Using a snake

[martinhd28]

Ok, here goes, I am very green about using sound equipment, I have tried to read as much as I can regarding setting up sound equipment and what a person should have. I basically use my equipment for our Bluegrass acoustic band and have realized at times I needed to get the mixing board out away from where the band is performing (On Stage). However, the length of the Mic cables are about 20' - 25' long. If I use a snake, (50') and make the connections for each, what are the " 1/4" returns" on the snake used for?
Sorry if it sounds really simple, but as I stated, I am very new to this.
Thanks,

 

[kessel]

The 1/4" returns can be used to send audio back to power/headphone amplifiers. They can also be used as sends to the board for line level gear like keyboards.

 

[Track Rat]

You can NOT send instruments through the 1/4" lines on a snake unless they're low impedence and most I've ever seen are not. Those are stage returns to send signal to the mains and monitor power amps which sit at the stage.

 

[martinhd28]

Thank you, If I understand correctly, the 1/4" lines on the snake can be used to run the monitors on stage and/or the mains? Is that right?

 

[mikemorgan]

No, DO NOT use the snake between power amps and speakers. The 1/4 inch returns and sends on the snake are for line level signals. It is bad Karma to use a snake for powering speakers. It can be done, but usually you will use the snake to send the mix from your board to the power amps near the stage. Then you'll run much thicker speaker cables from the amps to the speakers.

The snake is not meant to carry large voltages typical in power amps.

 

[mikemorgan]

the length of the Mic cables are about 20' - 25' long. If I use a snake, (50') and make the connections for each, what are the " 1/4" returns" on the snake used for?

Use the 1/4" sends from the mains/monitors out on your mixer. Then attach 1/4 guitar type cable from the snakebox to the ins on your power amps.

Just re-read your post, hope this is clearer.

 

[martinhd28]

Thank you Mike

 

[Track Rat]

Mike is absolutely correct. If you send SPEAKER voltage through a snake, it will induce voltage on the mic lines. It won't damage anything but it'll sound BAD.