Mixer Return Line through a Snake

[padenski]

We have a snake with 16 (XLR) feeds and 4 (1/4") returns. The problem is our Mackie board and powered speakers use XLR connectors. I have noticed that most new snake are all XLR connections. We have always been running a separate line for both and left channels along side the snake. We also always use XLR's that are suppose to be ONLY for board to power amp use versus microphone (not sure that this is important either).

Our board is the CFX 12 which really only uses 8 XLR connections leaving 8 unused.

My question is can I use 2 of the XLR feeds for returns without any compromise in signal, etc?

I realize that the connections are backwards and would need to purchase 2 sets of male to male and female to female XLR adapters.

 

[kalle74]

you can.

 

[fokof]

You just have to buy sex change XLR's .
You'll need 2 Female/female at the board and 2 Male/male at the snake to acomodate your setup.
If your amp/boxes have paralel/split inputs , you could plug directly from the snake to the amp/box.

A different sex doesn't change a thing ( in that case )