easy question im sure anyone can answer

[Flick]

What is a snake? and for studio purposes, why would i need one?

 

[foo]

A snake is a bunch of cables bundled together.

So a ten cable mic snake has ten plugs on one end, ten plugs on the other end and ten cables joining them.

It is useful for running all mics from a drum kit etc. The most common use I've seen is all the mics from the stage out to the mix board.

foo

 

[duck]

What is a snake? and for studio purposes, why would i need one?

Like foo said, multiple bundled cables. It all depends on your set up.
If you have an 8 track unit like a layla that has 8 inputs and 8 outputs, your better off using snakes instead of seperate cables. Most snakes are color coded and if not you can number them. Easier to keep track of. If you have a 16 channel mixer and an 8 track unit, you can use 2 sets of 8. One set for input the other for output. You can record on the first 8 channels with the dry signal. Then channels 9 to 16 can be used for playback and mixing effects. Eq, etc. This way you have the option to change something instead of recording it wet and having to re-record something if you needed to make changes.
Another handy device when you have multiple outboard effects,compressors etc. is a patchbay.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...7135190894/search/g=home/detail/base_id/43414

 

[eyeslikefire]

What is a snake?

 

[Flick]

awesome

all makes sense now! thanks!