Digital XLR vs. Analog XLR - Balanced Cables

They will work just fine. Both are straight-through cables with 600ohm impedance.

Kal

The wiring in the cable is irrelevant since it is straight through. That is, 1 to 1, 2 to 2 and 3 to 3. So, as long as the source and receiver match, any will do.

Kal

Right. The devices may not be connected in the same way although those differences are less common these days. Nonetheless, the only reason for not having the usual direct connections in the cables is to compensate for differences between the devices on each end.

Kal

Kijanki-

You point out the parameters which are important for digital and those which are important for analog. However, none of these parameters are incompatible making it entirely possible for a single cable to be optimal for both.

As for anti-vibration shields and fluids, I will not bother to comment.

Kal

First, we have a basic disagreement about the significance of some parameters but just because a parameter is ignored or not specified for a particular application does not mean that it cannot share that parameter with the other application. So, making a digital cable with regard for quality of materials and dielectric constant is entirely possible making it suitable for analog and digital applications.

Second, you suggest "If you think that characteristic impedance can be different (and it is completely different for analog cable) why don't you connect your TV to roof antena using any cheap shielded cable." That's a red herring but let me suggest to you that a defined impedance cable suitable for that would also work for analog since there is no defined impedance for analog that would prevent this parameter from being suitable.

So, despite our differences, let me ask you if there is a specific parameter necessary for digital that would make it unusable for analog? Or vice versa?

Kal

OK. IMHO, it is hard "to do things by the book" when there are are no definable parameters except characteristic impedance for digital and LC values suitable for the loads in both cases.

I tend to ignore the labels that manufacturers put on a cable unless they say what their reasons are for putting on that particular label. I do know that some have used the same cable/connector for digital and analog.

Kal

Ckoffend-

You can try them; they should work. You have nothing to lose.

OTOH, I would be more certain that digital cables would work for analog.

Kal