Leaving cables plugged in Amp

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Would it be a bad idea not to disconnect the speaker cable from my head to cab when done using it?

Similarly, would you consider it ok to leave patch cables in the send/return of an fx loop, when not in use?
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

I hope it is because I've done that all my life...


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Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

Which is worse? Constant tension on the contact or repeated wear on the contact?
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

What purpose does it serve to unplug the head from the cab unless you are transporting it? If it's a tube head and you unplug it from the speakers, then forget to plug it back in before you use it again, you could have a bigger problem.

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Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

I always have,,,,,keeps the dust out of the jack if nothing else.
With tube heads I always leave the cab connected if it's even near an outlet lol,,,,and of course when it's running.
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

Thanks guys. The main reason i was second guessing it is because of how when you leave cables plugged in a pedal, it can cause the battery to drain even if not on.

Glad i asked. I'm going to leave the head plugged into the cab now, as well as patch cables in the fx loop. Will make my life much easier!

Thanks!
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

It's not a big problem, but...leaving the plugs in all the time CAN cause a problem.

Over time, the different metals can interact and develop corrosion, which can lead to intermittent connections. One of the reasons why gold connectors are recommended for more permanent installations--it won't corrode.

There are some chemical products that audiophiles use in home stereo systems to fight this, or use Contact Cleaner to remove the corrosion. An unplugging once or twice a month isn't a bad idea.

Bill
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

By unplugging one or twice a month, do you mean just take out and plug right back in? Or leave it out for a while? If leaving it out for a while, how long would you say?

Sorry, you gott be very specific with me ;)
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

In and out....like sex. Repeat as necessary! :banana:

You're just using the plug to scrape off any corrosion to get clean new metal-to-metal contact.

Easy peasy!

Bill
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

A little contact cleaner once in a while is probably a good idea. I found some stuff that leaves zero residue, that I use on tube sockets. I think I'm going to use it on everything but potentiometers.
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

It's not a big problem, but...leaving the plugs in all the time CAN cause a problem.

Over time, the different metals can interact and develop corrosion, which can lead to intermittent connections. One of the reasons why gold connectors are recommended for more permanent installations--it won't corrode.

There are some chemical products that audiophiles use in home stereo systems to fight this, or use Contact Cleaner to remove the corrosion. An unplugging once or twice a month isn't a bad idea.

Bill
Now, this is a good reason. I suppose all the more so if you live in a damp climate.
Living in the dessert, I tend to forget about things like corrosion.

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Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

If you don't move your rig often, it's a good idea to "exercise" the plugs a few times a year. The friction helps keep the contact points clean. Plus a good contact cleaner once or twice a year can keep you electrons flowing freely...especially is damp climates.
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

Would the contact clean be sprayed into the input? Or main just of the ends of the cable?

I guess i'd put some on a cloth a wipe the end of the cable with it?
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

I was not too long ago with a drunk off his a$$ guy who nearly pulled a vintage 70's Marshall full stack over by the cord. I was there to catch it and prevent it luckily. Pull the plugs when not in use as a matter of prudence.
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

What purpose does it serve to unplug the head from the cab unless you are transporting it? If it's a tube head and you unplug it from the speakers, then forget to plug it back in before you use it again, you could have a bigger problem.

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Exactly what I thought too.
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

I normally leave them unplugged as I store them separately, my head is in the back lounge, whilst the cab is at the band HQ in storage. So it moves around alot anyway.
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

I normally leave them unplugged as I store them separately, my head is in the back lounge, whilst the cab is at the band HQ in storage. So it moves around alot anyway.

Kind of hard to keep them plugged when they're at different locations lol.
 
Re: Leaving cables plugged in Amp

Every once in a while I'll give them a little twist and then pull them out and put them back in and maybe give it another twist back and forth. But aside from that I don't really mess with them at all. The only cord I unplug is my guitar cord, but that's only because I'm running active pups mostly, and I even do that with my passives out of habit.
 
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