Hello,
I want to build my own AES/EBU Digital Audio cable with the best possible Components. It’s the first time that i solder something.
Wich Solder Wire and Flux should I use?
The XLR Connectors have Gold plated Bronze contacts
Thanks!
I want to build my own AES/EBU Digital Audio cable with the best possible Components. It’s the first time that i solder something.
Wich Solder Wire and Flux should I use?
The XLR Connectors have Gold plated Bronze contacts
Thanks!
I suggest to self training soldering unimportant things like inopertaive radios, pc boards, etc. from scrap.
No need for flux for something like that. Solder will have the flux in it. I'd suggest tin/lead for DIY, lower melting point, and 63/37 has the lowest. I also have some 60/40 around. I tend to use Kester. Just make sure it is rosin core. And connectors are not as fragile as other stuff, so pretty easy. The key thing for connectors is proper wire lengths between the wires and stripping the correct amount of insulation. Everything should lay into the solder cups without tension from incorrect lengths. Sometimes I'll put a bit of heat shrink on the signal wires if the insulation melts easily to avoid shorts with ground, which may have no insulation around it.
Melt a little solder into the wires and a tiny dot onto the cups of the XLR before putting the wires in. Remember to slide the screw on end of the connector on the wire BEFORE you solder the wires on! Nothing worse than making a beautiful solder connection only to have to pul it apart to to put the end on!
I wrote a lengthy article on how to choosing solder for electronics projects. You can find it here: https://neurochrome.com/pages/choosing-solder
As others have suggested already: Learn to solder and practice on scrap before soldering anything that you plan to use.
In your case I would also ponder exactly what "the best possible components" really means in this context. The AES/EBU signal is digital and is unlikely to be affected by "special" components. All you need is an XLR cable with decent connectors. Then again, a length of shielded microphone cable and a pair of gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors shouldn't set you back more than $10-15 and building a cable could be a fun first project.
Tom
As others have suggested already: Learn to solder and practice on scrap before soldering anything that you plan to use.
In your case I would also ponder exactly what "the best possible components" really means in this context. The AES/EBU signal is digital and is unlikely to be affected by "special" components. All you need is an XLR cable with decent connectors. Then again, a length of shielded microphone cable and a pair of gold plated Neutrik XLR connectors shouldn't set you back more than $10-15 and building a cable could be a fun first project.
Tom
Thank you all for your help.
Of course I will practice before I solder the cables.
I use Neutrik XLR connectors and MOGAMI 8030 cables.
I was also told that the solder can affect the impedance of the cable. Is that with the standard solder what you have listed also the case?
This is important to me because in the future I would also like to use this cable for measurements up to 300khz.
Of course I will practice before I solder the cables.
I use Neutrik XLR connectors and MOGAMI 8030 cables.
I was also told that the solder can affect the impedance of the cable. Is that with the standard solder what you have listed also the case?
This is important to me because in the future I would also like to use this cable for measurements up to 300khz.
Last edited: