Why Microphonic Cords

From electro–(at)–rapevine.net.nospam Tue Feb 29 15:30:03 CST 2000
From: “Robert M. Braught”
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Subject: Re: What makes a shit cable?
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Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 06:41:10 -0600
Xref: geraldo.cc.utexas.edu alt.guitar.amps:236409

No wankery; as Chris said, one of the noise sources is a ‘condenser
mike’ phenomenom (‘space charge’); however, of more significance (my
favorite) is the ‘triboelectric’ effect, which are charges created
between a conductor and an insulator due to friction. Think of static
electricity, cat hair/rubber balloon, free electron transfer.
Historically, graphite can be used as a lubricant/ground path inside the
cable for the shield (usually braided, for flexibility/durability) to
dissipate the charge/prevent it from occuring in the first place.
GeorgeL’s is actually a paste/semi-liquid. I’ve also seen thin
carbonized plastic ‘tween the braid and the center conductor insulation.
Some insulating materials can generate a ‘piezoelectric’ effect too,
this can come up in an old cable that’s hardened.
Never have figured out how to squirt WD-40 down through my cables to get
the tribes to stop being electric….. 😉
Regards,
Robert
QTS
www.Braught.com