Signal Loss Calculator — Audio Cable Attenuation
Calculate signal attenuation over a cable run based on cable type and length.
How We Calculate This
Total loss = cable length × loss per metre (at frequency)
Cable capacitance creates a low-pass filter with the source impedance:
-3 dB frequency = 1 / (2π × R × C)
where R is the source impedance and C is the total cable capacitance. A guitar pickup (~10 kΩ) with 10 m of 100 pF/m cable (1000 pF total) has a -3 dB point around 16 kHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Always verify results for critical applications.