WARNING!!!: Do not read this is if you would rather not know what there is to know about mic cables.
 
I was looking for something today and ran across this white paper. I had read it years ago and I enjoyed reading it again today.
 
It reminded me of stuff I had forgotten.
 
I hope someone else enjoys it as much as I.
 
Evaluating Microphone Cable Performance Specifications
 
I think it is interesting to see how the electrostatic noise levels vary with the shield construction choices. I would have liked to learn why the two quietest cables had different noise levels in the electromagnetic tests. The frequency response info was interesting. It seems ironic to learn that, and why, the cables that pickup more noise also have wider frequency response. The flexibility test was helpful in understanding why some companies don't prioritize one specific characteristic and rather seek a balance of choices to make a useful cable that has high all around standards.
 
 
I hope I stumble on this article again in another 10 years so I can refresh these ideas all over again. :-)
 

While a good part of that was over my head, as a cable technician, I have come to fully appreciate the impact that cable construction can have on the signal.
Poor shielding and compromised insulation are the devil.
Interesting read.

Hi Robert,
 The aspect I found most interesting is the specific stats that show that even as you approach "perfection" there are still trade offs and compromise that must be managed.

I read a bunch of it and watched some videos on making my own cables. Thanks for the post, Mike.

ow, that hurt my head!