Connections between rack units

[scodu]

I have 3 seperate pieces of studio furntiure, 2 rack units and
center desk that I have made. All are shelf contained and on casters. I do lots of self recording in my apartment and use all of the different rooms. One of the racks pretty much has all the equipment in it to do the tracking so I can roll it around to any of the rooms I'm recording in.

My problem is going to be disconnecting all the connections coming into the one unit from the other two units to the patchbays everytime I want to record in another room (and then of course reconnecting them after I'm finished tracking).

I'm wondering if I can fit a snake with a jack like the one that connects my printer to my computer instead of all the 1/4 inch jacks. Then build the female of that jack into the side of the rolling rack with those connections going to the patchbay so all I'd need to unplug is the one "printer style" connection.

Is this possible? Is it going to cause any major signal loss using that connection? Anyone know of a connector that would be better to use?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
scodu

 

[Downside Studio]

You just descibed a multipin connector, which is common practice in recording or sound reinforcement. Brands like Harting, Edac, Elco etc rule these markets. They aren't cheap, but they sure are handy. My own mixing console has no (only mic inputs) normal connections on the back. It is operated using a patchbay build into the mixer. All connections are made using 18 (!) multipin connectors on the back which each carry 16 connections.

If you build multipin connectors in the rack, and get two snakes, one short for attachment within the room itself, and one long for attachment outside the room you won't loose much time with rewiring etc.

These connections are reliable, and if made proper won't damage your signal.

 

[scodu]

Hey Downside!
Thanks for the reply! I have seen these connectors before and wondered what they are used for, now I know! I checked prices on this stuff and although the connctors aren't cheap I don't think they will cost anymore then all the 1/4 inch and other jacks I was going to need to do the same job. But the tools for this job seem a little excessive in price. Have you found any regular tools that work for this application? I see there are two styles of end pins, one that you use the crimp tool on and one you can solder on. I guess I'll be doing lots of soldering cause the crimp tool is $250. I own a soldering iron. Is the insertion tool nesessary? Any chance I could just use small needle nose pliers?

Thanks,
scodu

 

[Downside Studio]

The crimping ones are more reliable for connection, but indeed that damn crimping tool. One thing you don't want is the crimp pins without the crimping tool. I know from personal experience.

So, get the soldering pins. Their equal good, depending on your soldering skills. The insertion tool is quite handy, but I once used a small screwdriver which functioned fine.