Was surprised recently to see contamination of optical fibre cables and interconnects after a relatively short time (12 months). Explains some issues we were having. Testing equipment revealed failures that were disappointing and annoying. Another weak link possibly.
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Originally Posted by
JCBigler
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But those are limitations imposed by our inexact manufacturing processes and signal degradation from our current power output.
Even at 10km, the human metronome will perceive no delay time from just the fiber transport. Like I said earlier there will be delays in the conversion and processing systems, but all else being equal will be the same no matter how long the fiber cable is.
When using fiber as a transport snake it will take less time to go from the stage to FOH (~100 feet) and back to the stage than it will for the audio to move acoustically through the air in the same space.
I'll add that I dislike using fiber unless I really have to. Even the super tough "tactile" fiber cable is decidedly fragile compared to copper. If it breaks, it's like a shotgun blast going through your PA system (Yes, I've heard it). It's less forgiving to dust and moisture contamination. And if it gets too cold it will give you random errors and pops. We traveled our fiber spools on the bus with us during the winter to help keep it warm and not making noise. For most theatre applications, the 100 meter length of coax or Ethernet is sufficient.