Custom snake advice

jongor · #1 07-01-2011, 06:13 AM

I need to add several "channels" to a permanent installation and don't want to invest in an entire new snake.

It's a long run, 130 feet or more, and most snakes I find are only 100, so I thought I could just run the extra lines we need as individual wires.

Is there a source for the cable and xlr ends?

I've searched a bit and come up dry.

Any input would be appreciated!

T-Bird · #2 07-01-2011, 06:28 AM

Hi.

RS?

Regards
Sam

jongor · #3 07-01-2011, 06:37 AM

Thanks, I'll check it out.

BTW a search for RS led me here:
Allied Electronics

BassikLee · #4 07-01-2011, 06:46 AM

For things like that, I use partsexpress.com

bassmeknik · #5 07-01-2011, 07:58 AM

MICROPHONE / SIGNAL WIRE from Parts Express ship same day and come with 45 day money back guarantee. Free Shipping Available. Order free 10,000 product catalog.

and

SNAKE WIRE from Parts Express ship same day and come with 45 day money back guarantee. Free Shipping Available. Order free 10,000 product catalog.

XLR ends:

XLR CABLE MOUNT from Parts Express ship same day and come with 45 day money back guarantee. Free Shipping Available. Order free 10,000 product catalog.

I highly recommend Parts Express, I have personally used the Dayton Audio brand and am pleased with it. The Neutrik brand of XLR's are a bit more expensive but are generally easier to put together (nicer design)

relwof · #6 07-01-2011, 08:12 AM

Once upon a time I made my own snake for a built-in studio install, using Neutrik combo XLR connectors which worked great. I also used Neutrik 1/4 TRS plugs on the rack side to go into the back of my patch bays.

Looks like the part number for the jack is NCJNFI-S where N is 6 (what I used), maybe 9 or 10 (more connectors - switched for 1/4"?) but not 5 if you want to support balanced TRS. And make sure it ends with -S for solder cups, unless you're up for a custom PCB board. They're available from several places online, looks like you should be able to get them for about $2.50 each.

Also, I don't know what kind of cable you're thinking about but you can get good bulk (longer than 150 ft) snake cable (Canare or Mogami 12 channel) for around $3 to $5 per foot (I used Canare 16 channel).

FunkMetalBass · #7 07-01-2011, 08:14 AM

I use Redco for all of my cable and connector needs.

Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Redco Audio Home Page

relwof · #8 07-01-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassmeknik

I highly recommend Parts Express, I have personally used the Dayton Audio brand and am pleased with it. The Neutrik brand of XLR's are a bit more expensive but are generally easier to put together (nicer design)

Been a while since I ordered any electronic or audio parts, but I'm pretty sure I've ordered from Parts Express before and don't recall any problems. The do have good prices on the Neutrik combo connectors. Unfortunately, they don't seem to carry anything over 100ft length in snake cable. The longer the run, the more I'd be inclined to stick with a known reliable brand and get real snake cable instead of multiple single channels. Although that's more from a studio perspective - if this is just live PA or recreational stuff at home you might not need to be so picky.

projectMalamute · #9 07-01-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

I use Redco for all of my cable and connector needs.

Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Redco Audio Home Page

this

Never_grew_up · #10 07-01-2011, 10:36 AM

Or you could run a single CAT5 cable and use these:
http://www.etslan.com/pdfdocs/Audio/...InstaSnake.pdf
If you don't need phantom power you can use unshielded twisted pair cable. Put the box with 4 female XLRs at the stage, put the box with 4 male XLR's on pigtails at the mixer, done. They also have a 3in/1 out version so you can have 3 mics and a monitor signal return if necessary.

allexcosta · #11 07-01-2011, 11:38 AM

Don't think it's worth your time and effort...

Choose from here:

Audiopile Pro Audio - Snakes

jongor · #12 07-03-2011, 06:01 AM

Thanks for all the great input guys!

Question: the multi-cables with the drain wire, what do I do with it?

Never_grew_up · #13 07-03-2011, 06:03 AM

The drain wire is the ground.

jongor · #14 07-03-2011, 06:22 AM

Right, but where is it connected?

Never_grew_up · #15 07-03-2011, 09:58 AM

If you're talking about multiple shielded pair cable, the drain wire for each shielded pair is connected to the shield for the connector. For a 1/4" phone plug it's the sleeve. For an xlr I don't remember which pin.

seamonkey · #16 07-03-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allexcosta

Don't think it's worth your time and effort...

Choose from here:

Audiopile Pro Audio - Snakes

Those are incredibly affordable with pro features! Not sure how they do it.

jongor · #17 07-04-2011, 05:23 AM

I'm thinking I might just add cable to our existing snake and re-use the same ends.

4Mal · #18 07-04-2011, 05:16 PM

Audiopile.net is where I turn for cable & connectors these days.

TimmyP · #19 07-04-2011, 06:09 PM

I get all my Neutrik connectors from Fullcompass.com.

Find your local Rapco/Horizon dealer, and get a length of Horizon VTG or CL2 cable (comes in 4, 6, 8, 12, .... pairs).

D.A.R.K. · #20 07-04-2011, 06:21 PM

Another vote for audiopile, great quality and super affordable.
Have had a few of their snakes for touring for a few years now,
never had one issue. They will also customize upon request.
these are 8 xlrm to 8 xlr female 150 ft.:
MTFM-8