could i connect an effects unit to amp using speaker cable?

[kjd]

yes, speaker cable. i have an abundance of speaker cable, but not instrument cable, so i was wondering if i could use the extra speaker cable as instrument cable.

i know its bad to use instrument cable in place of speaker cables, but i've searched and not found an answer to what happens if you try the opposite. any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Rune Bivrin]

You will very likely get a lot of hum since speaker cables tend not to be shielded.

 

[projectMalamute]

It could potentially be noisy.

You won't hurt anything.

 

[Bardley]

It could potentially be noisy.

You won't hurt anything.

+1

I wouldn't do it. Shielded cable is not that expensive. Even super cheap shielded cable would work better than speaker cable. Just buy some.

 

[billfitzmaurice]

You will very likely get a lot of hum since speaker cables tend not to be shielded.

Not necessarily, assuming it's all at line level and with short leads. Many high end hi-fi interconnects are unshielded twisted pairs.

 

[Rune Bivrin]

Not necessarily, assuming it's all at line level and with short leads. Many high end hi-fi interconnects are unshielded twisted pairs.

True, but few speaker cables are twisted pairs. They tend to be rather more simplistic, wouldn't you agree? Also, the twisted pair variety is most suitable for balanced connections, and I'd guess that's not what the OP is having.

 

[BassmanPaul]

The simple answer is NO! Simple as that. Let's leave exotic cables out of this and Bill I would never use a UTP to carry any audio signal.

Paul