2 ch. snake for main pair

[echoromeo]

I thought today was the big day for purchasing a 2 channel snake for the remote rig. So many choices! Any suggestions?

The Mogami 2930 looks great, but the Redco TGS-02 is inexpensive.

Any remote experience in the field with these two snakes?

Thanks.

[rumleymusic]

I have a couple 2 channel Redco snakes. A 75ft and 150ft. They are very good quality. The only qualm I have is the outer casing is not quite as durable as mogami or canare, though it is better than most cheap brands. For the price, it is a steal.

[Sonic Lush]

I had Chris at Redco make my 50' out of Gotham wire.

it works great, but what I didn't realize was that the cable looks like lamp cord and twists and crimps pretty easily.

Had I know this when ordering, I probably would have gone for a traditional smooth covering.

just an fyi

[locutus]

Many manufacturers make both flat and round styles of 2ch or stereo cables. The flat are the zip-cord style with essentially 2 normal cables glued together. Pros and cons to each style. I prefer the round mostly for the aforementioned reasons.

Options are available from Canare, Mogami, Gotham, Belden, etc. Both starquad and 2-conductor styles are available. Diameter, durability, and price vary. Also, you may want to check into dual AES type cables such as the Canare DA202-2P, but that may reignite a religious debate.

Cheers.
Nathan

[JEGG]

What is the difference between a stereo cable and a stereo snake? Sorry, I'm missing something. Do you want "boxes" on both ends-or both ends "wrapped" for some reason?

I'm not being facetious, I'm just curious. Thanks.

[locutus]

Originally Posted by JEGG

What is the difference between a stereo cable and a stereo snake?

Really just marketing. I mentioned both because they are listed under both names. Some manufacturers (e.g. Mogami) actually have two different categories. Remember to look for both.

Mogami offers W3106 which is really just two normal 2549 stuck together. They call this stereo.

Some manufacturers have a high-tension version designed for hanging mics. It can handle more weight as it also has a couple thin stainless steel cables run through it. Mogami's example is W3178.

A disadvantage of the round style is the separate channels usually break down into rather thin cables when you strip off the outer rubber jacket. These are easier to damage if you are not gentle. The flat style can handle more abuse, but as mentioned earlier, can be harder to handle.

Do you want "boxes" on both ends-or both ends "wrapped" for some reason?

Since he mentioned a main pair application, I am assuming he does not want a stage box, but rather inline XLRs on each end. One of the reasons for chosing a 2 channel cable over separate, is the clean appearance.

There are very few premade 2-channel options available. I believe Redco will custom make some for you, but they appear to only offer flat options. Most people make their own, and would rather choose custom length, connectors, etc.

The 2-channel cable/snake has been mentioned, though not extensively discussed in a couple of threads recently.

Regards.
Nathan

[locutus]

I found this thread. Not a lot, but one good endorsement.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/1459097-post31.html

[echoromeo]

Hi,

A "stereo cable" and a "two channel snake" are closely related. If I had to discuss the two I might define a stereo cable as one microphone cable with conductors available for two balanced channels. A snake could be technically described with the same definition (to start), although usually (not always) slightly more robust. Obviously, a snake could contain additional channels, and usually does.

I am looking for a quality, and elegant, way to feed an ORTF pair to the interface. The setup needs to be relatively mobile and easy to transport as well.

If I had a larger system a stage box would be ideal (and some additional channels for solo mic's and outriggers), but for now it needs to be simple, straight XLR's and two channels of clean signal for about 75 feet.

Originally Posted by JEGG

What is the difference between a stereo cable and a stereo snake? Sorry, I'm missing something. Do you want "boxes" on both ends-or both ends "wrapped" for some reason?

I'm not being facetious, I'm just curious. Thanks.

Originally Posted by JEGG

What is the difference between a stereo cable and a stereo snake? Sorry, I'm missing something. Do you want "boxes" on both ends-or both ends "wrapped" for some reason?

I'm not being facetious, I'm just curious. Thanks.

[echoromeo]

Thanks, good observations. I dislike the flat cable, I prefer the round, "clean appearance."

From the looks of the photo, the Redco 2-channel snake (TGS-02) is round, hard to tell though.

Originally Posted by locutus

A disadvantage of the round style is the separate channels usually break down into rather thin cables when you strip off the outer rubber jacket. These are easier to damage if you are not gentle. The flat style can handle more abuse, but as mentioned earlier, can be harder to handle.

Since he mentioned a main pair application, I am assuming he does not want a stage box, but rather inline XLRs on each end. One of the reasons for chosing a 2 channel cable over separate, is the clean appearance.

There are very few premade 2-channel options available. I believe Redco will custom make some for you, but they appear to only offer flat options. Most people make their own, and would rather choose custom length, connectors, etc.

The 2-channel cable/snake has been mentioned, though not extensively discussed in a couple of threads recently.

Regards.
Nathan

[ghellquist]

I have been using a "normal" quad cable from Gotham as main cable quite a while. With 5 pin XLR-s in each end and short pigtails going to double 3 pins.

The quad cables are supposedly intended as a way to reduce interference but they work perfectly as stereo cables. When used for stereo you might perhaps be afraid of a bit of cross talk, but I have noticed none. And even if there was it would not be any large problem in a stereo pair.

Gunnar

[echoromeo]

That is an elegant solution, I like it. Out of curiosity, how long are your cable runs?

I think I read somewhere that when wiring quad cable/5 pin connectors for stereo operation one wiring method was preferred over another..to help eliminate cross talk. I can't find the link.

Is your connector:

1. Shield
2. Side A +
3. Side A -
4. Side B +
5. Side B -

Thanks!

Erik

Originally Posted by ghellquist

I have been using a "normal" quad cable from Gotham as main cable quite a while. With 5 pin XLR-s in each end and short pigtails going to double 3 pins.

The quad cables are supposedly intended as a way to reduce interference but they work perfectly as stereo cables. When used for stereo you might perhaps be afraid of a bit of cross talk, but I have noticed none. And even if there was it would not be any large problem in a stereo pair.

Gunnar

[locutus]

Originally Posted by ghellquist

I have been using a "normal" quad cable

This has been debated here before. There certainly is disagreement, but some do it. That's why I didn't mention it. Look up some of the past threads.

There are some potential issues you could have, but will not necessarily experience, since you are not using the starquad topology as designed. With only 75 feet, a correlated stereo signal, and relatively low-noise environment, you may be fine. YMMV.

[grindx]

Clark Wire has a three channel. It's round, not a siamesed type. $.68 per foot bulk.

700 Series 22g Audio Snakes-Welcome to Clark Wire & Cable

[ghellquist]

Originally Posted by echoromeo

That is an elegant solution, I like it. Out of curiosity, how long are your cable runs?

Is your connector:

1. Shield
2. Side A +
3. Side A -
4. Side B +
5. Side B -

Thanks!

Erik

Yes, connected like that. Then they work for many stereo mics as well.
My cable runs are 30meter, about 90 feet.

Gunnar

[edwinhurwitz]

I use Mogami W2930 and I am very happy with it. Very easy to work with and holds up well to abuse (crowded rock stages, getting stepped on, etc). I've had my longest one (~50') for about 4 years now and it still works as well as the day I made it.

I've used Redco cable, but I don't like how it feels as much as Mogami. For a main pair, I wouldn't skimp. It's still pretty inexpensive if you make it yourself and amortized, it's not a very big investment.

Edwin

[echoromeo]

Thank you all for the good suggestions...many options here.

Originally Posted by echoromeo

I thought today was the big day for purchasing a 2 channel snake for the remote rig. So many choices! Any suggestions?

The Mogami 2930 looks great, but the Redco TGS-02 is inexpensive.

Any remote experience in the field with these two snakes?

Thanks.

[ljudatervinning]

I use two 50m Gotham star-quad cables for two channel work/main pair. So far it has not given me any problems. I also have a 30m twin channel cable from Gotham. I much prefer the star-quad for it's much smaller diameter.

[acca]

Has anyone here ever tried Canare Multi Starquad L-4E3-2P?