Classic UP SPOFC balanced pro patch cable

Van Damme Pro patch cable has specifically been designed as a lower overall diameter braided screen microphone cable. In particular the 4.85mm OD is sized to suit the Neutrik and Switchcraft range of bantam jack plugs. It offers a compromise between the small size of 1 pair and the flexibility and toughness of microphone cable and is ideal for heavy duty applications where a reduced size is required - for example with shorter microphone cables, robust splitter cables and Preh type din plugs.

Materials
This cable now uses a mixture of Ultra Pure Silver Plated Oxygen Free Copper and Ultra Pure Oxygen Free Copper for its conductors. As with the ultra pure oxygen free copper used in other Van Damme Cables ‘solderability’ and conductivity are much improved. The additional advantage of UPSPOFC is that silver is approximately 5% less resistive than copper. High frequencies, which gravitate to the outside of the conductor due to the skin effect, are conducted slightly more efficiently than the lower frequencies which tend to saturate the UPOFC conductor. In addition silver is less susceptible to corrosion than copper and so the plating offers a protective barrier between the conductor and the insulation or free air.

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is used for the conductor insulation. Although considerably more expensive than conventional polyethylene it offers distinct advantages over other insulation materials. XLPE has a low dielectric constant (2.2 at 1KHz), essential for minimising high frequency signal losses, and is stable at high temperatures. This temperature stability ensures that the insulation material resists shrink back during the soldering process. It has good abrasion and stress-cracking resistance yet remains flexible down to –40 degrees C. XLPE also is less environmentally damaging than other insulation materials as it releases carbon dioxide and water during combustion with no halogen emission.

The conductor pairs are twisted together with natural textile fillers to eliminate the build up of static charge and are overlaid with a tightly woven braid of UPOFC copper screen for excellent rejection of electromagnetic, radio frequency and mains borne interference. The natural fillers used also prevent capacitance changes along the cables length and allow for noise free operation. The overall jacket of Van Damme pro patch cable features an anti-abrasion PVC/neoprene composite which remains flexible even in sub zero temperatures. The cable is available in ten colours, which can be used for length/application coding.