Stupid snake question...please be gentle :)

[dancrocker]

I have a mixer with 12 XLR and 2 stereo 1/4" inputs. I'd like to use a snake to connect all of these. The snake specs talk about XLR returns and 1/4" returns. I don't quite understand what this means. For example, check this out:
http://www.rapcohorizon.com/p-242-s-series-snake.aspx

Click on the "model number" tab.

These two appear to be close to what I am looking for:

16 channel, 12x4, with 1/4 inch returns
16 channel, 12x4, with XLR returns

I assume the 12x4 means that there are 12 XLR inputs and 4 1/4". If I'm right, then I'd expect there to be 12 XLR and 4 1/4 cables for connection to the mixer. But, it seems like this may not be the case.

What's the difference between these two models?

Thanks,
Dan

[slyjoe]

Why do you say that may not be the case?

The difference in the two models has to do with the "x4" part. It's either 4 1/4" male plugs or 4 XLR (female) at the the mixer end. Same thing at the stage end - 12 XLRs plus 4 1/4" female jacks or 4 XLR male jacks.

Edit - got my males and females backwards.

[projectMalamute]

The returns are for sending signal back to the stage. So a 16x4 snake with XLR returns will have a pigtail with 16 male XLR and 4 female XLR on one end and a stage box with 16 female XLR and 4 male XLR at the other.

A 16x4 snake with 1/4" returns will have 4 male 1/4" plugs on the pigtail end and 4 female 1/4" jacks on the stage box.

[dancrocker]

Ah, I think I get it.

Even though the "returns" seem to be intended to send signals back to the stage, it seems like they could also be used to connect 1/4" signals the other way. We have keyboard and acoustic guitar (built-in pickup) that we connect via 1/4". If the box has female 1/4" and the pigtail has male, this should work fine, right?

[popgadget]

Originally Posted by dancrocker

Ah, I think I get it.

Even though the "returns" seem to be intended to send signals back to the stage, it seems like they could also be used to connect 1/4" signals the other way. We have keyboard and acoustic guitar (built-in pickup) that we connect via 1/4". If the box has female 1/4" and the pigtail has male, this should work fine, right?

Sort of. It would be better to use a DI and a balanced input rather use a return channel for a long unbalanced feed.

[dancrocker]

Originally Posted by popgadget

Sort of. It would be better to use a DI and a balanced input rather use a return channel for a long unbalanced feed.

Got ya!
Thanks,
Dan

[ric stave]

Best to find out if the 1/4's are balanced (TRS) or unbalanced (TS) - and for the use you want, I'd go with the XLR return version, or get a 16 chnl/XX return version. If you get the 1/4 TRS version, it's harder to get the right connectors to 'go the other way' - you'll need a TRS Female to XLR Male......, and then probably a TRS male to XLR female on the other end.