Custom Cable Question.....

[Wireneck]

This question is for all of you who have made your own cables/snakes. What do you use to enclose cables for a snake? I am about to make a custom snake that has 2 Xlr connectors and 2 trs sends (for phones) on one end but I can't decide on what I should use to encase the individual wires. I work for an electric company and have access to metal flex but I am not sure that it would be the best idea for an audio application. It would certainly look cool and protect the wires. I could also use tie wraps but I would rather it look a little more presentable.
Any Ideas?

 

[easychair]

Are you using unjacketed cables, or bundling some mic cables together?

If the latter, they don't need any more protection. 1-inch pieces of heat shrink every foot or so looks great and lasts.

If the former, get some real four channel cable. Any jacket you make is gonna be a big compromise in terms of shield life or flexibility, it seems to me, unless I'm missing the point (entirely possible).

 

[Wireneck]

Im bundling 4 jacketed cables together. Its 2 mic cables and 2 balanced 1/4" trs cables. The covering is more or less for looks but I was trying to come up with something affordable that looked nice. Where do I get heat shrink, and what type of tools does it require?

 

[applejax]

you can buy heat shrink anywheres like a hardware store or anything like that...and literally...it needs HEAT to shrink lol... do you have a head gun?

 

[punkin]

yep...heat shrink...check out the local radio shack or graybar electric or home depot.

I would suggest getting the smallest tubing that will fit over the existing cables before shrinking it.

You "can" shrink it with a lighter with good results...but move the heat source side to side...not letting it get too hot and be careful not to melt your cables...roll the cable bundle/shrink tubing over to get all sides. The best tool would be a heat gun but they're pretty expensive for this application.