The cables of the VOVOX® link series are the basis of our product line for musicians and recording studios. Very successful already for several years, they establish the excellent reputation of VOVOX. The specific design of the cables and the use of selected, very pure raw materials provide an optimal transmission of audio signals. 

Technology VOVOX® link
All VOVOX® sound conductors follow the same design basics. In contrast to most suppliers of cables, when optimizing our products we do not gear them to some physical values such as the ohmic resistance or capacity. That's because we have learned through much extensive testing, that the effects of a sound conductor are too complex to be reduced to a few measurables. And, it is not our target to develop cables with outstanding data sheet values, but sound conductors with the best possible sound transmission properties. The best measurement device for this purpose is definitely the human sense of hearing.

High quality conductor materials
The selection of the right conductor material is crucial for the sound. The basis of all VOVOX® link sound conductors is silver-plated solid-core conductors made from oxygen-free, high purity SPOFHC copper. Because silver has an even better conductivity than copper, the current density is additionally enhanced in the important surface boundary.

Ultra-pure polymers
VOVOX® link sound conductors are covered with two layers of high-tech polymers. Although plastics are not directly involved in the signal transmission, they do have an effect on the sound quality. VOVOX® doesn't use any PVC. Only ultra-pure plastics without plasticizers are used. Even the use of colour pigments is avoided.

Additional conductor for ground
The conductors within a cable must fulfil several functions. The shield has the main function of protecting the signal conductor from interference. In most cables, the shield is also used as the return signal conductor. VOVOX® consequently separates these functions. This may be a more complex construction, yet it results clearly in better sound quality.

Arrangement of conductors
Current induces magnetic fields in any conductor. If the distance between two conductors is too small, interactions and interferences are created. The result is an audible loss of sound quality. As a result, we arrange the conductors in a well-defined, large distance.

Flexibility and durablity in spite of solid core conductors
To offer maximum sound quality, VOVOX is strictly using solid core and not stranded wires. In order to keep the cables flexible and durable, they are designed in a unique way. Every conductor is seperately coated with a polymer jacketing to form a lead. The various leads are helical stranded and covered by a flexible netting. Due to this construction the wires remain in the neutral axis when flexing the cable. Like this it is possible to prevent the wires from critical compression or tension, they are only smoothly bent.

VOVOX® sound conductors are hand-assembled in Switzerland. The cables, including the solder, are lead-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes VOVOX® sound conductors from other cables?

A) The concept
VOVOX® sound conductors' design and production are based mainly on material science and not electrical engineering.

B) The goal
VOVOX aims for a pristine signal transmission which does not lose information during the process. This goal can not be achieved by taking measures that influence the sound for specific applications, e.g. by offering a special cable type for a certain instrument or musical style. The results of such measures only appear to be an improvement, since they will never help reach the goal of an unaltered signal transmission. All measures taken by VOVOX have one purpose only: To remove hurdles on the way to achieving a flawless signal flow.

C) The technical realization
VOVOX® sound conductors differ in various aspects from conventional cables. While some of these differences are obvious, others are hidden and will remain the company's business secrets.

• Solid core conductors: Conductors made of solid wires
• High purity, high tech plastics
• no plasticizers
• no PVC
• no colour pigments
• Use of an additional conductor for ground, having the same high quality as the signal conductors
• Unusually large spacing between the conductors
   

What is the difference between VOVOX® link and VOVOX® sonorus
The VOVOX® link cables are successfully produced since several years already. They establish the excellent reputation of the brand VOVOX. The sound conductors of the VOVOX® sonorus series were introduced in the year 2010. They incorporate the results of the research and experience of the past years. Whereas the basic concept is still the same, the cutting-edge conductor technology offers further enhancement of the quality achieved in transmitting audio signals.

How is it possible to explain the effect of directionality of VOVOX sound conductors?
In general, metals are crystals. Therefore, they exhibit different properties and values when measured in different directions.

VOVOX sound conductors are based on solid core conductors, which means they are made of single wires and not of many small stranded wires. The production of stranded wires consists of many processing steps, resulting in a large probability that not all filaments will have the same direction. Directional properties thus cancel each other out. In the case of VOVOX sound conductors this will not happen.

How does one choose between shielded or non-shielded cables?
Many VOVOX® sound conductors are available in a non-shielded 'direct' version and in a shielded 'protect' version. The shielding prevents humming and buzzing sounds, but causes a small loss of sound quality.

There are situations in which it's mandatory to use shielded cables. On the other hand, especially with balanced cables, there are very few cases in which sound disturbances are observed, even without shielding. 'Direct' sound conductors can offer even better results in these cases.

Generally speaking, we suggest using 'protect' sound conductors for applications in which interference would otherwise cause problems (listed below). In all other cases, the non-shielded 'direct' versions should be favored.

• when interference will necessarily lead to an uncontrollable situation, e.g. for live concerts or live recordings
• in the case of unbalanced cables longer than 1.5 m (5 ft)
• generally for amplified music instruments with pick-ups
   

How big is the difference in sound quality between 'protect' and 'direct' sound conductors?
All VOVOX sound conductors facilitate a very open, direct and rich sound. Should one rate the sound transmission properties of VOVOX®link direct S at 100 points and that of a balanced standard cable at 0 points, VOVOX®link protect S would be rated at about 80 points on this scale.

How can I recognize the correct alignment of the sound conductors?
The correct alignment is marked with the VOVOX® label. Please connect the end of the sound conductor marked with the VOVOX® label to the signal receiver.

Why do VOVOX cables not break although they use solid core conductor wires?
To offer maximum sound quality, VOVOX is strictly using solid core and not stranded wires. In order to keep the cables flexible and durable, they are designed in a unique way. Every conductor is seperately coated with a polymer jacketing to form a lead. The various leads are helical stranded and covered by a flexible netting. Due to this construction the wires remain in the neutral axis when flexing the cable. Like this it is possible to prevent the wires from critical compression or tension, they are only smoothly bent.

Review in TapeOp #59