When it comes to audio cables, the type of shielding used can have a significant impact on the overall performance and quality of the sound transmission. Two common types of shielding found in audio cables are braided shielding and spiral shielding. But what exactly are the differences between these two types of shielding, and how do they affect the audio signal?

What is Braided Shielding?

Braided shielding consists of multiple strands of wire woven together in a tight pattern around the inner conductor of the cable. This type of shielding provides excellent coverage and protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). The tight weave of the braided shield offers a high level of durability and flexibility, making it ideal for use in situations where the cable may be subject to bending or twisting.

What is Spiral Shielding?

Spiral shielding, on the other hand, consists of a single strand of wire wrapped in a spiral pattern around the inner conductor of the cable. While spiral shielding also provides some level of protection against EMI and RFI, it is generally less effective than braided shielding. Spiral shielding is often more cost-effective and easier to manufacture than braided shielding, making it a popular choice for budget-friendly audio cables.

Which is Better for Audio Quality?

When it comes to audio quality, braided shielding is generally considered superior to spiral shielding. The tight weave of the braided shield offers better coverage and protection against interference, resulting in a cleaner and more reliable audio signal. This is especially important in professional audio settings where signal integrity is crucial.

Which is More Durable?

In terms of durability, braided shielding is also the clear winner. The tight weave of the braided shield provides better protection against physical damage, such as bending, twisting, or crushing. This makes braided shielding ideal for use in situations where the cable may be subject to rough handling or frequent movement.

Conclusion

When it comes to audio cables, braided shielding is generally the preferred choice for high-quality sound transmission and durability. Whether you're a professional audio engineer or a casual music enthusiast, investing in cables with braided shielding can help ensure a clean and reliable audio signal every time.

Runway Audio exclusively uses braided shielding cable for all of our High-Quality Audio Cables.

This holiday season, the team at Runway has gotten together to make a gift guide that WON’T break the bank. Whether buying gifts for friends or even yourself, these gifts will be a hit. 

When you’re just starting into building a pedalboard, it’s crazy to look at some of your favorite guitarists boards and think “How does that even work?” or “How did they put that all together?” Let me tell you, that board didn’t just appear. Many guitar players go through multiple boards and many pedals to finally reach the setup they are using now, typically getting more complex with each iteration. But everyone has to start somewhere! And that’s what we are exploring today: the basics of your first signal chain.

Compression is extremely important in music and guitar playing today. It can be quite daunting to begin to understand how compression works and what is actually happening to your sound when using a compressor. But don’t fret, by the end of this, you will know exactly what is going on when a compressor is engaged!

For some, the answer to that question is “You are right, you don’t need us to do it!” But in many situations, there is a whole world of tonal possibilities that is entirely cut off due to a poor setup and subpar components. Today we are going to walk you through the three main reasons why getting your board setup may be the right decision for you.