made of gold, nickel or other types of metal. Both cables use the same 1/4 inch connector (6.3mm Jack).

However, while the Instrument Cable has an additional shield against noise signals and uses a small wire core, the soundbar cable does not have a shield against noise signals and uses a large wire core.

Speaker cables do not need shielding because the signal level from the audio device to the speaker is so high and the impedance of the speaker is so low that external interference and RF interference will no longer be a concern. Conversely, the Instrument Cable needs to be shielded because it connects your instrument to the amp at a high impedance, low signal level. Therefore, it needs a shielding layer to reduce radio signals and interference from other electronic devices.

Why shouldn't these cables be interchangeable?

Both novices and professionals can make the mistake of using one over the other without careful research.

As mentioned, using a Speaker Cable to connect your instrument to audio devices will create signal interference and unwanted noise because it is not shielded, the signal from your guitar will be disturbed. a lot from nearby electronic devices.

On the other hand, using an Instrument Cable to connect audio devices to speakers can be very dangerous for your device. It will still work, but because the current from the audio devices out to the speakers is much larger than the signal from the musical instruments, when the high current passes through the small wire core of the Instrument Cable, it is very possible that the wire Your cable will get hot, burn, and it will probably cause a short circuit, burning your devices.

Another thing you should pay attention to when using Instrument Cables instead of Speaker Cables is that it will destabilize your device, creating poor quality sound because the small wire core will not be able to transmit the entire signal. loud signal of audio equipment.

Nowadays, audio equipment has improved to resist damage caused by using the wrong type of cable, but this can only be done for a short period of time.

Imagine electricity flowing from audio equipment to speakers like water being pumped through a pipe. The audio equipment will apply the most pressure possible and your cables are the plumbing. If the pipe size is reduced, the water flow transmitted will be limited and create great pressure on the pipe. So use pipes that are large enough for the best output.

Cables come in many different thicknesses and sizes. Premium cables are typically made with an oxygen-free copper core, and they have corrosion-resistant gold connectors. Cables with larger cores are better because they can handle signal transmission better. It is also important to note that shorter cables produce a better signal because the signal will attenuate along the way, the longer the cable will attenuate the signal more.

Distinguish between speaker cables and musical instrument cables.

To know exactly what type of cable you have, look at the packaging or casing of the cable, manufacturers will often clearly state what type of cable it is. If the manufacturer does not specify, the best way is to find a way to observe the core of the cable.

Instrument cable (small core, shielded)

If it's an Instrument Cable, you'll notice one or two of the wires are covered by some form of shielding or anti-interference coating. Some manufacturers use foil wrap, other manufacturers use the ground wire (ground wire) to form a braided steel mesh covering the outside of the core wire to form an anti-interference layer.

Speaker cable (large core, no shielding)

If it is a Speaker Cable, there will be two independent wires inside. Usually, they come in black and white or black and red. It doesn't have any anti-interference foil or braiding.

At this point, you understand the difference between Instrument Cables and Speaker Cables, right?

If you are using devices connected by cables, check your cables to see if you are using the correct type of cable? If not and you need to buy a standard cable, please contact Viet Music and choose the right cable for your intended use!