Van den Hul The Tide RCA 1.2m

With the Tide, the Dutch manufacturer makes its hybrid Linear Structured Carbon technology accessible in a versatile interconnect cable. This modularity is reflected in its symmetrical architecture, which supports both RCA and XLR connections—a flexibility rarely found at this price point. The characteristic orange Hulliflex jacket immediately shows it belongs to the Van den Hul stable.

A cable with a balanced symmetrical structure

The Tide uses a dual symmetrical conductor architecture, each core made up of 12 strands of large‑crystal 24 AWG OFC (oxygen‑free) copper. This copper receives a dense silver plating that improves surface conductivity and limits oxidation over time. This copper/silver combination represents an interesting technical compromise: OFC copper provides a stable conductive base, while the silver plating optimizes high‑frequency transfer and extends the cable’s lifespan.

The overall 7 mm diameter gives the Tide a reassuring physical presence without compromising its handling. The gold‑plated RCA connectors ensure a reliable contact with your equipment’s sockets.

The LSC hybrid shielding in detail

Van den Hul has made Linear Structured Carbon® technology its technical hallmark. The Tide incorporates this innovation in the form of a two‑layer hybrid shield: a dense copper braid coupled with an LSC‑saturated layer. This combination tackles electromagnetic interference on two complementary fronts.

The metal braid blocks conventional radio‑frequency disturbances, while the carbon layer absorbs residual noise and converts unwanted magnetic fields into neutral electrical signals. The shielding resistance remains very low, at 0.017 Ω/m, which guarantees an effective return path for the signal.

Capacitance designed for sensitive sources

The Tide’s capacitance, measured at 44 pF/m, is one of its most significant technical assets. This particularly low value limits the capacitive load presented to high‑impedance sources. In practice, this preserves the sonic character of microphones, guitar pickups, and other sensitive equipment whose output impedance can reach several tens of kilohms.

For a conventional hi‑fi setup, where CD player or preamplifier outputs have much lower impedances, this characteristic is still relevant: it minimizes any parasitic low‑pass filtering that could blunt transients or subtly alter the tonal balance in the treble.

The Hulliflex jacket: robustness and environmental responsibility

The Tide’s yellow‑orange color is more than just an aesthetic choice. It identifies the Hulliflex® jacket, a polymer developed in‑house by Van den Hul since 1990 as a replacement for PVC. This decision, originally driven by environmental concerns, eliminates halogens and therefore prevents the production of hydrochloric acid or dioxins in the event of end‑of‑life combustion.

In everyday use, Hulliflex stands out for its remarkable flexibility, which makes it easier to route cables behind furniture or through tight spaces. Its generous thickness protects the conductors against mechanical stress, accidental pinching, and general wear. The material’s chemical stability prevents any premature aging that could affect electrical performance.

Technical specifications

Conductor construction

• Multi-strand OFC copper (oxygen-free copper) with large crystals
• Gauge: 24 AWG (American Wire Gauge)
• Conductor diameter: 0.52 mm
• Coating: dense silver plating for pure, transparent sound transmission and maximum durability

Electrical properties

• Capacitance: 44 pF/m (picofarads per meter)
  • Particularly low value that reduces the load on high-impedance sources
  • Preserves signal fidelity for microphones and guitar pickups
• Conductor resistance: 0.085 Ω/m
• Shield resistance: 0.017 Ω/m

Shielding and interference protection

• Double hybrid shielding
  • Dense braid
  • Special Linear Structured Carbon (LSC®) layer
• Effective elimination of electromagnetic interference
• Ensures a clean, noise-free signal

Jacket and mechanical protection

• Material: yellow-orange Hulliflex
• Thickness: extra-thick
• Exceptional flexibility for easy handling
• High mechanical strength
• Maximum protection against wear

Dimensions

• Overall cable diameter: 7.0 mm
• Conductor diameter: 0.52 mm

Connectors and available versions

• Cable type: balanced analog interconnect cable
• Available versions: RCA, XLR

Recommended applications

• Home and car hi-fi
• Musical instrument cable
• Microphone cable
• High-impedance sources