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Gold contacts
Does anyone know exactly what the difference is between gold plugs (say jacks) and silver metal. Is it conductivity, or what characteristic does it posess?
I have a mini mic jack that crackles like mad when rotated with a silver jack, but gold jacks are silent.EEH!!!
Peter
dubbing mixer
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3 Replies
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Gold plated contacts resist corrosion better – which is probably the source of your “crackles”. Your “silver” contacts are probably nickel plated and have just worn out/corroded.
Silver is the best conductor, but we all know what happens to silver that’s exposed to air. Copper follows, same problem.
I highly recommend gold contact connectors for any portable equipment, especially in moist/salty environments. No need to buy $$$ exotic connectors, standard gold plated Neutriks are great – probably $1 more on average. Don’t buy connectors from your average supply house unless you like paying top dollar. Full Compass usually has the best prices on connectors in groups of 10. Sometimes 10 from them is what 2 costs from the other places.
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+1 to what Michael said. I think he nailed your problem.
You could buy some Caig DeOxit to help with your corrosion problems…FullCompass sells that, also.
Wolf
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Peter,
While you’re at it, dig out the micrometer and check to see if the offending plug is slightly smaller.
Regards,
Ty Ford
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