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.

You can now check out the third installment of Runway Audio’s podcast! This month, we talked with the Founder/CEO of Interchange Noise Works, Jared “JJ” Johnson.

Instagram is filled with loads of valuable information on guitars and gear. Knowing where to look and who to trust is key to learning and acquiring the right gear. We know it can be hard and time-consuming to find the right channels so we compiled a list of pages we feel are informative and useful. Check it out!

This past week, our feeds have been full of all of the awesome releases from the annual winter NAMM show. As lovers of gear, we were glued to the virtual demonstrations of new products and we were so happy to even have a NAMM this year to talk about. With the many releases announced this past week, we wanted to highlight a few of our favorites that you should keep in mind. 

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During this time, we are offering support to music stores who sell our cables. For the month of April, we are sending a portion of our gross online sales to our authorized dealers that are located in the area where direct sales are shipped. 

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Lately, in the guitar world, there has been a lot of talk on IRs and amplifier simulators especially with the release of the Line 6 HX Stomp and the Strymon Iridium. Most of the time, these units are quite convincing and sound nearly identical to the original amp and cab setup. While many of us have just recently heard about IRs in the last couple years, they have actually been around since the 70’s. Let’s look at what an IR is and why it is so cool.

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If you are here right now, you are most likely looking for the best way to power the pedalboard you are assembling. You’ve come to the right place. Everyone here at Runway has been through this cycle and learned along the way. Learn from our mistakes and what we have found to be the most important features of power supplies.