What cables should run into an isolation booth?

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phatmass

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Hey all,

I'm at the stage in my studio construction where I'm almost ready to put up the drywall. I figure that now would be the time to run cables from the mixing station to the isolation booth.

Since the isolation booth will be used mainly for vocals, I'm thinking of basically just running two mic cables (the extra one maybe for an acoustic guitar or congo drums?) and a headphones cable.

My question to you all is, should I run more cables for anything else? I don't want to put up all the drywall and then be like "dang! I should have ran such and such before putting up the drywall!" in the future.

Also, should I put plates on the walls or just run the cables straight from the mixing station to the isolation booth with no wall plates? Any advise on this?

Thanks all.

Here's the details:
Isolation booth is 4'x6'
Distance from isolation booth to mixing station is about 10'
 
I'd run an 8 channel snake line, which is good for all the mic & headphone lines you'll ever need.

Also, I like wall plates, but only on the booth end.
 
mshilarious said:
I'd run an 8 channel snake line, which is good for all the mic & headphone lines you'll ever need.

Also, I like wall plates, but only on the booth end.
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Wow. Good idea. So obvious yet I didn't even think of that. haha... Any brand of cable that is superior to others?

Is it important to keep the snake line away from electrical wiring or does it matter if it crosses a few Romex cables on the way to the booth? These may be dumb questions but this is my first time doing this.
 
phatmass said:
Wow. Good idea. So obvious yet I didn't even think of that. haha... Any brand of cable that is superior to others?
Click to expand...

I use the generic cable from partsexpress . . . and use Neutrik connectors. The connector quality is probably more important.

Is it important to keep the snake line away from electrical wiring or does it matter if it crosses a few Romex cables on the way to the booth? These may be dumb questions but this is my first time doing this.
Click to expand...

Crossing is OK, but avoid having the cables run together.
 
I don't know what kind of capabilities you have in the studio, but personally, with cables I would look to the future. The snake can handle balanced line levels and mics, but then you might need a set of UN balanced lines, like single conductor line level, which can be used for any unbalanced signal such as video, keyboards, hi Z guitar, or other things that need unbalanced lines. Also, I would run an Ethernet line for computer and perhaps a midi line too. You never know what you might need. Flexibility is the name of the game. Running cables out the door sucks for isolation should you need something wired that you don't have in there when you need it. Definetly a power outlet. Maybe a low voltage line for lighting halogens or other low voltage lighting.
fitZ
 
I was once told that if you have powered lines running across signal lines, you want them to be perpendicular rather than parallel.
 
Wow. Awesome advise y'all.

Does anyone know of a website that sells quality wall plates? I can find the snake cables but nobody seems to sell plates.

Also, is Nuetrik the best brand of connector to get?
 
Run an 8 channel snake into the booth. I use Belden brand. I connectorized 2 mic and 2 headphone cables and stuck the other 4 pair into the wall behind the plate. http://www.markertek.com sells a variety of plates or custom made plates.

DD
 
This is an ancient debate, but I think it would be wise to get the best cable you can. Personally, I have heard a MAJOR difference between even Horizon and Mogami cables. Mogami's a bit expensive, but if you're building this studio to make money with while enjoying yourself, it may be a wise investment in some decent cable. Gepco is a good quality cable that can be bought for cheap. I think I've bought a 500' roll for about $35 or $40 before, but I can't find the guy on ebay. www.redco.com has good prices on Neutrik connectors and several brands of cable, including Canare and Mogami.

As far as channels go, installation cable is generally inexpensive, so run as many as you can. :) You never know what you'll need, especially if you're going to be using this for other people.

Just some thoughts! :)

Brandon
 
That's a good deal on cable you probably help put him outta buisness. LMAO...

I picked up an Hosa "Little Bro" 8ch snake with two headphone jacks. I'm running the snake through a 2" ABS pipe with caps on it (so I can cut a hole just large enough for the cable in each cap and silicone it) I also hard wired two speaker lines (for a stereo cab) and a sheilded guitar line. When all is said and done I should be able to have my guitar head at an arms reach and tweak the hell out of the cranked HIWATT that's in the booth mic'd. There's more reasons for this but that's the rig that sells the whole consruction. That kinda talk gives me goose bumps. The guitar line is ideal if I have to record someone with a combo. If I need firewire, USB, RJ45 or midi (*gasp*) in the booth I can uncap the ABS and add it. I might stuff some green roxul in the tube if I have problems. My mix desk is right beside the booth so th ABS is only 12" long and the said patches wouldn't have to travel very far. That's kinda the way I set the studio up. Now that construction is almost complete, I'm thinkin when flyin solo layin overdubs, it might be cool if I could just twist the monitor and control my DAW transport from the booth with a USB extension for my board and mousey. *Warning old school USB was said to only be stable upto 5 metres but who cares for a mouse.
 
you look familiar

hey phatmass, funny seeing you here

I will be doing the same thing in the next month so this will all be very handy. I never thought of a snake.

since the wall plate adds another connection, does that lose quality?

I would hate to spend money on quality cables and loose it all because I have a few wall plates that it goes through.
 
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