Influence of bad soldering jobs

[hwlr]

Hello everyone!

I just soldered a new connector to my headphones' cable and was wondering: is the quality of my... let's say perfectible solders influencing the sound?

I can't hear a difference, but the answer may be interesting from a technical point of view.

Thanks!

 

[levimax]

Unless there is a "cold joint" or "bridge traces" causing a short you won't hear a difference but there may be longer term reliability issues. Here is a link that has nice pictures and descriptions of common soldering issues https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guide-excellent-soldering/common-problems

 

[hwlr]

Thanks!

 

[Katji]

This might be of interest to some...

101 General Requirements

This site contains only the NASA Workmanship Inspection Pictorial Reference
All other Workmanship Content has been moved to: https://nepp.nasa.gov/workmanship ------------>

 

[Doodski]

Hello everyone!

I just soldered a new connector to my headphones' cable and was wondering: is the quality of my... let's say perfectible solders influencing the sound?

I can't hear a difference, but the answer may be interesting from a technical point of view.

Thanks!

If the solder wetted the ends that you are soldering together and there is not too much solder in the joint then it's likely a good joint that will sound fine.
If you want more solder training Pace Worldwide offers excellent training videos and fantastic quality made in the USA soldering equipment.

 

[hwlr]

This might be of interest to some...

101 General Requirements

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This site contains only the NASA Workmanship Inspection Pictorial Reference
All other Workmanship Content has been moved to: https://nepp.nasa.gov/workmanship ------------>


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Wow I fail in half of these interesting document

 

[hwlr]

If the solder wetted the ends that you are soldering together and there is not too much solder in the joint then it's likely a good joint that will sound fine.
If you want more solder training Pace Worldwide offers excellent training videos and fantastic quality made in the USA soldering equipment.

Thanks I will have a look!

 

[MRC01]

Unless there is a "cold joint" or "bridge traces" causing a short you won't hear a difference but there may be longer term reliability issues. Here is a link that has nice pictures and descriptions of common soldering issues https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guide-excellent-soldering/common-problems

Great link! I was telling my daughter about cold joints and wetting as we wired a new stereo into her old car. That's a wonderful reference with pictures & explanations of the common problems to avoid and how to fix them.

 

[Audiofire]

I just soldered a new connector to my headphones' cable and was wondering: is the quality of my... let's say perfectible solders influencing the sound?

The resistance can be measured. A multimeter can do that, mine can measure minimum 0.1 ohm at least. The connector adds some resistance and it is not pure copper.