IEMs and extension cables

[husky123]

Hey everyone,

I'm running IEMs for the first time on stage very soon. I don't have a body pack wireless yet and will be using an extension cable for a few shows. What's the best way to route it? I think I remember someone mentioning marrying it with your instrument cable? Does that method work well or do you have another you prefer? I don't do a lot of dancing around and pretty much stay in a 5 radius. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[monkeyland]

Amazon.com: TC Electronic Guitar + Headphone Cable 11-Feet Guitar and Headphone Cable: Musical Instruments

 

[Jamesmidders]

I used zip ties to combine my IEM extension and guitar lead, and it works fine if a little inelegant. if you don't buy a premade double cable, a heatshrink sleeve to attach them together would be neat.

 

[s0c9]

During one of my many attempts at an IEM solution, I was wired. Tied the extension cable to guitar cable with zip ties. Worked fine, but ties (pun intended) you to one cable. If there's a problem with either (and cables DO go bad) you are hosed. Backups are essential.
At church I'm tethered, but static...separate cables for each, as i bring my own guitar cable.
Both approaches work, but the church approach is messier with cables floating around.

 

[husky123]

Amazon.com: TC Electronic Guitar + Headphone Cable 11-Feet Guitar and Headphone Cable: Musical Instruments

Thanks guys for the replies.

Monkey, that is perfect!

 

[JGbassman]

Running the line down your instrument cable is actually a great idea. I'd use Velcro to attach it so it's not sticky like gaff tape, and is easy to remove.

Just keep it away from the drummer in case they start to drool, and you know how they love to stick unfamiliar things up their nose....

I love in ear monitors, they are the best by far.

 

[WayneP]

Amazon.com: TC Electronic Guitar + Headphone Cable 11-Feet Guitar and Headphone Cable: Musical Instruments

Thanks guys for the replies.

Monkey, that is perfect!

That cable gets a lot of bad reviews for being unreliable.

This is not the first time I've seen this subject come up about a single cable for both IEM and guitar (IEM question.).

Being an expert cable builder, I've looked into building something similar using quality cable and connectors (both 1/4" and 3.5 mm) instead of the cheap junk in the Amazon link, but it looks like the supplies alone would be about $30 for a 15 ft. cable. I'd probably have to charge at least $60-65 to make it worth my while. Do you guys think this is something that would sell?

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
IEM question.

 

[husky123]

That cable gets a lot of bad reviews for being unreliable.

This is not the first time I've seen this subject come up about a single cable for both IEM and guitar (IEM question.).

Being an expert cable builder, I've looked into building something similar using quality cable and connectors (both 1/4" and 3.5 mm) instead of the cheap junk in the Amazon link, but it looks like the supplies alone would be about $30 for a 15 ft. cable. I'd probably have to charge at least $60-65 to make it worth my while. Do you guys think this is something that would sell?

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
IEM question.

I'd buy it.

 

[seamonkey]

You can combine a couple of cables into these expanding wraps. There's many different diameters and many brands.
Amazon.com: 1/2" PET Expandable Braided Sleeving- 25ft - Black: Home Audio & Theater

 

[drpepper]

I was looking for a solution to get away from wireless (Do You Run Wired Bass But Wireless IEM?). I don't need it to move around and had experienced issues with wireless that wired removes the possibility happening again. I got the TCE cable and it is certainly not robust, and isn't a cable I would have bought just as an instrument cable. I also made a dual-cable using the techflex tubing. That was a total PITA to put together and is bulkier and more rigid than I would like.

At the end of the day, I have one cable that feels more fragile than I would like (although it's not had a problem over the course of a year) and one that was a pain to build and that doesn't hang and lay like I would like (although once I start playing it doesn't bother me). Either one can serve as a backup, and I just grab whichever my hand lands on first.

Since you're talking about temporary use, I'd think the TCE would be fine, but maybe buy two or build a backup, because you never know...

 

[drpepper]

I'd probably have to charge at least $60-65 to make it worth my while. Do you guys think this is something that would sell?

Well, your first response was an "I'd buy one" Initially, I would have thought that this would be something that would do well, but personally and considering the alternatives, at $60, I'd probably choose another option. Also, the complete lack of interest from other cable makers in offering these cables makes me question my perspective (overestimating interest). I sent a couple of "suggestion box" type emails.

 

[Bullitt5135]

I had Link Removed make me a 20' custom cable. It wasn't cheap, about $90 I think, but the quality is excellent. Alternatively, you can create something similar with the two cables of your choice and zip ties (be careful to file down sharp edges on the zip ties). I chose the custom cable route because I just do not trust the cheap Hosa-type headphone cables. If you jump around a lot, leave some slack into your headphone cable so you don't go inadvertently yanking it unplugged (ask me how I know this).

 

[WayneP]

Initially, I would have thought that this would be something that would do well, but personally and considering the alternatives, at $60, I'd probably choose another option.

My idea was a one-cable solution like TCE, only with better cable (e.g. Canare L-4E6S Star Quad) and connectors (Switchcraft), so it wouldn't be bulky or rigid.

Also, the complete lack of interest from other cable makers in offering these cables makes me question my perspective (overestimating interest).

Yup – certainly has crossed my mind, i.e. "if it's such a great idea, someone else would have done it already. I mean, "low price rules," but even the TCE cable isn't exactly flying off the shelf, judging from the limited numbers of reviews...

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Tobias Club #133
Fretless Club #943
Big Cabs Club #23
My Basses
Pedulla Club #45

 

[Wadge]

I've tried a bunch of different options, even ordering some custom cables. This is the best solution I found by far:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It is very solidly built and you can put attach the pack either to your belt or to the bass strap which is what I do.

I must have played 300 gigs with it so far and I've never had an issue.

 

[husky123]

I've tried a bunch of different options, even ordering some custom cables. This is the best solution I found by far:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It is very solidly built and you can put attach the pack either to your belt or to the bass strap which is what I do.

I must have played 300 gigs with it so far and I've never had an issue.

Very interesting, so you have a body pack on you and just run the XLR from the body pack to board?

 

[Wadge]

Pretty much. Check it out

 

[CrashClint]

Interesting

Pretty much. Check it out

 

[azfatboy]

Pretty much. Check it out

Ok, so what is the approximate cost of the IXM system?

 

[EastCoastThump]

Click the "Invalid Link Removed" tab in the link Wadge sent.

 

[azfatboy]

I swear that big blue button along the top that says "Store" was not there earlier today!!!!!!!