How do I test new cables for faults before connecting them


I have use a new pair of dielectric-bias cables and want to be sure they are working properly before connecting to them to my equipment.  Somewhere I read guidelines on what to test for, but I can't seem to find the info now.

I've heard that if the bias systems in these cables go bad, there can be voltage leakage into the analog signal path that can damage equipment, so I want to play it safe.

Specifically I will be testing 36V Audioquest Cheetah XLRs.  Thanks for any advice!
byofuel

Showing 1 response by millercarbon

These are basically Audioquests knockoff attempt at Synergistic Research Active Shielding. Oh well at least they are used, probably won't take that big a hit when you go to sell them. Anyway, simple question, you test for continuity. 

Whatever cable you have, does not matter, you should get continuity testing the same strand each end, no continuity testing across any other combination. Then if you are still worried about the knockoff you could switch the thing over to voltage and see if you get any voltage from any pin to the ground pin at either end. Because, see, the thing works by putting a small voltage on an extra wire in order to keep the dielectric (fancy word for insulator) charged on the theory it works better that way. Which I don't know about the knockoff but it definitely does in the Synergistic Research Active Shielding cables.

"Dialectric bias". "Bias system." Gotta love it. Ted been doing this going on 20 years now. How long it take Audioquest?