The Y-Split Thread
Jan 31, 2011 at 2:02 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 54

zlobby

100+ Head-Fier
Joined
Nov 16, 2009
Posts
182
Likes
12
I think the Y split is one of the more challenging parts of a cable to execute cleanly.  It would be nice if we could compile a small catalogue of different ways people execute their splits.  Whether that be with a bought product, or craftyness with shrink wrap.  Lets see them.
 
 
My first cable.  Super basic.  Just taped the techflex tightly and put one piece of regular 2:1 shrink on it.  Might use adhesive shrink when i redo it. 

 
Feb 1, 2011 at 5:48 AM Post #2 of 54
this is the cleanest y split 

 
Feb 3, 2011 at 10:54 PM Post #3 of 54
Hey Now,
 
Here is one with adhesive shrink wrap >>
 

 
Here is one of the Qables snap 'Y' connectors >>
 

 
And here is just plan ole shrink wrap around some braided Cat6 ethernet cabling >>
 

 
I like the simplicity of the adhesive shrink wrap best.
 
--
Finest kind,
Chris
 
Feb 9, 2011 at 3:35 PM Post #5 of 54
Quote:
And here is just plan ole shrink wrap around some braided Cat6 ethernet cabling >>

 
Talk me through this Cat6 job, because I've been trying to read up on Ethernet cable for audio here and found a lot of "do it" versus "buy some Starquad."  I want to try this myself instead of shelling out for mic cable.  And you've done it.
 
Is that two twisted pairs to each can?  Is a twisted pair treated as one conductor, or do you combine the darks and then the lights?  Stranded copper or solid?  Do you/did you experience microphonics?  Is that white shrink wrap?  And why is it wrapped after the split, and not before?
 
It's a very well made looking cable (and some pretty headphones); I'm very much into the unsheathed look, unless a sheath were more functional or practical somehow.
 
Feb 9, 2011 at 5:39 PM Post #6 of 54
I need to get some adhesive shrink wrap.  Do you use 2:1 or 3:1?  and what size for the y split?
 
Over 200 views and not too many Y-splits... submit!!
 
Feb 12, 2011 at 8:30 AM Post #7 of 54


Quote:
 
Talk me through this Cat6 job, because I've been trying to read up on Ethernet cable for audio here and found a lot of "do it" versus "buy some Starquad."  I want to try this myself instead of shelling out for mic cable.  And you've done it.
 
Is that two twisted pairs to each can?
 
Yes
 
Is a twisted pair treated as one conductor, or do you combine the darks and then the lights?
 
A twisted pair is treated as a single conductor. I used the colored strands to determine +/-.
 
Stranded copper or solid?
 
Stranded copper
 
Do you/did you experience microphonics?
 
Yes, I believe it to be caused by the 4-braids which might be too tight. A looser braid may not cause as much microphonics. Since I use the headphones at my computer station it doesn't really bother me.
 
Is that white shrink wrap?
 
Yes  
 
And why is it wrapped after the split, and not before?
 
Purely aesthetics. I had some white shrink wrap sitting around and thought it would look neat. I also wanted to have a contrast between the main braid and the Y-split to the the cups.
 
It's a very well made looking cable (and some pretty headphones); I'm very much into the unsheathed look, unless a sheath were more functional or practical somehow.
 
The sheathed Cat6 cable was very stiff and not very manageable (pliable). I found the interior of the cable had a plastic divider for each of the four twisted pairs, it ran the whole length of the cable. It looked like a plus sign when viewed from the end. It is a real cheap way to re-cable a set of headphones. The Cat6 cable was less than 5 dollars.


Hey Now,
 
I answered above. Hope that helps. They sound pretty good for such a cheap cable.
 
--
Finest kind,
Chris
 
Feb 12, 2011 at 8:35 AM Post #8 of 54


Quote:
I need to get some adhesive shrink wrap.  Do you use 2:1 or 3:1?  and what size for the y split?
 
Over 200 views and not too many Y-splits... submit!!



Hey Now,
 
I am not sure whether 2:1 or 3:1. CyberSpyder did the re-cable on the SR60, he did a mighty fine job with the Y-split. I remember asking how he did that and all he said was adhesive shrink wrap and needle nose pliers. He sounded like he had been doing this technique quite a bit.
 
--
Finest kind,
Chris
 
Feb 12, 2011 at 6:30 PM Post #9 of 54
Typically, dual-wall heatshrink (adhesive) is 3:1, though you may be able to find 2:1, but I find that 3:1 yields a thicker sidewall when shrunk, leading to a more durable y-split. I have various sizes at hand, but most commonly I use 3/8" for star-quad type cables, and 1/4" for smaller stuff. I've gone down to 1/8" but that was for really fine cables.

Yes, I heated it up with a heatgun (if using a hairdryer, make SURE the adhesive is viscous and fully melted, otherwise the heatshrink won't stick) and once it has reached maximum shrinkage, gauged where the split started and just squeezed with a pair of needle nosed pliers.

Got some new photos, will post them soon.

Brendan
 
Feb 13, 2011 at 5:14 PM Post #10 of 54
r00247893703734.jpg


r00247973424822.jpg
 
Feb 14, 2011 at 5:44 PM Post #11 of 54
Can I demand more Y-splits? I've never been able to pull one off that I've been entirely happy with, myself.
 
Feb 20, 2011 at 10:16 AM Post #13 of 54

ipod line out to rca.  Carbon black colour sleeving, 3:1 adhesive heat shrink

recable K81DJ, spilt is adhseive heat shrink, with hot glue at the Y and pliers to make more of a y.  nylon sleeving used.
 
Oct 25, 2011 at 10:28 AM Post #14 of 54
First timer here. This is my way of doing it, until I find a better one of course.
 
First I make two small slots on the sides of my heat shrink and pass the wires through. I'm using the yellow ziptie as a guide for the wires. Once shrunk, there's a small bit protruding, I leave it and add another small bit of heatshrink over it, just enough to cover this bit. It gives me a nice small split, but I yet have to try the adhesive heat shrink, didn't even know this stuff existed 'till now :)
 
This particular split is going to be recovered with techflex sleeving, not sure yet how to split the sleeving nicely. Any advices appreciated.
 




 
 
Oct 25, 2011 at 12:18 PM Post #15 of 54
I just bought the quables y-split. it's a little bulky but it looks really professional. Only lesson learned is that I need to superglue my wires to keep the twists from unwinding overtime. Parachute cord is also the worlds best sleeving. It's tight over 4 conductors, and a tad loose over 2, but it will work for both, it's low profile, it's soft, tangle resistant, and not microphonic in the least bit so far as I can tell.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top