custom TS/MIDI snake

[ewhirsh]

Hi all,

 

My rig for my hip hop/jazz band is an S90ES, Nord Stage EX, and an over-spec'ed MBP running Ableton Live. I use internal sounds from the keyboards and also trigger sample libraries in Ableton (and loops and FX and backing tracks). Everything goes through an RME Fireface 400 (which rocks for having the most nerdy, modular audio routing interface evarrr). I run the keys in stereo because, even though the FOH stereo/mono debate will never be resolved, I love love LOVE monitoring myself with in-ears in stereo: it's so much more inspiring to play.

 

How do I currently wire it all up? With an embarrassing "snake" comprised of two dual-TS Hosa cables, a dual-MIDI Hosa cable, and 2 USB cables (one for a keyboard, one for a Novation controller). Black plastic twist-ties every few feet, and I am too lazy to re-tighten them every few weeks.

 

pics or it didn't happen

 

It's thick, it's heavy, it's unwieldy, it's unattractive, it's too long (4m, I really only need 3m because my laptop and RME are so close to me). I am ready for something more elegant.

 

I found this company, PedalSnake, that employs a multi-channel snake of DIN-5 cables (with modular connectors for TS and pedal power) so that guitarists can clean up their pedalboard/amp connection. I'd get an 8 channel snake and hardwire 4 lines with TS, leave the other 4 as DIN-3 so I could either do MIDI, or convert them to more TS lines (maybe finally use outputs 3/4 on the Nord as organ output). But their default options are too long, and I'd have to do a custom order that comes out to around $140.

 

Does anyone else know of an elegant solution for a combination of TS and MIDI lines going through a thin-diameter/shrinkwrapped snake cable, with a custom/short (3m max) length that wouldn't break the bank?

 

Let's pretend that even though DIY-from-scratch is likely the most sensible solution, that I am just too busy and inexperienced to tackle that project.

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

[SpaceNorman]

I've had a couple of custom snakes put together by the folks at www.redco.com . My most recent purchase was an 8 channel unit - 4 TRS/TRS (for L&R channel signal sends) and (4) 5 pin DIN for MIDI from each of my 2 keyboards. I had my snake constructed with right angle connections (for both the signal and MIDI connections on the keyboard end) - and with custom "fan" specifications - so that the cables "dress" exactly how I want them to. My snake is roughly 25' long.

 

While custom snake work ain't cheap. It wasn't much more expensive that purchasing 8 high quality 25' cables. Given the ease of setup and the "neatness" factor that a snake brings to the table - I wouldn't hesitate to order another custom cable setup if I had the need.

[mynameisdanno]

+1 Redco. Not much more than buying individual cables, and they do great work. Be as specific as you like in terms of from-the-fanout-point lengths for each individual cable, they will nail it.

[eric]

Redco snakes rock. I am working on a new design I will be sending them soon.

[J. Dan]

I'm getting ready to build another of my own, which I've always done. I looked at their site, and going through the selector they have, I couldn't select the options I wanted for channels, connectors, etc. but you guys make it sound like they'll do anything. Can i just draw up my own schematic and specify cable and connectors and get a quote from them? If it's not a huge premium, I'd rather just have somebody else do it and not have to spend my time - it's pretty tedius. I actually already have a multipin bayonet lock circular connector and socket from a previous snake I'd like to use, as it's fairly high quality and that's one of the most expensive parts. Mine would include 2 MIDI, 3 audio, 1 footswitch to a multipin at the rack, and fan at the keyboard end....and actually a 4-pin XLR pigtail at the base of my stand for 2 sustain pedals - one to the keys, one to the rack. Pretty specialized. I figured even if i had to buy all new parts I could make it for around $150-$200.

[SpaceNorman]

Can i just draw up my own schematic and specify cable and connectors and get a quote from them?

 

The long and short of it is - yes. Both of the snakes I've ordered from them have been ordered in exactly that manor. They examined the diagram, gave me a quote - and delivered the cables exactly as ordered 5-7 days later.

[stoken6]

If I understand the OP's requirements, they are:

1. low(er) cost

2. Not self-made

 

In all honesty you could do worse than some braided sleeving and some off-the-shelf cables. 3m is a very standard length for midi, TS and USB. Maybe find colo(u)red cables coded to each board.

 

For my rig, I made my own cables and used TechFlex F6 split sleeving. Get yourself say 8ft of that (half-inch or 5/8inch should be about right) and a cable tie at each end and you're in business.

 

Cheers, Mike

 

 

[J. Dan]

Many times, braided sleeving, split loom, and other options are really the best. Many forumites use those methods very successfully. There are the rare exceptions.

 

My only option, base on my xomplex setup, is custom. I'd have always done that myself before. It seems there are others doing just that rather competively.

[Delaware Dave]

I recently went down the split loom tubing route in order to tidy up the messy wiring:

 

http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-1&storeId=10702&catalogId=10051&productId=3364658&store=595&view=detail&nValue=SEARCH

[SpaceNorman]

The various approaches that simply "dress" multiple individual cables can be a great solution for static installations such as a rehearsal space or a home studio. However, if the application is for a gig that travels - my experience has been that over time, "snakes" made from multiple individual cables tend to get kinks in them and won't coil neatly, won't lay flat and/or straight. The more cables involved in the bundle, the worse it gets. "Snakes" constructed from true multi-channel cable simply don't have this issue. My 8 channel is roughly the diameter of my little finger and is extremely supple - it coils nicely, it lays flat and "dresses" neatly. Custom snakes are certainly not the least expensive route - but it would be hard to argue that it's not the best approach in terms of quality.

[ewhirsh]

Thanks all for sharing your experiences. I'm likely to go with RedCo, glad to hear that other keyboardists have worked with them. To be honest, I found their 'order a custom cable online' system to be daunting instead of helpful - too many options for cables and terminators at too many price points. I'd rather hand in a drawing and say 'gimme a quote for crazy expensive/quality, middle of the road, and frugal.' Think they'd go for that?

[SpaceNorman]

Thanks all for sharing your experiences. I'm likely to go with RedCo, glad to hear that other keyboardists have worked with them. To be honest, I found their 'order a custom cable online' system to be daunting instead of helpful - too many options for cables and terminators at too many price points. I'd rather hand in a drawing and say 'gimme a quote for crazy expensive/quality, middle of the road, and frugal.' Think they'd go for that?

 

I would think so. The custom work I've had them do (a couple of snakes, a patch panel with a mix of connectors and leads) have all been quoted based on drawings I've provided. I've found their "online custom cable configurator" helpful for getting a ballpark price - but have always waited for the quote based on my specific requirements before ordering. I've worked with Chris for all my custom orders - he's been very accommodating.

[Steve Force]

Seriously, buy your own parts and make it yourself. It is very easy to do.

[J. Dan]

Can i just draw up my own schematic and specify cable and connectors and get a quote from them?

 

The long and short of it is - yes. Both of the snakes I've ordered from them have been ordered in exactly that manor. They examined the diagram, gave me a quote - and delivered the cables exactly as ordered 5-7 days later.

 

Well I went through the contact form on their web site and provided a detailed description of what I needed including P/N's and Digikey Links to the Multipin connectors and submitted it last weekend. I asked if it was something they could do and if so I can send more detailed drawings/specifications if needed for a firm quote. A week later still no response. How did you go about it? While I'm fully capable, I really don't have a lot of time to make it myself and I think we'll have our first gig Oct 26. I wanna get the rig put together and practice with it for a while before taking it out.

[SpaceNorman]

I've always called and talked to "Chris" ... he's always been pretty responsive.