Members shaktisshadow Posted May 26, 2008 Members Share Posted May 26, 2008 I used to want tons of gear with all sorts of holes and plugs and cables everywhere. Now i am drowning in my own mess and things are getting exponentially more complicated. So how do you manage your cables in the studio and while traveling?? I label every cable for organizing and set-up, but I am looking for tips on cable storage and management. My newest trick is to coil three cords, slice an empty toilet paper roll lenghth wise, wrap it around said cords and boom! instant snake handle and it keeps the plugs safe. Please share your secrets and pics if you got them.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Yoozer Posted May 26, 2008 Members Share Posted May 26, 2008 http://cableorganizer.com/wire-wrap/ these are nice, but I'm poor so I just use tie-wraps (for stereo pairs). For the rest I have no organization . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members soundwave106 Posted May 26, 2008 Members Share Posted May 26, 2008 Your local hardware store probably has lots of nice cable management products in their electrical section. I use plastic ties and plastic conduits to organize my cables. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mytee2.0 Posted May 26, 2008 Members Share Posted May 26, 2008 I got a really cool 8 in 8 out cable from GC a while back. its basically 8 mono calbles, all shrink wrapped together. So if you have a heat gun and some shrink tubing you could make your own Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kooki_sf Posted May 26, 2008 Members Share Posted May 26, 2008 zip ties for managing bundles of stuff thats plugged in. hooks on a wall to hang the ones that arent. also when coiling for transport, remember to back coil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ElectricPuppy Posted May 26, 2008 Members Share Posted May 26, 2008 I bought a few rolls of Velcro cable ties at my local hardware store. I use those for tying up coils of individual cables. Then I have them sonewhat organized by length. When they're actuall in use, though, it's another thing altogether. Cables everywhere. I just picked up one of those "comb binder"-style cable organizers at Staples, but haven't actually tried it yet. Maybe I should go do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 80zclubkid Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 I use garden hose spools for long cords. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members arctic88 Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 When I'm using longer cables to pa cabs and such, I tie a heavy string around the cable just behind the jack. When I coil the cables I just use the string to tie the neatly wound cable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members carbon111 Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 I use those split corrugated plastic conduits you can get at office supply stores and Velcro ties to keep cables neat while in use. (I run AC and audio in seperate conduits) For cable storage I have a bunch of 3" high plastic containers with lids that slide into 3 sets of grooved shelves that I've placed in the back of my closet...not custom, they're available from Ikea. Very handy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Deeprig9 Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 I organize hundreds of cables coming in and out of data racks as part of my job, and velcro type products are perfect for bundles that change and zip ties are perfect for those that are pretty much "permanent" bundles. Careful with zip ties, cinching them down too tight will break your conductors or shielding, also can contribute to cross-talk if you lace them together too neatly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Deeprig9 Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 I use those split corrugated plastic conduits you can get at office supply stores and Velcro ties to keep cables neat while in use. (I run AC and audio in seperate conduits) For cable storage I have a bunch of 3" high plastic containers with lids that slide into 3 sets of grooved shelves that I've placed in the back of my closet...not custom, they're available from Ikea. Very handy. Is the fire extinguisher to put out the fire from the blazing wrath of your fingerwork? Also, the split loom tubing you speak of is a great way to conceal cables and keep them bundled, we usually use a little strip of black electrical tape every couple of feet or where necessary to hold the tubing closed and maximize concealment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Metrosonus Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 corrugated plastic conduits it's called wire loom or looming. you can get it in many lengths and diameters at home warehouse type places. i didn't event know they sold it at office supply stores Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members carbon111 Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 Is the fire extinguisher to put out the fire from the blazing wrath of your fingerwork? I wish. I've got five fire extinguishers throughout the house...when you actually need one its nice to not have to go too far to get one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members idiotboy Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 no idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ElectricPuppy Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 Wow, you can actually get behind your gear, IB? The luxury! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members idiotboy Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 Indeed. Almost an embarrassment of riches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ChromaLord Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 Cabling, IMHO, is the make-or-break part of set up.Too many buy inferior cables, that lose their hi-end, become brittle, have noise issues, poor plugs etc..So I offer these few steps (feel free forum to add as you see fit)1) SPEND the extra $ to get the best cabling you can afford or afford to custom make yourself.2) Dont use a 50' cable for patch cord. Make or buy the right cable for the right distance. All of the extra rubber gets in the way and may add potential noise3) Cut down you power cords' length. Go to a hardware store and get new plugs. Its easier than you think.4) Get your cables off the floor: mount power strips, install patch bays. static electricity build up in carpets too- so you wont want that next to your data lines.5) Isolate your lines: Keep MIDI and audio away from all power lines, use tubing to insulate and segregate.6) LABEL EVERYTHING!!! Nothing ruins the creative process more than finding a problem with your cabling and not knowing which one it is.7) You can never have enough cable ties, BUT test everything first before you commit to tying them down. And snip those loose ends close otherwise you can get cut reaching around them in the dark.8) Know your rig. Is it balanced/unbalanced? Is your voltage regulated and your power conditioned? Have you isolated your circuits?9) When given an option go for the jack which has the better connection: AES/EBU over SPDF, TRS over RCA etc.10) LEARN HOW TO SOLDER! And keep those tools handy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Allerian Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 Is the fire extinguisher to put out the fire from the blazing wrath of your fingerwork? Pretty sure its a code requirement that you keep an extinguisher within 24" of any Theremin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members carbon111 Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 Pretty sure its a code requirement that you keep an extinguisher within 24" of any Theremin. It is pretty easy to make a nice fire engine siren. OOOOwwwweeeeeeOOOOOwwwweeeeeeOOOOO... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members carbon111 Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 no idea. Get that 60 cycle hum much? :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members idiotboy Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 Never. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members idiotboy Posted May 27, 2008 Members Share Posted May 27, 2008 I guess I should add that all my cables are balanced, high quality. Everything is properly grounded, power conditioned, etc. The only unintentional noise in my studio emits* from the Mac G5. *eminates? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Deeprig9 Posted May 28, 2008 Members Share Posted May 28, 2008 no idea. At least the PC fans aren't caked with cat hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members idiotboy Posted May 28, 2008 Members Share Posted May 28, 2008 Precisely. I hate cats. And, my dog is frightened of the studio, so casa de idiote is as devoid of animal hair as it is talent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ElectricPuppy Posted May 28, 2008 Members Share Posted May 28, 2008 If I could trade in shed fur for talent, I'd be Mozart. I wonder if a nice coat of shellac on the pets will help... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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