Chord Shawline USB Cable

Chord Shawline USB cable is a 1 m digital interconnect designed to connect a computer to a USB DAC. It uses silver-plated conductors for both signal and power, with the power conductors shielded separately from the signal conductors. The standard length is suitable for system components positioned close together.

This cable is intended for systems that transmit a digital audio signal through a USB connection. It is not an analogue interconnect, a speaker cable or a power-only cable. Before ordering, select the connector configuration that matches the sockets on the equipment you intend to use.

Construction and conductors

The signal conductors are silver-plated. The power conductors use the same type of plating. These two conductor groups perform different functions within the USB connection.

The power conductors are shielded separately from the signal conductors. In addition to this internal shielding, the cable has an overall external shield. This creates a multi-part shielding arrangement that clearly separates the power and signal circuits within the cable.

The conductors use specialised hard-skin polyethylene insulation developed for high-speed signal transmission. The cable also incorporates a dedicated version of Chord’s Tuned ARAY conductor geometry.

Each cable is assembled by hand and fitted with silver-plated connector contacts.

Choosing the USB connectors

This model is specified with USB-A and USB-B connector types. The exact connector arrangement at the two ends must be chosen according to the source output and the DAC input. The appearance of a connector alone may not provide enough information, so check the sockets on both devices before ordering.

In a typical desktop audio system, the computer may provide the USB-A socket while the DAC uses USB-B. Equipment connections do vary, however, so this cable should not be selected solely because both devices are described as having USB.

The model is not manufactured with a directly attached micro-USB connector. Its thicker conductors do not allow a sufficiently reliable mechanical connection to be made inside a micro-USB plug. Equipment with a micro-USB input may therefore require a separate USB-B-to-micro-USB adapter.

When using an adapter, allow enough space around the equipment socket for both the cable and the additional connection. The adapter should not press against furniture or place strain on the small micro-USB socket. The adapter itself must be selected separately.

Choosing the length and routing the cable

The 1 m length is intended for a short run between a USB source and a digital-to-analogue converter. Before choosing the cable, measure the route it will actually follow rather than only the straight-line distance between the sockets. Allow some slack for bends so that the connectors are not held under tension.

Avoid bending the cable sharply where it enters the connector body. The thicker conductors and shielding layers require more room than those of a very thin USB cable. This is particularly important when equipment is positioned close to a wall or near the back of a shelf.

If the standard one-metre version is not long enough, a custom-length cable can be ordered. This can be useful when the computer and DAC are placed on different shelves. The selected length should allow the cable to be routed without pulling on either connection.

Using the cable in an audio system

In a stereo system, the cable connects a USB audio source to a separate DAC or another component equipped with a suitable USB input. The subsequent analogue signal path depends on the connections provided by the converter and amplifier. This cable does not replace the analogue interconnect between the DAC and amplifier.

In a home cinema system, it can be used only when the particular processor, amplifier or DAC accepts an audio signal through the appropriate USB input. A USB socket intended solely for storage media, servicing or power will not necessarily accept a computer audio signal.

The cable has no user-adjustable controls. Installation is primarily a matter of choosing the correct sockets, selecting a suitable length and avoiding unnecessary strain on the connectors. Audio format and output settings are configured on the source and DAC, not on the cable itself.

Technical specifications

FAQ

What is this cable designed for?

It is designed to connect a USB audio source to a USB DAC or another component with a compatible audio input. It carries a digital connection and is not an analogue interconnect.

How do I choose the correct connectors?

Check the output on the source and the input on the receiving device. USB-A and USB-B connectors are specified for this model, but the correct configuration for both ends must be selected when ordering.

Can the cable be connected to a micro-USB input?

Yes, provided that a separate USB-B-to-micro-USB adapter is suitable for the equipment. A direct micro-USB version of the cable is not manufactured because the thicker conductors make it difficult to create a mechanically reliable connection inside that type of plug.

Is it suitable for stereo and home cinema systems?

It is suitable when a component in the system accepts an audio signal through the appropriate USB input. The presence of a USB socket alone does not guarantee this, as some sockets are intended for storage media or servicing.

Does the cable carry only a digital signal?

The cable carries USB digital data, but it also contains power conductors.

When should I choose a custom length?

A custom length is useful when one metre is not enough to route the cable without tension. When measuring, account for bends, furniture depth and the space available behind the equipment.

Does the cable require any additional setup?

No. The cable itself has no controls. Any required audio output and format options are configured on the computer, player or connected DAC.