Volume loss using longer cables?

Original · #1 01-06-2009, 07:56 AM

Hi,

Will there be a weaker signal from the bass to the amp using like a 9m cable than for a 3m one?

thanks

ps. i thought this would be an electronics-question, please let me know if its not

Slowgypsy · #2 01-06-2009, 07:59 AM

The short answer is yes. But... if you're using good quality cables, the difference between the two lengths of cable you've mentioned would, IMHO, not be something you would be able to notice. Measure with scientific instruments, yes. Hear with your ears, no.

Original · #3 01-06-2009, 08:28 AM

Ok, thanks.

btw, what do you consider a good quality cable? i just bought a Cordial Pro Line 9m...

UglyBassPlayer4 · #4 01-06-2009, 10:51 AM

A couple different cables that sound good and last a long time are the Mogami Gold or platinum, Monster Pro, Zaolla. It all depends on your preference. They all have lifetime warranties. All sound good. The one problem that some people have with Zaolla is that some times theyre too bright sounding.

MysticMichael · #5 01-06-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Original

Hi,

Will there be a weaker signal from the bass to the amp using like a 9m cable than for a 3m one?

thanks

ps. i thought this would be an electronics-question, please let me know if its not

It's generally not an issue on an active bass - only with a passive instrument. This is one of the advantages of going active...

MM

Derek Kiernan · #6 01-06-2009, 11:07 AM

If you have a longer length of the same brand of cable, you'll be adding substantial amounts of capacitance. In a passive setup, this capacitance interacts with the inductance of the pickup to establish a resonance peak usually within our most sensitive range of hearing. The more inductance a pickup has, the faster the highs roll off after the peak, and the more easily it'll be influenced by capacitance. With traditional jazz/precision style pickups or higher inductance pickups, this is easy to hear if your amplification isn't full of overwhelming humps, peaks and dips.

This means with the same bass and a longer cable of the same brand, the resonance will be lower, and you'll get less highs. You can sometimes increase the voltage output to the amp by dropping the resonance down, potentially dramatically, depending on the pickups and resonant frequency. The question of weaker or stronger isn't straightforward, because are you really wondering about the efficiency (signal to noise) or the voltage output to the amp? What qualities are most important depend on your amplification and preference. The qualities you notice have to do with the interaction with the pickups and not anything inherent to the cable.

A good cable is one that doesn't crap out on you, minimizes noise, isn't microphonic, and helps you get the sound you want. Since capacitance is the relevant characteristic in a passive network, you'll favor different lengths from different brands as they approach the same resonance. What resonance you prefer is personal preference. Cables don't have a sound. You're in trouble if yours does!

A lot of this is irrelevant if you're playing active

Original · #7 01-06-2009, 12:46 PM

Thanks for clearing this up for me, guys

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

It's generally not an issue on an active bass - only with a passive instrument. This is one of the advantages of going active...

MM

I'm not really familiar with the active/passive terms. Can you explain, please?

Slowgypsy · #8 01-06-2009, 01:28 PM

Does your bass require a battery? If so, it's got a pre-amp built in and it's "active". If it doesn't require a battery it's "passive". What brand, model bass are you playing?

Original · #9 01-06-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Does your bass require a battery? If so, it's got a pre-amp built in and it's "active". If it doesn't require a battery it's "passive". What brand, model bass are you playing?

No, it doesn't use batteries.
I have an old Warwick Nobby Meidel. Really simple electronics, I guess

Johnny Mack · #10 01-06-2009, 06:52 PM

that would be passive. i think the biggest thing is the loss of high end coming into the amp, but the difference would be minimal (i think).... unless you go from a 3 foot cable to a 100 footer. on a side note, i have heard of someone recently (forgot who) who used a wireless system and when plugging straight in with a longer cable, he decided to go back to the wireless because of the shorter cable at the unit. mind you i know nothing about wireless systems so this may be complete bull, just as anything else ive ever said.

bad_andy · #11 01-06-2009, 07:19 PM

Cable length is more critical in the studio than on stage. Unless of course you try to use something impractically long and drive it with just the pickups. For anything under 30', get something well shielded and decently gauged and turn up your amp. You'll be fine.

In the studio though, you can definitely benefit from trying to keep your signal length as short as possible.