Van den Hul The Second XLR 0.8m
Overview
In 1993, Van den Hul decided to offer its Linear Structured Carbon (LSC) technology in a balanced version. After the success of The First as an unbalanced coaxial cable, the Dutch manufacturer introduced its symmetrical counterpart, logically named The Second. Three decades later, this cable remains one of the brand’s benchmarks, characterized by the complete absence of metal in its conductors and a construction that prioritizes individually insulated carbon fibers.
A conductor without copper or silver
The Second adopts an uncommon approach: its two central conductors contain no metal at all. Van den Hul uses exclusively carbon fibers assembled according to its patented LSC technology. Each conductor bundles 12,000 carbon strands with a diameter of 7 micrometers, and each of these strands is individually insulated.
This fiber-by-fiber insulation is not a cosmetic detail. It prevents unwanted electrical interactions between adjacent conductors and channels the flow of electrons in a single direction. The two conductors are then wrapped in polyethylene foam, one white and the other brown, to distinguish them visually during wiring.
Moisture protection and quadruple shielding
Van den Hul has integrated treated filling fibers between the conductors and the shielding. These artificial fibers form a barrier against ambient moisture, which helps maintain stable electrical capacitance over time (68 pF/m). The low capacitance and the resistance of 3.6 Ω/m help preserve signal integrity over long distances.
The shielding deserves special attention. It consists of four distinct layers: two groups of silver-plated OFC (oxygen-free) copper strands, wound in a helix at different angles, and two intermediate layers saturated with LSC. This hybrid construction combines the conductivity of metal for shielding with the properties of carbon for attenuating external interference.
The outer jacket is made of Hulliflex, a material developed by Van den Hul that contains no halogens. In the event of combustion, it releases neither hydrochloric acid nor dioxins, a choice the manufacturer has promoted since 1990 for environmental reasons.
Professional and home use
Van den Hul uses The Second for its own recording sessions, under the Carbon Recordings series. The manufacturer has produced lengths reaching 25 meters for studio microphone cabling applications. This ability to operate over long distances without noticeable signal degradation illustrates the low capacitance and shielding effectiveness.
In a home setup, the XLR version terminates the cable with gold-plated Neutrik connectors. The 75 Ω impedance also allows use in AES-EBU digital connections, although Van den Hul advises against long lengths in this specific context.
Assembly reserved for the manufacturer
The Second is not sold by the meter for DIY wiring. The reason is technical: properly connecting 24,000 individual fibers (12,000 per conductor) to XLR connectors requires specific know-how and tooling. Van den Hul therefore assembles each cable at the factory, which explains why it is available only in predefined lengths.
The 7.3 mm outer diameter offers good handling without excessive stiffness. The light brown Hulliflex jacket remains flexible even after several years of use.
A cable that does not age like copper
The absence of metal in the conductors has one often overlooked consequence: no signal oxidation. Copper or silver conductors are subject to gradual surface degradation, even when protected. LSC carbon fibers do not exhibit this phenomenon, giving the cable long-term performance stability that Van den Hul has highlighted since the product’s inception.
Technical specifications
Electrical specifications
- Conductor resistance: 3.6 Ω/m
- Capacitance: 68 pF/m
- Impedance: 75 Ω in digital
Construction
- Conductor: 2 groups of 12,000 insulated oxygen-free copper (LSC) fibers of 7 μm
- Shielding: 204 oxygen-free copper (LSC) fibers, in 4 layers
- Insulators:
- Polyethylene foam (PE)
- Light brown Hulliflex jacket
Dimensions
- Outer diameter: 7.3 mm
- Length: 2 × 0.8 m
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cable require a break-in period before reaching optimal performance?
Van den Hul recommends a few hours of operation for the cable to settle into its environment. Some retailers offer a pre-conditioning service using a dedicated machine, but this is not essential. The cable can be used immediately after unboxing.
How does the cable compare to the RCA version of The Second?
The internal construction is identical. The XLR version adds the benefit of a balanced assembly with common-mode interference rejection. The Neutrik XLR termination is renowned for its mechanical reliability and stable contact.
Is the cable suitable for tube equipment as well as transistor-based equipment?
The Second is neutral by design and works equally well with tube amplifiers and solid-state amplifiers. The choice of placement in the chain (between source and preamp or between preamp and power amp) can alter sound perception depending on the system.
- Eco-contribution of €0.02 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 8718058012631