Multiple Uses for Snake Cable

[Phyl]

If I buy a 26 channel microphone snake cable, can I use some of the channels for line level signals, some for headphones and some for mic signals?

Is this common practice?

 

[mshilarious]

If I buy a 26 channel microphone snake cable, can I use some of the channels for line level signals, some for headphones and some for mic signals?

Is this common practice?

It's common for stage snakes since the line-level returns share a cable with the mic sends. Some people worry about increased crosstalk with line level signals in proximity to mic signals, but I've never done a controlled test.

 

[RICK FITZPATRICK]

I could be wrong, but from my perspective, LINE LEVEL sends are used to drive LINE LEVEL inputs on HEADPHONE distribution amps in the studio. If you are driving headphones at the output level of headphone amps, hmmm, I really couldn't tell you if there would be crosstalk. Personally, I use a seperate balanced line which is actually a stereo headphone level to drive a passive splitter which can be daisy chained. I bought ONE of the units, and copied the circuit and built 3 more. Hahaha. Cost me $5 in parts. The units were $65 ea. Fuck that. Actually, I modified the design to insert switchs for monitoring different sources, and two of these units are under the armrest in my console for recording or for monitoring/listening/mixing on headphones when multitracking in my control room.
fitZ

 

[Phyl]

I could be wrong, but from my perspective, LINE LEVEL sends are used to drive LINE LEVEL inputs on HEADPHONE distribution amps in the studio. If you are driving headphones at the output level of headphone amps, hmmm, I really couldn't tell you if there would be crosstalk. Personally, I use a seperate balanced line which is actually a stereo headphone level to drive a passive splitter which can be daisy chained. I bought ONE of the units, and copied the circuit and built 3 more. Hahaha. Cost me $5 in parts. The units were $65 ea. Fuck that. Actually, I modified the design to insert switchs for monitoring different sources, and two of these units are under the armrest in my console for recording or for monitoring/listening/mixing on headphones when multitracking in my control room.
fitZ

So to be safe, it sounds like I should keep line level signals out of the mic snake.

Another question - has anyone found it useful to have midi lines in the live room?

 

[RICK FITZPATRICK]

So to be safe, it sounds like I should keep line level signals out of the mic snake.

I couldn't scientifically tell you. It IS common practice for live applications, but whether or not there IS a possibility of crosstalk between mic signals and line level, I don't really know. When unknowns are possible, then SAFE is probably the best choice. But I'm SURE frederic or someone with electronics knowlege could tell you the answer.(Actually, I've wondered this myself)
fitZ

 

[DDev]

As long as you are not pushing a lot of current through, then crosstalk between line level and mic level will not be a problem as long as you do your shield terminations properly (and if you are pushing a lot of current you have the wrong type of cable to start with and could create a potential fire hazard). Typically line level is stuff like the output of a CD player or computer soundcard, or the non-amplified outputs of a mixer. Headphone level is usually considered about the same as line level for prosumer audio gear. Any signal that has enough juice to drive a speaker is probably too hot to run through a snake safely.

I hope this helps.

Darryl.....

 

[SillySillyStacy]

I am just learning about snakes and know someone who is getting rid of one on the cheap since they are selling everything (divorce hurts in certain ways)

my question is if it is a 16 channel snake X 4 16 xlr's and 4 1/4"

What are the 4 1/4"s for?
I read somewhere for monitor or something but what if you already have a monitoring system set up and can use it just the way it is already set up?

Is each plug taking the signal from all the 16 XLR's?
What would be the purpose of that in a recording enviorment if any?
Thanks

 

[mshilarious]

What are the 4 1/4"s for?
I read somewhere for monitor or something but what if you already have a monitoring system set up and can use it just the way it is already set up?

Then you can use it for something else, or you can rewire those channels to XLR.

Is each plug taking the signal from all the 16 XLR's?
What would be the purpose of that in a recording enviorment if any?
Thanks

No each channel is discrete, the snake doesn't do any mixing.