Guitar/Cables
From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
Since you are likely to encounter cables at some point in your guitar playing career, it is important learn about them. This is especially true if you play the electric guitar. With the electric guitar, the use of an amplifier is essential and the cable is the only connection that links the two together. So in order to ensure a good sound, you need to use the proper cabling.
Contents |
[edit] Audio Cables
[edit] Jack Plugs
Anyone who has ever used a set of headphones is familliar with at least one type of jack. A jack is simply the end of a cable that lets it connect to another audio device. They come in many different sizes, but for guitarists the most important ones are these:
- 3.5mm mono - small microphones and LINE Out or LINE In small audio devices (z. B. sound map)
- 3.5mm stereo - headphones and LINE Out or LINE In small audio devices (e.g. sound map).
- 6.3mm mono - LINE Out or LINE In larger audio devices (guitar amplifier, mixers, etc.), e-guitar, Send or Return of effects equipment, microphones and loudspeakers.
- 6.3mm stereo - combining Send and Return with effects devices, Stereo microphones and headphones.
[edit] XLR plugs
These plugs are very durable and they are the plug of choice for professional recordings. Nearly all professional stages and sound studios are equipped with XLR connections. Loudspeakers and mixers are also often connected with these cables too
The plugs have a catch mechanism, which prevents inadvertent separation of a patch cord. In order to be able to pull a XLR plug from the socket, you have to press the release mechanism. A XLR connection always consists of 3 phases. One phase transfers the mass while the other two transmit the audio signal. Usually one of the two audio signals is misphased in transfer, in order to remove any effects from signal distortion.
[edit] MIDI Cables
Right now, the 5 pronged MIDI cable are always used for data transfer, but originally they were intended for use with high quality stereo equipment. At that time this 5- pronged cable represented a variant to Stereo, which existed beside the identical, 3 pronged mono execution.
Today these cables are used almost exclusively for the transmission of MIDI control signals between MIDI capable music instruments, amplifiers and computers. Since it does not depend on fast data transmission rates, shielding of the individual wires inside the cable is not necessary.
[edit] Other Cables
[edit] Power Cables
Warning: All these cables and connectors are intended for a high supply voltage! Changes or repairs to such cables can be dangerous!
[edit] Mains Power Cable
A three slot conductor plug designed to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) specifications. Sometimes called a "kettle plug" or "kettle lead". The kettle lead is designed for use with mains power outlets.
