Members moody Posted April 2, 2008 Members Share Posted April 2, 2008 Is this possible. Using the proper multi-channel cable, can I use standard computer connections (e.g. DB-9 / RS232) plugs and sockets to run multipin connections between my rack gear without crosstalk etc. type problems? I am thinking of a multipin connection between my mixer rack and effects rack (which is only 3 eq's) so I would only need 3 balanced channels (9 pins) anyway. and another run from that rack to an amp rack also running 3 channels. Alternatively (If I needed it) could I run say a parallel printer connection for more channels. Would this sort of thing cause any sort of problems? I am looking at the prices of these connections compared to the pro-audio multipins and the price differences are incredible where a couple of meters of 4 or 8 channel snake cable doesn't cost much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members pro1-54 Posted April 2, 2008 Members Share Posted April 2, 2008 There are devices out there that use db25 connectors for the audio signal. Some that I have seen are the Focusrite Octopre, Tascam DA-88, and the Fostex RD8. Not my first choice though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMS Author Craig Vecchione Posted April 2, 2008 CMS Author Share Posted April 2, 2008 Finding suitable boots may be difficult. The pin connections themselves are not intended for the number of plug/unplug cycles you'll typically be doing in live sound use. And a failure here could turn into a real catastrophe during a performance. The right stuff is often expensive, but always worth it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted April 2, 2008 Members Share Posted April 2, 2008 You "can", but it's not worth the risk fro the reasons Craig mentioned. They really aren't set up for ruggedness and a failure would be pretty inconvenient at best, and equipment damaging at worst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members moody Posted April 2, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 2, 2008 Ahh... that would explain it. Are there any other options on small scales? is there anything like a 12 pin xlr that isn't incredibly expensive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted April 2, 2008 Members Share Posted April 2, 2008 The problem is the benefits are not that great but the hassle and non-standardizations to get there are still the same. If there's big benefit then multipin is a great option, but not unless there are really big benefits IME. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members moody Posted April 2, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 2, 2008 True, The current leading option at the moment: Patch panels on each rack with as many XLR or TRS sockets on each panel as needed and lined up so that I don't have to think about which socket to plug into (a trs in one rack going to the trs directly underneath in the next rack). I know XLR is better, but TRS is dirt cheap comparitively and I already have several sockets and plugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted April 2, 2008 Members Share Posted April 2, 2008 Really, the cost difference is so small as to be insignificant in the overall scheme of what you are building right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members pro1-54 Posted April 3, 2008 Members Share Posted April 3, 2008 Check the prices on EDAC or ELCO (same thing) connectors and see if they fit your budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TimmyP Posted April 3, 2008 Members Share Posted April 3, 2008 Use these: http://www.audiogear.com/Edac-Elco-Connectors.html Here's how: http://www.prosoundweb.com/live/labbest/elco/elco.shtml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members moody Posted April 3, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 3, 2008 Use these: http://www.audiogear.com/Edac-Elco-Connectors.htmlHere's how: http://www.prosoundweb.com/live/labbest/elco/elco.shtml Ok, do I get a nut and a screw, if so which end? It doesn't really explain how they connect to well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Zeromus-X Posted April 3, 2008 Members Share Posted April 3, 2008 I wanted to look into a multipin solution to go from a drum snake type box to the FOH rack. I ended up buying an 8-channel XLR patch snake for like $40 bucks on eBay. They're color coded in the colors of the rainbow (except indigo, since I guess it'd blend with purple), plus white and black. So when I plug into the board, I go red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple... black is 1/4" with an adapter so I know that goes last... and white is my return. It's not QUITE as easy as using a multipin, but I know there's no question when I'm hooking it up and I can just plug each one in quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted April 3, 2008 Members Share Posted April 3, 2008 Note that the EDAC/ELCO connectors are not very rugged and if you allow other folks to help you, it's going to be a crapshoot as to reliability over the long run. They are easily damaged. That said, I use Elco's myself, but everybody here takes good care of stuff. We also use unloaded mating pin blocks to protect the connectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gregidon Posted April 3, 2008 Members Share Posted April 3, 2008 Note that the EDAC/ELCO connectors are not very rugged and if you allow other folks to help you, it's going to be a crapshoot as to reliability over the long run. They are easily damaged.That said, I use Elco's myself, but everybody here takes good care of stuff. We also use unloaded mating pin blocks to protect the connectors. I have personally seen one broken when mating, and i've had issues with the pins pushing out. Not saying they aren't worth looking into, just be careful when using them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members moody Posted April 3, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 3, 2008 I wanted to look into a multipin solution to go from a drum snake type box to the FOH rack. I ended up buying an 8-channel XLR patch snake for like $40 bucks on eBay. They're color coded in the colors of the rainbow (except indigo, since I guess it'd blend with purple), plus white and black. So when I plug into the board, I go red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple... black is 1/4" with an adapter so I know that goes last... and white is my return. It's not QUITE as easy as using a multipin, but I know there's no question when I'm hooking it up and I can just plug each one in quickly. Ok, I'm going to go back to this method. For what I'm doing multipin is proably not worthwhile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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