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Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I've read a lot lately about connecting the shield at only one end of a cable, including both balanced and unbalanced types. Now I have two questions:
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You will find an abundance of 'expert' advice on the Internet about connecting the shield of a twisted pair. It largely depends on the specific application and much of what you read is based on RF or Radio Frequency use, whether copied and re-written for audio or not.
Tight Twisted Pair has pretty good RFI & noise rejection in itself. From experience, plus test data over the years I suggest the best way for noise rejection in the AUDIO spectrum is to connect the twisted pair shield ONLY at the source end. That shunts all noise back to the source ground and not the input. It is more indirect.
Another thing besides noise, is that wire has a grain structure and orientation makes a small difference. Good luck figuring out which direction is best and maintaining your sanity.
However, keep the labeling the same direction so both channels match. We wouldn't be here if we weren't a little nuts, so it can't hurt. Right?
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Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif
1. Is this why some manufacturers have directional arrows on interconnects?
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They likely understand Audio signals and know what they are doing
Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif
2. Why do most manufacturers connect the shield to both ends (nondirectional)?
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Provided the cable is shielded twisted pair and not coax or twin-ax, draw your own conclusions based upon #1.
plus, It costs more in production time to properly shield only one end.
JMPO