Professional Connector-to-Cable Soldering

Professional Connector-to-Cable Soldering

One of the most important factors determining audio or video cable performance is the quality of the solder joints attaching the connectors to the cable. Below are examples of professional grade versus poor grade soldering. Poor soldering techniques often lead to noise, intermittent shorting or a complete loss of transmission, but this effect is often delayed as the solder joint warms and cools over time. Professional soldering techniques provide a strong solder joint that will not weaken over time. This is done by proper connector and wire preparation and by properly tinning (heating up) of both connector and wire before being properly "fused" together. Poor quality or mass-production soldering techniques often sacrifice quality for speed, and this can result in weak or "cold" solder joints. (Click here for a Wikipedia definition of soldering.) Because the soldering iron is simlar to a paint brush, soldering is often considered a form of art.