In sound engineering, the choice of wire is crucial. Poor-quality wires can lead to issues like signal loss and distortion. Whether in an audio equipment system connecting analog and digital devices, the importance of proper wiring cannot be overstated. No matter the system type or the format of the equipment used, the quality of the wire plays a significant role. Neglecting the communication characteristics of the cable can negatively impact the performance of various devices, even with top-tier equipment. Without the correct combination of audio cables and connectors, achieving optimal results is impossible. Based on years of professional experience and academic theory, let's discuss the selection of transmission equipment for audio systems.
1. Microphone Cables and Audio Cables: In the audio field, the wire used is often referred to as a microphone cable. Most microphone cables consist of a metal shield covered by a plastic jacket. They can be single-strand or double-strand metal wires for mono use. For a two-channel setup, two or three strands may be necessary. In mono applications, one strand of the double-stranded wire can connect to the metal shield. For balanced connections, this isn't advisable.
Stereo connections work similarly to balanced setups. A three-strand cable with a shield can be split into two parts. One end connects to the plug housing, while the other end is joined with a white line and soldered onto the first leg. There are two types of shielding methods: mesh weave and reel weave. The reel type requires two layers, ensuring they cross over each other to offset interference. This type of reel-wrapped metal shielded wire is common in U.S.-made cables, sometimes featuring an aluminum tip with parallel bare steel wires for lead-out welding.
Microphone cables and signal transmission lines are typically double or triple-strand metal wires with a soft plastic sheath. After removing the sheath, the exposed copper wire should be bright and easy to solder. Some metal shielded wires have plastic shields that can degrade over time, becoming brittle in colder temperatures. Thus, careful selection is essential to avoid subpar wires affecting microphone performance.
2. Video Cables: Video cables differ from audio cables due to their higher frequency range. The upper limit in the audio field is 20 kHz, whereas video cables operate up to 6.5 MHz. Distributed capacitance in video cables is minimal to prevent high-frequency signal degradation. Professional recorders may require wires with low distributed capacitance, especially for long distances or specialized applications. Video cables feature excellent insulation, often made of vinyl or nylon, with a central core composed of thin copper wires. These cables are pricier than audio cables but ensure optimal signal transmission.
Most video cables are single-strand metal shielded wires with a plastic outer layer. They're equipped with TX pin-shaped lotus plugs and are flexible enough for various applications. These cables are used for video inputs, outputs, and distribution lines in home systems or commercial venues like KTVs.
3. Speaker Cables: In the past, speaker cables were simple 18-gauge copper wires. By the 1970s, attention shifted to speaker wiring, recognizing the need for better impedance matching. Long-distance speaker lines, exceeding 70 meters in some cases, necessitated lower DC resistance. Using 7 strands of 18 or 20-gauge braided wires was common, allowing for connections through iron pipes to the screen.
Starting in the 1980s, the demand for high-fidelity sound led to innovations like gold and silver speaker cables. These parallel lines are wrapped in transparent gel, offering golden yellow and silver hues. Their soft texture and clear colors make them easy to identify. Properly connected to the "+" and "-" terminals of the speaker, these cables enhance sound quality. Brands like Taiqing produce high-end versions with multiple thin, bare copper wires, some even silver or gold-plated. Prices can reach up to $50-$70, but their sound quality and craftsmanship are exceptional.
Unfortunately, counterfeit products have emerged, with wires appearing similar to branded ones but made of harder copper containing impurities. Their dull finish and uneven adhesive coatings make them easy to spot. Consumers must beware of these overpriced counterfeits.
4. Digital Audio Cables: Professional digital audio cables, such as those used in multi-track digital recording, require specific solutions. For instance, the American ALESIS ADAT-XT 8 track digital recorder uses FosTex 8562 optical cables. These thin cables, just 4-5 mm in diameter, have a soft rubber sheath and transmit 8 channels of digital audio without loss or distortion. Each meter costs around $60-$75. The unique rectangular plugs, with rubber sheaths measuring 5mm x 10mm, are uncommon in standard audio connectors.
These cables highlight the importance of choosing the right transmission medium to maximize audio performance across different systems.
Reflective prisms are used to reflect light, in order to flip, invert, rotate, deviate or displace the light beam. They are typically used to erect the image in binoculars or single-lens reflex cameras – without the prisms the image would be upside down for the user. Many reflective prisms use total internal reflection to achieve high reflectivity.
The most common reflective prisms are:
Porro prism
Porro–Abbe prism
Amici roof prism
Pentaprism and roof pentaprism
Abbe–Koenig prism
Schmidt–Pechan prism
Bauernfeind prism
Dove prism
Retroreflector prism
Beam-splitting prisms
Some reflective prisms are used for splitting a beam into two or more beams:
Beam splitter cube
Dichroic prism
An optical prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light.
Reflective prisms are used to reflect light, in order to flip, invert, rotate, deviate or displace the light beam. They are typically used to erect the image in binoculars or single-lens reflex cameras – without the prisms the image would be upside down for the user. Many reflective prisms use total internal reflection to achieve high reflectivity.
The most common reflective prisms are:
Porro prism
Porro–Abbe prism
Amici roof prism
Pentaprism and roof pentaprism
Abbe–Koenig prism
Schmidt–Pechan prism
Bauernfeind prism
Dove prism
Retroreflector prism
Beam-splitting prisms
Some reflective prisms are used for splitting a beam into two or more beams:
Beam splitter cube
Dichroic prism
Half Penta Prism,Penta Prisms,Dove Prism,Optics Prism
Changchun Realpoo Photoelectric Co., Ltd. , https://www.optics-realpoo.com