Pedal Board Cable Systems
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
I like the bill lawrence stuff, the short connectors are great for a board.
I read in another post that you're using the G-major, have you tried using the internal switching to control your amp functions? One less thing to run back to the amp and don't they have a built in tuner? Something I'd like to try in the future....
you may also try cat 5, just to try it for a snake, that's what I use for all my hi-fi stuff.
-E
I read in another post that you're using the G-major, have you tried using the internal switching to control your amp functions? One less thing to run back to the amp and don't they have a built in tuner? Something I'd like to try in the future....
you may also try cat 5, just to try it for a snake, that's what I use for all my hi-fi stuff.
-E
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
I'm not familiar with that.tooold wrote:Structo, I wired my studio with multi-core AES/EBU cable. Very low capacitance, high quality cable, rated for digital but great for analog. Because it has to conform to the standard, it's a good way to know what you're getting regardless of the manufacturer. It's also not very big in diameter, and is available with a flexible jacket.Structo wrote: Yes, my other concern was how good is the cable used in the pre-made snakes.
I realized how much of an improvement I achieved when I went to higher end guitar cables with the clarity and top end I didn't know I was missing.
That was what I was wondering about using the snake cable.
What the specs are capacitance wise and impedance.
I looked at some Canare and Gepco cables and they seemed to be fairly low in capacitance.
I looked around at AES and didn't see anything like that.
Can you help me find it?
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
I have bundled my individual cables and used snake cables. Bundling just leaves a little to be desired in flexibility. Snake cable can be bought with whatever number of channels you need. It is flexible and easy to work with. I have used 1/4" plugs for signal and standard DC connectors for power. I have run 9 and 12 volts to the board, and need to add 18V for a Pigtronix compressor. I just hate running mains power to the board, for some reason. None of my snakes has been over 20'. The current one is about 15'. The first one I built had EDAC/ELCO multi-pin connectors on each end for quick/easy connection. They're a pain to wire, but a delight to use. I ran signal and power through those, as well, and had no problems. I think I used Belden cable and really enjoyed how it simplified my set up and tear down for weekly gigs. It's a cool project even for a stationary set up. I highly recommend it.Structo wrote: ... I was wondering if any of you had made a snake for your pedal boards...
Tim
In case the NSA is listening, KMA!
In case the NSA is listening, KMA!
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
Here you go, Tom - from Redco:Structo wrote:I'm not familiar with that.tooold wrote:Structo, I wired my studio with multi-core AES/EBU cable. Very low capacitance, high quality cable, rated for digital but great for analog. Because it has to conform to the standard, it's a good way to know what you're getting regardless of the manufacturer. It's also not very big in diameter, and is available with a flexible jacket.Structo wrote: Yes, my other concern was how good is the cable used in the pre-made snakes.
I realized how much of an improvement I achieved when I went to higher end guitar cables with the clarity and top end I didn't know I was missing.
That was what I was wondering about using the snake cable.
What the specs are capacitance wise and impedance.
I looked at some Canare and Gepco cables and they seemed to be fairly low in capacitance.
I looked around at AES and didn't see anything like that.
Can you help me find it?
http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=527
If you shop around, you can get the price down. Belden will probably be cheaper.
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
Holy crap!
$5 / ft
That is some spendy cable.
I've bought quite a bit of stuff from Redco over the years mostly because I was able to get everything I needed for cable making at one place.
Thanks for the clarification about the cable, now I will see if I can find it somewhere else.
$5 / ft
That is some spendy cable.
I've bought quite a bit of stuff from Redco over the years mostly because I was able to get everything I needed for cable making at one place.
Thanks for the clarification about the cable, now I will see if I can find it somewhere else.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
You should definitely be able to find it cheaper. Remember, though, that's 12 cables in there!
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
Yes I realize that, I would probably go with the 3163 8 channel cable.
$3.23 at Redco.
$3.23 at Redco.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
I was just looking around for some alternatives without much luck, having a bit of sticker shock, and I think I know why - the last time I bought a bunch of this stuff, it was 2002 - before the big jump in the price of copper. Obviously, it's not the only thing the cable is made of, but it's a big part. Ouch.
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
Yes, wire has definitely increased in price across the board.
Maybe China is buying boat loads of it driving the price up.
Maybe China is buying boat loads of it driving the price up.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
I made one of these a few years back. Worked great: 1 line from pedal board to amp input, 2 lines for FX send/return, 2 lines for power supplies (I was using both 9vdc and 12vdc on the board) and one TRS plug for my amp footswitch. Made set-up a breeze.
Unfortunately, I change amps/pedals too much (when will I ever learn???).
Tom, If you're interested, I have ~13' of unused 6 pair cable left and/or the snake in the pic (~15' with Switchcraft ends) I'd let go for cheap.
Unfortunately, I change amps/pedals too much (when will I ever learn???).
Tom, If you're interested, I have ~13' of unused 6 pair cable left and/or the snake in the pic (~15' with Switchcraft ends) I'd let go for cheap.
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Deric®
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
Nice looking board Deric!
I have a couple of the same pedals but you have way more than I.
Love the Swirly ones!
I see you have a Timmy, how do you like that?
I'm not sure that 13' would be long enough.
Of course in my amp room it would be but if I ever play out again it probably wouldn't be not sure.
I'll PM you.
I have a couple of the same pedals but you have way more than I.
Love the Swirly ones!
I see you have a Timmy, how do you like that?
I'm not sure that 13' would be long enough.
Of course in my amp room it would be but if I ever play out again it probably wouldn't be not sure.
I'll PM you.
Tom
Don't let that smoke out!
Don't let that smoke out!
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
If I could use to 9v sends (I like to split the loop and pre-amp power) I might be interested. If Tom's not ...Deric wrote:1 line from pedal board to amp input, 2 lines for FX send/return, 2 lines for power supplies (I was using both 9vdc and 12vdc on the board) and one TRS plug for my amp footswitch. Made set-up a breeze. .... or the snake in the pic (~15' with Switchcraft ends) I'd let go for cheap.
I'll send a PM.
My playing here: http://www.youtube.com/user/dovemanvideo?feature=mhsn
Zack Electroncis
I've ordered from Zack Electronics plenty of times and they always have the cables I need available and in-stock.tooold wrote:Any good recording studio supply company will have bulk multi-core cable in a zillion configurations, with different shielding and insulation, along with number of cables.TheHandsomeOrk wrote:So where does one purchase snake cable to make a pedal board loom.
I searched but couldn't come up with anything. Searched hairyandy's site but no mention of snakes.
thanks
If you're in the UK, Studiospares or Canford Audio. In the US, look for a Mogami or Belden dealer.
Here you go:
http://www.zackelectronics.com/product. ... duct=13433
By far the best company that stocks Belden spools and such.
I tried to go to that link that was posted but they upgraded their website and it no longer works. The new link is: http://zackelectronics.com/gold-rca-fee ... nsert.html
Has anyone else ordered from this store? Maybe I can contact them and get a group buy going for some of the parts we order on the regular.
Re: Pedal Board Cable Systems
Here's a picture of my Gepco snake for my rig after about 5 years of hard use. The jacked has tightened around the internal cables and then twisted. I very carefully figure 8 ALL of my cables and the Gebco cable is what you see. Some of my other Canare cables I have are 15 years old and going strong.
If you look in the middle of the picture you can see my new Mogami snake. MUCH more pliable jacket material.
I would also highly suggest buffering your audio sends back to your rig. Snake cables are meant for low impedance mic/line use and will suck all the high end out of your signal. I use the MI Electronics Boost-n-Buff and I believe it's as transparent as can be. I use it for both my guitar signal send and my volume pedal return. (I use a volume pedal between my preamp and power stage so there is a send and return in the snake.)
I send down the snake:
Guitar send to amp
Volume pedal return and send
Midi with 9v ac power to a Ground Control
9v dc power for custom Dual Wampler Compressor and also a Clyde wah
No noise...no hum
If you look in the middle of the picture you can see my new Mogami snake. MUCH more pliable jacket material.
I would also highly suggest buffering your audio sends back to your rig. Snake cables are meant for low impedance mic/line use and will suck all the high end out of your signal. I use the MI Electronics Boost-n-Buff and I believe it's as transparent as can be. I use it for both my guitar signal send and my volume pedal return. (I use a volume pedal between my preamp and power stage so there is a send and return in the snake.)
I send down the snake:
Guitar send to amp
Volume pedal return and send
Midi with 9v ac power to a Ground Control
9v dc power for custom Dual Wampler Compressor and also a Clyde wah
No noise...no hum
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