Keeping P.A. Cables Organized

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by gareth dunster

Anyone got any easy way of using reels with guitar leads?

I think that would be more trouble than it's worth.

[hollythedog]

Originally Posted by ggunn

I think that would be more trouble than it's worth.

T

[hollythedog]

Originally Posted by hollythedog

T

I use Velcro on all leads, they all stay seperate and are easy to find from the box just a small strip say 15 cm long works for me .

[derrico1]

+1 to more trouble than it's worth.

First, there's the problem of lateral force on the plug-ends if you joined the cables together using f/f adapters and reeled them up.

Then, if players are working in multiple bands, they'll have to buy cables just to leave on the reel.

Even beyond those practical issues, IME it works better if individual players set up their own stage rigs. Otherwise, if all the cabling were on one reel, the first player to set up would need to unreel until he gets to the cables he wants. In the meantime the other cables that were unreeled would then either need to be re-spooled or else lie about on stage until they're needed.

[musicman7722]

Can one of you elaborate on how to convert a garden hoser reel for mike cables. I worked with a FOH guy once that did that. Since I'm using powered speakers now I have a lot of xlr cables

[michaelkoss]

Originally Posted by musicman7722

Can one of you elaborate on how to convert a garden hoser reel for mike cables. I worked with a FOH guy once that did that. Since I'm using powered speakers now I have a lot of xlr cables

I don't think there's any conversion necessary. Just plug the XLR cables into one another and start reeling them in. I haven't done it myself, but I don't think there's anything special needed.

[throughthefire]

Some of this; http://www.heatshrink.com/heat_shrin...ng/w3c_4ft.asp

and a desktop label machine (we use a Brother pTouch)

gives us this.

No messing with sharpies! The 3:1 (or 3.25:1) ratio tubing is big enough to get over a 1/4" plug without taking it off (not the one in the photo, but that was a single screw to remove the end).

We (well, the kids, normally) have provided every venue in Utah with a nice selection of cables over the years, but since we started doing this, we've never lost one.

It has the band name on there, and our telephone number, plus the cable length, and a serial number so we can identify cables from either end of the run.

Note: I recommend heatshrink.com because they're a part of Kimber Cable (http://www.kimber.com/) - in the same building - and they know *exactly* what you're talking about when you ask them if a particular size will fit over some odd plug or two.

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by musicman7722

Can one of you elaborate on how to convert a garden hoser reel for mike cables. I worked with a FOH guy once that did that. Since I'm using powered speakers now I have a lot of xlr cables

I use a couple of extension cord reels but the principle is the same, and extension cord reels are smaller and lighter. Usually there is some sort of tab or holddown on the hub; slip the first mic cable into it and start reeling.

TIP: Start with the male end of the first cable. That way when you are packing up you can just stand at the snake box and have someone connect the cable ends as you reel them in. I was surprised at how easily you can just pull them out of whatever spaghetti bowl your stage looks like if you just disconnect them from everything and make sure nothing is sitting on any of them.

[Rodger Bryan]

I use Redco Audio for other cable stuff, but Heatshrink.com appears to have very good prices if you only need shrink tubing. I will try them sometime. Getting custom printing on them is a great idea!

[throughthefire]

Originally Posted by Rodger Bryan

I use Redco Audio for other cable stuff, but Heatshrink.com appears to have very good prices if you only need shrink tubing. I will try them sometime. Getting custom printing on them is a great idea!

Heatshrink can do custom printing for you - at a price - but what we actually do is use a yellow plastic label (from any old labelling machine). Stick that to the cable, then cover it with transparent heatshrink tubing and shrink it on. That way we can make our own custom labels for whatever purpose, and the only restriction is the color of the label you can get your hands on.

[Pbassred]

what we actually do is use a yellow plastic label (from any old labelling machine). Stick that to the cable, then cover it with transparent heatshrink tubing and shrink it on.

Hold on ...... isn't the labelling machine a heat process? Wouldn't heat shrinking make it go black?

[throughthefire]

Originally Posted by Pbassred

Hold on ...... isn't the labelling machine a heat process? Wouldn't heat shrinking make it go black?

Different levels of heat, I think. We've never had a problem - I'm usually more worried about melting the cable..

[Blue]

Originally Posted by jonas_24112

... a rolling garden hose reel ... Just connect cables end to end as you roll em up and unwind as you need them.

I Like this idea.

[Blue]

What size on the XLR's?

Originally Posted by gearhead1972

http://www.parts-express.com/cat/hea...ble-tubing/569
Yes a hair dryer will work, just takes a little longer

[gearhead1972]

Originally Posted by Blue

What size on the XLR's?

As already stated

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Good. Now get yourself several colors of ¾-inch heat-shrink tubing and put different colors on each length for quick identification.

[Blue]

Originally Posted by gearhead1972

As already stated

Thanks

[Billy K]

Hey throughthefire, what size 3:1 tubing to go over guitar 1/4 jack? 3:1 comes in many sizes should it be bigger than the 1/4 like 5/8ths?

[Doley50]

Great Ideas! , I just purchased an exstension chord reel, but I am not sure if I like it for the XLR's cables, I looks a little messy and the two ends connected looks like there might be to much stress on them.
Maybe the Garden Hose reel would be better, the inside spool in larger.

Now if only my Guitarist and Me can convince my Drummer that tieing them up like fishermans rope is not a good idea ! LOL