Digital Cables / RG 59?

[mark4man]

What is the basic difference between a standard RCA patch cable; & an S/P DIF or "digital" patch cable?

About 2 years ago, I had asked for; and purchased, a "digital" cable. At the time, I needed it to run between "digital out "on my old SoundBlaster card; & "digital in" on my SoundWorks PC speaker system, since I had misplaced the original.

Now (with better equipment), I was hoping to use it for S/P DIF track transfers between a portastudio & my PC; or between my audio interface & effects processor. It looks like a gold connector RCA, but with a heavy-duty armored shaft at the end; & a very thick reinforced sheilding. Is this the animal I'm looking for? I know that S/P DIF is the digital equivalent to RCA audio, but what are the basic differences? Is it only impedance & sheilding?

Also: Would this be the infamous "RG 59" cable, I hear mastering engineers refer to?

Thanks in advance,

mark4man

[the_lost]

S/PDIF is best trasfered via 75ohm digital cable. Apogee makes great digital cables. Simply using a coaxial cable may work but can be susceptable to jitter...which you don't want I'm pretty sure. http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif

Use 75ohm cable
cheeers
tl

[Carlo]

"Would this be the infamous 'RG 59' cable, I hear mastering engineers refer to?"

Yes. Many digital, S/PDIF cables use RG 59. By the way, RG 59 is 75 ohms. The digital cable you have should be fine. In fact, it is likely made of RG 59.

Plenty of informative links here...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=digital+cable+rg+59

[mark4man]

the_lost & Carlo,

Thanks.

mark4man

[This message has been edited by mark4man (edited 11-18-2002).]