2007-02-22

Belden launches SlimSnake™, the new AES/EBU audio multi-pair cable

Leading cable manufacturer Belden has introduced a new halogen-free and flexible AES/EBU (digital) multi-pair snake cable for a range of different audio applications.

The name for Belden’s new SlimSnake™ cable is derived from its construction – multi-pair snake cable – and from one of its key benefits – the smallest AES/EBU multi-pair cable.

This halogen-free cable is for key broadcast applications. It is designed for maximum flexibility and to provide a cost effective solution. It fulfils the need of professional broadcast installers and users looking for top performance from cables with small overall diameter which should not exceed 11mm. SlimSnake is only 10.3 mm compared with similar cables which are thicker.

Applications
The cable is designed for many different functions. The most important are Digitally interconnecting audio equipment, Professional studio equipment and installations, Digital multitrack interconnection, Mixer boards, Internal wiring of AES/EBU signals in Outside Broadcasts.

Typical customers include Assembly houses, Mixing console manufacturers and Broadcast installer/system integrators and Outside Broadcast truck/van installers and users. Typical markets are Professional Broadcasting studios (such as post-production, sound-mixing, broadcast TV.radio, OB vans); Sporting venues (such as racetracks and stadia); Facilities (such as conference rooms, airports, theatres and concert halls); Special applications (such as cruise ships).

Construction and design
SlimSnake is digital audio multi-pair cable comprising two tinned copped foamed polyethylene insulated conductors over which individual spiral serve (>90% TC braid) is applied. Each pair is individually jacketed with a grey halogen-free polyamide material with an overall diameter of 2.9mm. Paper tape has placed between the pairs and the overall >90% tinned copper braid. To increase portability and survival, an overall and flexible halogen-free purple jacket is used.

PVC normally gives cable flexibility. However, Belden has designed SlimSnake to have greater than normal flexibility than other halogen-free products.

Benefits
The cable has many physical and performance advantages which make it superior to competitive products. For example:

• it will fit in D-sub 25-pin connectors for digital console equipment – ie the 8-pair version is 10.3mm
• it is designed to be as flexible and cost effective as possible;
• in spite of being halogen-free, it has greater than normal flexibility;
• the impedance is stable and consistent (110 Ohms +/-15 Ohms);
• it is easier to solder wire with tinned copper;
• it has foam skin polyethylene insulation and a matte outer jacket colour;
• the overall braid is always specified – shown as >90%.

Belden offers a complete line of AES/EBU multi-pair snake cables – all available from a single source.

More information about SlimSnake is available in a New Product Bulletin and in Belden’s European Master Catalogue.