Become a Site Supporter and Never see Ads again!

Author Topic: Cables for soundboard patches  (Read 108911 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Brian Skalinder

  • Complaint Dept.
  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 18868
  • Gender: Male
Cables for soundboard patches
« on: February 20, 2004, 10:24:20 AM »
When it comes to cables, there are three factors to consider when patching out of the soundboard:

<1>  plugging into the soundboard
There are only so many options for soundboard outputs.  These outputs are usually XLR-male, RCA-female, and 1/4" mono female (and occasionally 1/4" stereo female which I won't address here).  So we need to have cables or adapters that will allows us to plug into the outputs listed above.

<2>  running a length of cable to get out of the way
Since the soundboard outputs are, well, part of the soundboard, it's best to have a length of cable so we may run our gear out of the sound engineer's way.  Six feet should suffice.

<3>  plugging into the preamp/ADC/recorder
How to feed the signal to our preamp/ADC/recorder depends on the connectors on our preamp/ADC/connector.  The most common preamps/ADCs/recorders have the following connectors:  XLR-female, RCA-female, and stereo mini female.

Let's look at precisely what it would take to plug into the soundboard with a preamp/ADC/recorder having each of the connectors mentioned above.  All three options below addresses the three factors from above:  <1> supports the three most common soundboard connectors, <2> provides a length of cable to run your gear out of the sound engineer's way, and <3> includes the appropriate plug for the preamp/ADC/recorder.  In each case, there are multiple ways to configure your own cables/adapters, but hopefully this will give an idea of what's required for each.  If the preamp/ADC/recorder connector is:

<a> stereo mini female
David Klein took a pic of probably the easiest solution for those wanting to plug in their portable recorder that has a stereo mini female plug (also attached below).  The list of cables / adapters:
  • [2] XLR-female / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • [2] 1/4" mono male / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • length of cable with [2] RCA-male on one end and [1] stereo mini male on the other end (see DKlein pic)

<b> RCA-male
This scenario requires a minimal change to the one David shows above in his picture.  Instead of the stereo mini male adapter on one end of the cable run, simply replace it with a pair of RCA-male connectors.  The list of cables/adapters:
  • [2] XLR-female / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • [2] 1/4" mono male / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • length of cable with [2] RCA-male on both ends (not pictured)

<c> XLR-male
I would mix up the solution for this one a bit.  Since the preamp/ADC/recorder takes XLR-male connectors, I would use a pair of XLR-male / XLR-female cables for my run length.  That way, I could use the cables as interconnects, or even short mic cables, if necessary.  This would also require a change from the adapters listed above.  The list of cables / adapters (see attached for pics of the different adapters):
  • [2] RCA-male / XLR-male adapters (see attached pic)
  • [2] 1/4" mono male / XLR-male adapters (see attached pic)
  • length of cable with [2] XLR-male on one end and [2] XLR-female on the other end (not pictured)
« Last Edit: February 14, 2006, 09:23:36 PM by Brian Skalinder »
Milab VM-44 Links > Fostex FR-2LE or
Naiant IPA (tinybox format) >
Roland R-05

Offline Cooker

  • Local Crew
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 8720
  • Gender: Male
Re:Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2004, 01:45:45 PM »

[2] 1/4" female | RCA male adapter

shouldn't this be the other way around?

[2] 1/4" male | RCA female adapter

basically, two of these:




Offline nickgregory

  • Admitted Jeter Homer
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 22376
  • Gender: Male
    • Hurricanes Insider
Re:Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2004, 01:48:04 PM »
I actually made a couple of 6' XLRF->1/4" (1/4" to go into my mixer), and I ordered a couple of 1/4"/XLRM and RCA/XLRM adapters....basically did this in agreement with Brian...makes it easier to haul around 2 SBD cables and adapters for all possible outputs...

Offline Brian Skalinder

  • Complaint Dept.
  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 18868
  • Gender: Male
Re:Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2004, 02:14:12 PM »

[2] 1/4" female | RCA male adapter

shouldn't this be the other way around?

[2] 1/4" male | RCA female adapter

Good catch, Cooker.  I meant to have that one on there, too.  I'm not sure which is appropriate as I'm unsure if most 1/4" outputs are male or female.  I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have both handy (I do, but haven't used them yet as I rarely patch into the board).
Milab VM-44 Links > Fostex FR-2LE or
Naiant IPA (tinybox format) >
Roland R-05

Offline Cooker

  • Local Crew
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 8720
  • Gender: Male
Re:Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2004, 03:48:50 PM »
boards typically have all female jacks on them - but that doesn't mean that the board patch the engineer gives you won't be a male cable...

many engineers will not have tapers plugging anything into their boards, and will hand you a shitty whirlwind cable when you ask for a patch.

one other important thing to mention, is that you will need 2 mono 1/4" to RCA adapters like pictured above, not one stereo RCA / stereo 1/4" adapter.


Offline Matt Quinn

  • No Ceilings
  • Trade Count: (16)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2471
  • Gender: Male
  • beep boop
Re:Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2004, 03:55:43 PM »
For example, many folks will run the soundboard patch directly into a Sony portable DAT deck


I've always wondered about this- why not use your normal ADC before the deck? Anybody?
In: AT853>PMD620
Out: PC>MOTU Ultralite AVB>M-Audio BX8a/Grace m900

DAW: Ableton Live 10

My LMA Recordings

Offline Brian Skalinder

  • Complaint Dept.
  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 18868
  • Gender: Male
Re:Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2004, 04:02:43 PM »
For example, many folks will run the soundboard patch directly into a Sony portable DAT deck

I've always wondered about this- why not use your normal ADC before the deck? Anybody?

If I wasn't running audience at the same time, I personally would run a SBD patch through my V3 (or other outboard ADC).  Only reason I wouldn't is if the SBD signal was too hot (but if that was the case, I'd probably carry around a set of attenuators).
Milab VM-44 Links > Fostex FR-2LE or
Naiant IPA (tinybox format) >
Roland R-05

Offline monochromic

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 373
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #7 on: June 26, 2004, 06:25:21 PM »
Option 2 - input-specific adapters

2 x RCA female | 3.5mm stereo adapter
2 x XLR female | 3.5mm stereo adapter
2 x 1/4" female | 3.5mm stereo adapter

brian -- i may be lucky enough to gain access to a sbd patch this coming weekend for a number of shows and hence am looking to pick up a number of cables to do so. your option 2 sounds like it would be the best option for me, however i'm a little confused in regards to the 'female' plug type in the above quoted list, shouldn't these be 2 x RCA male -> 3.5mm stereo adapter? ie, plugging the male cable into the female adapter in the sbd?

any help most appreciated.
Team Australia
Schoeps MK41/KC5/CMC6xt > Neve Portico 5012 > 722

Offline Brian Skalinder

  • Complaint Dept.
  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 18868
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #8 on: June 26, 2004, 07:02:00 PM »
shouldn't these be 2 x RCA male -> 3.5mm stereo adapter? ie, plugging the male cable into the female adapter in the sbd?

The adapters listed are just that - adapters.  The assumption is that you have a length of cable to run from the SBD to your recording location at which point you would use the appropriate adapter.

Quote
The problem with option 2 is if you want a cable run to support all three input-specific adapters, you'll have to carry around a separate cable run for RCA, XLR and 1/4" connectors - that's a lot of cable runs to schlep around, IMO.

So if you're expecting an RCA patch outta the board, you'd have, say, a 6' cable run of 2 x RCA male/male - plug one end into the board, the other into your 2 x RCA female > 3.5mm stereo adapter.

If you're getting an XLR patch, you'd have, say, a 6' cable run of 2 x XLRf/XLRm - plug the female end into the board, male end into your 2 x XLRf > 3.5mm stereo adapter.  Make sense?
Milab VM-44 Links > Fostex FR-2LE or
Naiant IPA (tinybox format) >
Roland R-05

Offline monochromic

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 373
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #9 on: June 26, 2004, 07:34:33 PM »
Make sense?

does indeed. thanks for clearing that up for me.
Team Australia
Schoeps MK41/KC5/CMC6xt > Neve Portico 5012 > 722

thierryhenry

  • Guest
  • Trade Count: (0)
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #10 on: August 02, 2004, 03:08:56 PM »
Sorry I am a n00b, what exactly would I need to get a soundboard patch using a Sharp MD that has Line In, Mic In, and headphones out. What type of cables would I need? Thanks.



Offline John Kelly

  • Been a while...
  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 9753
  • Gender: Male
    • The Jokell
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #11 on: August 03, 2004, 02:25:19 PM »
When I first started board patching, all I needed was one cable and 2 sets of adapters.  I bought a monster RCA > mini plug cable.  One end has two male RCA jacks, while the other end has an 1/8" stereo connector.  Then I bought two 1/4" male to RCA female (like pictured above) adapters and two XLR female to RCA female adapters.

That would cover you 99.9% of the time.
Sennheiser MKH8040st > SD 702
XBL/PSN/Steam ID: thejokell

Offline jasonrockhill

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2005, 01:20:22 PM »
All of these cables can be bought at Rat Shack?  Think I will take a ride and make a purchase of RCAm>mini and all of the adaptors.  How much will this run?  Thanks!

Rockhill

Offline jeromejello

  • Team Florida - always brings the heat
  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3514
  • Gender: Male
  • surly tapir
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #13 on: April 11, 2005, 07:51:17 PM »
When I first started board patching, all I needed was one cable and 2 sets of adapters.  I bought a monster RCA > mini plug cable.  One end has two male RCA jacks, while the other end has an 1/8" stereo connector.  Then I bought two 1/4" male to RCA female (like pictured above) adapters and two XLR female to RCA female adapters.

That would cover you 99.9% of the time.

this is what i schelp around for analog patching... plus a pair of rca couplings (female at both ends)
open: mbho 603a (ka200n/ka500hn) > SD MP-2 > PCM-M10
stealth: AT853a (o/sc/c/h) > SD MP-2 > ihp120
misc: Earthworks SR77 | Shure VP88

bt & dime

Offline Bdifr78

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1865
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #14 on: May 14, 2005, 01:11:30 AM »
Thanks for the info guys.  Lets say I would be patching in the RCA inputs on my UA-5.  I think I know what I would need but please let me know if I am right here.

1 pair of stero RCA cables male to male 6'.

2 1/4" female to RCA male mono adapters.  For when I get a pair of mono 1/4" male cables from the board

2 RCA female couplers.  For when I get a male RCA stereo pair from the board

2 1/4" male to female 3 pin xlr cables.  When I get 2 male xlr from the board.  Then I would use the 1/4" female to RCA male adapters.

Obviously if I get a set of female RCAs from the board I would just connect to my RCA cable.

Is this right?  And would it cover me for all analog feeds?

Thanks,
Joe
Neumann KM140s>Bumblebee MIAGI-II XLRs>Lunatec V3>SD722

Offline T-90

  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2429
  • Gender: Male
  • ya aint gotta do what ya aint gotta do
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #15 on: February 14, 2006, 05:49:23 PM »
great info Brian.....so if i want to run sb>ad-20>jb3, all i need are the adaptors to go from xlr (ad-20) to rca (sb) for this right? the board will have rca outs.
« Last Edit: February 19, 2006, 12:25:10 PM by T-90 »
"I dont sing...I dont dance...and I dont like to be around anyone who does" D.Letterman
DPA 4023, AT4051a, AT4053a
Countryman B3, AT853(4.7k,c,sc,h)
V3, FP24, Bm2p+ UA5, ST9100
OCM Edirol R-44, Sony PCM-M10

Offline wsphansam

  • Trade Count: (10)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1114
  • Gender: Male
    • My trading list.
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #16 on: March 30, 2006, 01:03:23 AM »
Other way around T-90, you want RCA to XLR, the way you describe you would be feeding you ad-20 into the SBD. Also, when using the ad-20 beware that it adds a considerable amount of gain, even with the knobs all the way down. Look into some attenuators if you'll be pulling alot of board patches.
http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/wsphansam

Team Kansasouri, Southern Office
Team Texas

Offline cyfan

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 764
  • Gender: Male
  • It's not personal
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #17 on: July 19, 2006, 10:57:54 AM »
  • [2] RCA-male / XLR-male adapters (see attached pic)


I am actually looking for two RCA-female / XLR-male adapters.
(If I'm using the XLR inputs on my UA-5 for the mics and want to mix in an XLR out from the soundboard I have to take it into the RCA jacks on the UA-5.) Also, since my attenuators are designed for use on RCA connects, it is exactly what I need.

Soooo... does anybody know where I can pick up a couple?

Tim
Superlux HK8 > Edirol UA-5 > JB3
Multi-tracker: Fostex VF 160 EX

Offline Brian Skalinder

  • Complaint Dept.
  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 18868
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #18 on: July 19, 2006, 11:15:33 AM »
Soooo... does anybody know where I can pick up a couple?

http://www.hosatech.com/hosa/products/GXM-133.html

Anyone who carries Hosa gear should be able to order for you if they don't already have 'em in stock.
Milab VM-44 Links > Fostex FR-2LE or
Naiant IPA (tinybox format) >
Roland R-05

Offline cyfan

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 764
  • Gender: Male
  • It's not personal
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #19 on: July 19, 2006, 12:01:40 PM »
Thanks Brian. Yeah, I got a HOSA dealer in town. They keep a small stock, but they're order those for me.

tim
Superlux HK8 > Edirol UA-5 > JB3
Multi-tracker: Fostex VF 160 EX

Offline Church-Audio

  • Trade Count: (44)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 7571
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #20 on: August 27, 2006, 06:28:22 PM »
One thing to mention is polarity of the output of the console, if its XLR you may need phase reverse cable (an XLR cable that swaps pin 2 with pin 3) so that your sound board patch is in phase with your room mics. Out of phase board mix with your room mics can result in a real loss of bottom end in your recordings but it can also do other things as well.

All mic preamps are pin 2 hot pin 3 neg pin 1 ground, if you’re doing room mics they will always be pin 2 hot. But console outputs can be pin 2 or pin 3 in the case of XLR outputs. With unbalanced outputs like 1/4 there is no problem 99.9% of the time tip is positive.

You can also have 1/4 inch balanced with the ring or tip being positive. I think this is often overlooked and can result in a real phase mess, if proper polarity is not adhered too. If you are in doubt the only way to tell is with a phase meter ( not something most of you will carry) But the sound tech should know what pin on the XLR out is hot.

When you get home to mix it down listen for the difference when you reverse the board mix track and combine it with the room mics.
If you did a multitrack recording if not your stuck with the results there is no way to fix it after the fact. IMO all tapers that are going to be using XLR connectors going to a preamp or record input should have a set of phase reverse cables.
The phase issue is moot if you plan on just recording the board mix as there is no reference to the actual polarity so there is no phase issue. Although some people claim to be able to hear a recording that is entirely out of phase, with respect to the original orientation of the recording mics being used not with left and right! That is very hard to do but it is possible to hear that difference.



Chris Church

When it comes to cables, there are three factors to consider when patching out of the soundboard:

<1>  plugging into the soundboard
There are only so many options for soundboard outputs.  These outputs are usually XLR-male, RCA-female, and 1/4" mono female (and occasionally 1/4" stereo female which I won't address here).  So we need to have cables or adapters that will allows us to plug into the outputs listed above.

<2>  running a length of cable to get out of the way
Since the soundboard outputs are, well, part of the soundboard, it's best to have a length of cable so we may run our gear out of the sound engineer's way.  Six feet should suffice.

<3>  plugging into the preamp/ADC/recorder
How to feed the signal to our preamp/ADC/recorder depends on the connectors on our preamp/ADC/connector.  The most common preamps/ADCs/recorders have the following connectors:  XLR-female, RCA-female, and stereo mini female.

Let's look at precisely what it would take to plug into the soundboard with a preamp/ADC/recorder having each of the connectors mentioned above.  All three options below addresses the three factors from above:  <1> supports the three most common soundboard connectors, <2> provides a length of cable to run your gear out of the sound engineer's way, and <3> includes the appropriate plug for the preamp/ADC/recorder.  In each case, there are multiple ways to configure your own cables/adapters, but hopefully this will give an idea of what's required for each.  If the preamp/ADC/recorder connector is:

<a> stereo mini female
David Klein took a pic of probably the easiest solution for those wanting to plug in their portable recorder that has a stereo mini female plug (also attached below).  The list of cables / adapters:
  • [2] XLR-female / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • [2] 1/4" mono male / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • length of cable with [2] RCA-male on one end and [1] stereo mini male on the other end (see DKlein pic)

<b> RCA-male
This scenario requires a minimal change to the one David shows above in his picture.  Instead of the stereo mini male adapter on one end of the cable run, simply replace it with a pair of RCA-male connectors.  The list of cables/adapters:
  • [2] XLR-female / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • [2] 1/4" mono male / RCA-female adapters (see DKlein pic)
  • length of cable with [2] RCA-male on both ends (not pictured)

<c> XLR-male
I would mix up the solution for this one a bit.  Since the preamp/ADC/recorder takes XLR-male connectors, I would use a pair of XLR-male / XLR-female cables for my run length.  That way, I could use the cables as interconnects, or even short mic cables, if necessary.  This would also require a change from the adapters listed above.  The list of cables / adapters (see attached for pics of the different adapters):
  • [2] RCA-male / XLR-male adapters (see attached pic)
  • [2] 1/4" mono male / XLR-male adapters (see attached pic)
  • length of cable with [2] XLR-male on one end and [2] XLR-female on the other end (not pictured)

for warranty returns email me at
EMAIL Sales@church-audio.com

Offline cyfan

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 764
  • Gender: Male
  • It's not personal
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #21 on: September 09, 2006, 12:06:23 PM »
One thing to mention is polarity of the output of the console, if its XLR you may need phase reverse cable (an XLR cable that swaps pin 2 with pin 3) so that your sound board patch is in phase with your room mics. Out of phase board mix with your room mics can result in a real loss of bottom end in your recordings but it can also do other things as well.

Thanks Chris. That thought hadn't occurred to me but makes sense.
First time I'll be using those adaptors will most likely be a post-mix matrix because the board in the venue (an old movie theater) is stage left and I'll be trying to get the mics deeper into the room. Even if I do run the mics AND board feed into my multi-track unit, I can invert the phase on the mic feeds if need be after the fact (pre mixdown).

But big thanks for bringing up an issue that hadn't crossed my mind.

tim
Superlux HK8 > Edirol UA-5 > JB3
Multi-tracker: Fostex VF 160 EX

Offline Church-Audio

  • Trade Count: (44)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 7571
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #22 on: December 15, 2006, 07:59:01 PM »
One thing to mention is polarity of the output of the console, if its XLR you may need phase reverse cable (an XLR cable that swaps pin 2 with pin 3) so that your sound board patch is in phase with your room mics. Out of phase board mix with your room mics can result in a real loss of bottom end in your recordings but it can also do other things as well.

Thanks Chris. That thought hadn't occurred to me but makes sense.
First time I'll be using those adaptors will most likely be a post-mix matrix because the board in the venue (an old movie theater) is stage left and I'll be trying to get the mics deeper into the room. Even if I do run the mics AND board feed into my multi-track unit, I can invert the phase on the mic feeds if need be after the fact (pre mixdown).

But big thanks for bringing up an issue that hadn't crossed my mind.

tim

No problem. Its always overlooked part of sound patches. Always try and get the make and model of the soundboard as well as where you patched in, Aux out, main out, control room out, Matrix out, ect, so you can look it up at the console company's web site and to be sure that everything is the same polarity. That's what I would do, Its very hard because mic inputs on every known console out there, is pin 2 (+) pin 3 (- ) pin 1 ground.

But there is absolutely no standard what so ever for console outputs! unless its a unbalanced out, where the tip will always be + and the barrel will always be - the only way to tell is with a phase checker, or contacting the company that made the console in question. Soundcraft a well know leader in mixing consoles, They had problems with the early ones because they did no know unless you had a serial number ( even then they sometimes could not figure it out) because they changed it so many times lol. Its nuts..


Recording devices for the most part are pin 2 hot pin 3 cold pin 1 ground. so this is where the problems start. 
Remember that polarity is an absolute and the best way to get a good recording is to get it right at the venue not in post. Because there is a difference between doing things in the digital domain and doing things in the analog domain when it comes to polarity.


Chris Church
for warranty returns email me at
EMAIL Sales@church-audio.com

Offline gratefulphish

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1568
  • Gender: Male
  • Gone Tapin'
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #23 on: January 17, 2007, 03:56:26 PM »
Chris, In response to your last post, if you are given the choice, is there a preferred set of board outputs that I should picK?  Are some hotter than others, and if so, and people have referred to using attenuators, are they referring to normal XLR pad type attenuators, or something more like the voltage attenuators between AES/EBU and SPDIF?  In either case, what level of attenuation should I be prepared to handle?
4 channel: Neumann TLM-170R>Segue Dogstar>SD 722   2 channel: Neumann TLM-170R>Segue Dogstar>Lunatec V3>SD 722
               Linked to Lunatec V3>MT 24/96                                     (Hi-Ho Silver Interconnects)     

Other gear: AKG C451Es, Tascam DA-P1, Sony D-8

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #24 on: January 17, 2007, 04:05:51 PM »
Chris, In response to your last post, if you are given the choice, is there a preferred set of board outputs that I should picK?  Are some hotter than others, and if so, and people have referred to using attenuators, are they referring to normal XLR pad type attenuators, or something more like the voltage attenuators between AES/EBU and SPDIF?  In either case, what level of attenuation should I be prepared to handle?

If you are handy with a soldering iron, it is very easy to make attenuator cables. The circuit is a voltage divider comprised of resistors. I have made several pads inside XLR housings and even 1/4" plugs. If you know the amount of attenuation you need, I bet Chris or someone else here would be happy to make them and sell them to you. Get that cable made and some adaptors to mate with XLR, 1/4" and RCA, and you'll be set.
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

Offline gratefulphish

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1568
  • Gender: Male
  • Gone Tapin'
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #25 on: January 17, 2007, 04:37:58 PM »
I have all the adapters, and even have XLR 10db attenuators, I am wondering whether these will work for the soundboard issue, or whether I need a different kind of attenuator.
4 channel: Neumann TLM-170R>Segue Dogstar>SD 722   2 channel: Neumann TLM-170R>Segue Dogstar>Lunatec V3>SD 722
               Linked to Lunatec V3>MT 24/96                                     (Hi-Ho Silver Interconnects)     

Other gear: AKG C451Es, Tascam DA-P1, Sony D-8

Offline powermonkey

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1058
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #26 on: March 11, 2007, 05:15:11 PM »
Just for a wee bit of clarification (before I start ordering bits and bobs online):

In order to get me through the majority of soundboard connections, would I be able to get by on this selection of cable and adaptors (using an Edirol R-09):

Cable - 6.3mm(1/8inch) Male Stereo > RCA Male (Left & Right) (long enough to be able to keep out of the way, obviously)

Adaptors: 2 x RCA Female > XLR Female
              2 x RCA Female > 1/4inch Male
              2 x RCA Female > XLR Male

It's the same as in the most useful pic earlier in this thread, but with the addition of a pair of RCA Female > XLR Male adaptors just on the off chance.

Would this be sufficient? I'm aware that I should be grateful for any board connection I get offered, but obviously I want to have as broad a set of options as possible without having to cart around a huge box of adaptors and whatnot.

Thanks for the help, folks.
Church Audio CA-11s, CA-14 Cards, CA-14 Omnis, Peluso CEMC-6

CA 9200 preamp
FEL BMA-1 Preamp



Edirol R09
Edirol R09HR
Sony M10
Edirol R44

My live recordings.... HERE:

https://www.facebook.com/Liverecordings1

and/or

https://soundcloud.com/liverecordings-1

Offline Brian E.

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4094
  • Gender: Male
  • is chicago.... is not chicago....
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #27 on: August 03, 2009, 11:22:49 AM »
top, great thread.
my tapes:  The Archive | Dime | Etree

Recorder - Sony PCM A-10 | Cans - Shure SE535 | Mics - CA-14 Cards | Canon EOS 5D Mark II 17-40L f4 50 f1.4 70-200L f2.8 IS II 430EX II

Offline su6oxone

  • Trade Count: (38)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 2761
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #28 on: October 02, 2009, 11:00:48 AM »
Here's what I use for all my soundboard patching needs when patching to a small recorder with a 1/8" (3.5mm) input jack.  If using a recorder/pre with dual XLR female inputs, you can just use a dual RCA male to dual RCA male cable with an extra set of RCA female to XLR male adapters (of course, this is fairly obvious):

1. (1) Dual RCA male to 1/8" stereo male cable (Monoprice)
2. (2) RCA female to RCA female adapters (Monoprice)
3. (2) XLR female to RCA female adapters (Hosa)
4. (2) XLR male to RCA female adapters (Hosa)
5. (2) 1/4" mono male to RCA female adapters (Hosa)
6. (1) 1/4" stereo male to dual RCA female adapter (Hosa)
7. (1) 1/8" stereo male to 1/8" stereo male cable (in case I need to patch out of a 1/8" jack)

« Last Edit: January 17, 2011, 02:05:19 PM by su6oxone »

Offline deadhoarse

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 348
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #29 on: October 02, 2009, 05:29:27 PM »
I'm trying to find a dual RCA male to molded right angle 1/8" stereo male cable, at least 6 feet in length. Suprisingly my search isn't turning up many results. The straight plug I'm using makes holding the R-09HR a bit awkward.

Offline andromedanwarmachine

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 267
  • Gender: Male
  • waiting for the perfect thunder storm
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #30 on: October 01, 2010, 04:51:54 AM »
I don't know if they are still in business in the States (I'm posting from Scotland here) but when they were still on the go over here, Tandy did a very nice right angle 3.5mm minijack adaptor...
I'd always shyed away from that kind of thing but it proved invaluable for getting mics into the side of my TCD-D3 when it was in my carrying bag.
Neutrik do a very nice rewireable minjack- I've got some in gold here in the workshop- in fact I've got everything here for that.

I could make you the lead you're after and ship it for postage only if you like?

JimP
Phillips N2233 "full auto shutoff"> Aiwa HSF-150 (x2)> Sony WM-D6C (x2)> Sony TCD-D3> Sony MZ-R3> Marantz PMD-650> Sony MZ-RH1> HHB Portadisc> Macbook 13"& M-box 2 +ProTools 8! and now Nagra LB!

http://soundcloud.com/andromedanwarmachine
http://soundcloud.com/bells-of-scotland
http://soundcloud.com/bells-of-the-world

Offline F.O.Bean

  • Team Schoeps Tapir that
  • Trade Count: (126)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 40690
  • Gender: Male
  • Taperus Maximus
    • MediaFire Recordings
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #31 on: December 18, 2013, 01:26:49 AM »
Would I need XLR male or XLR female ends on my patch cables

I did a lil research and I think I need FEMALE ends on my patch cables, right? Just wanted to be 100% sure

Thanks,
Bean
Schoeps MK 4V & MK 41V ->
Schoeps 250|0 KCY's (x2) ->
Naiant +60v|Low Noise PFA's (x2) ->
DarkTrain Right Angle Stubby XLR's (x3) ->
Sound Devices MixPre-6 & MixPre-3

http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/diskobean
http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/Bean420
http://bt.etree.org/mytorrents.php
http://www.mediafire.com/folder/j9eu80jpuaubz/Recordings

Offline Phil Zone

  • Trade Count: (22)
  • Taperssection All-Star
  • ****
  • Posts: 1037
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #32 on: December 18, 2013, 05:38:19 PM »
Would I need XLR male or XLR female ends on my patch cables

I did a lil research and I think I need FEMALE ends on my patch cables, right? Just wanted to be 100% sure

Thanks,
Bean

On the side you plug into the board it's a male output, so yes a female plug on the end of the cables.
Microphones: AKG 460B, 480B, Naiant Actives,CK61,CK62,CK63, CK69, Busman BSC-1, CA-14
Preamps: (3) Naiant Littlebox, Naiant Tinyhead
Recorders: (2) Zoom F6, Tascam DR-05

LMA Shows: http://archive.org/search.php?query=taper%3A%22Cam%20Keough%22&sort=-date

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #33 on: December 21, 2013, 05:59:16 PM »
This thread has prompted me to upload a photo to my blog page with part numbers of the connectors used to make the sound board cables I have been using for years:

http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com/review_sbdpatch.html
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

Offline Hypnocracy

  • Site Supporter
  • Trade Count: (46)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *
  • Posts: 2011
  • Hypnocratic Missionary
    • Hypno on teh LMA
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #34 on: December 26, 2013, 05:17:03 AM »
Chuck...sweet adapter...

But, the female RCA patch out on your adapter is an interesting choice...I carry a Male RCA<>Male XLR and think I've used it on a soundboard once...now that once I had to ask for a mono mix because it was so thick I couldn't plug in the other one.

I guess I thought XLR or 1/4 would be much more common
_____________
hypno on teh Archive

This must be heaven -- 'cause here's where the rainbow ends
If this ain't the real thing, then it's close enough to pretend

Offline Chuck

  • Trade Count: (42)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 10810
  • Gender: Male
  • time between the notes...
    • My recordings on the LMA
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #35 on: December 26, 2013, 08:21:45 AM »
Yeah, I do carry (2) 1/4" female to RCA male adapters for that RCA female output too. My experience has been that most guys are prepared for 1/4" out from the sound board. In all the years I've used them I can only remember two times when someone wanted to patch into the board after me...
Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.

Microphones: AKG C 480 B comb-ULS/ CK 61/ CK 63, Sennheiser MKE 2 elements,  Audix M1290-o, Micro capsule active cables w/ Naiant PFA's, Naiant MSH-1O, Naiant AKG Active cables, Church CA-11 (cardioid), (1) Nady SCM-1000 (mod)
Pre-amps: Naiant littlebox, Naiant littlekit v2.0, BM2p+ Edirol UA-5, Church STC-9000
Recorders: Sound Devices MixPre-6, iRiver iHP-120 (Rockboxed & RTC mod)

Recordings on the LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/ChuckM
Recording website & blog: http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com

Offline dakapc

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 17
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #36 on: April 28, 2015, 09:54:12 PM »
Yeah, I do carry (2) 1/4" female to RCA male adapters for that RCA female output too. My experience has been that most guys are prepared for 1/4" out from the sound board. In all the years I've used them I can only remember two times when someone wanted to patch into the board after me...

I have an entire bag of cables and gender benders that I've never used, I was so excited when I got the opportunity to record live on a regular basis I just went on a shopping spree so I would not show up unprepared haha. come to find out they have EVERY output maxed out and most of them already running splitters.
I just recently found out this venue I typically record at does have ONE available 1/4 mono aux out on the SB, so even though the SB tech has no knowledge of attaching recorders to it he has been more than helpful to try to get me a good feed from it recently, however it is usually hit and miss. one band I may get all vocals/snare guitar. next band may have a perfect mix, next band may be all bass drum and bass guitar.

So it always pays off to be prepared, I have too many cables but I am glad I do, I recently trimmed down the luggage to just one 1/4 mono to 3.5mm stereo, 1/4 mono splitter, 3.5mm splitter xlr f and m plus xlr splitters and an xlr with a built in attenuator to 1/4 and that seems to cover every plug type in the club and on my recorders.

I love doing this and I read this forum continuously to learn more, I am eager to master this, it is truly a great hobby and loads of fun!

Offline F.O.Bean

  • Team Schoeps Tapir that
  • Trade Count: (126)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 40690
  • Gender: Male
  • Taperus Maximus
    • MediaFire Recordings
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #37 on: February 16, 2017, 04:07:44 AM »
I recently got some used 15' GakCables from my good friend Dustin[aka caymanreview! Thanks again buddy ;D] for the RARE times that I get a SBD patch, or if I needed my +60v PFA setup extended even longer than it already is! Well, I also wanted to be prepared for ANY SBD output possible[XLR/RCA/1/4"], so I just ordered these two pairs of adapters so that I can easily go from the XLR ends, to the 1/4" jacks, or the RCA jacks depending on which board it is, just by switching out adapters at the SBD end! Should make patching the SBD nice and easy and I should now be covered for pretty much ANY SBD patching situation I might encounter, whether it be a tiny cheaper one, or a bigass Midas Pro ;D

I just thought that I'd share these so that anyone needing to do the same will know the cheapest route to get them! I was initially going to order from Full Compass for like the 4th time this week[seriously lol :P], but shipping was almost $13, so I said fu*k that and looked on ebay! I saved OVER the $13 shipping fee from Full Compass on eBay too and got all [4] adapters for only $34/Shipped! hahaha. That was the cheapest I could find them online, especially from the same site/place ;) Anyway, here's the links where I got mine at tonight on eBay!

Neutrik NA2MP Male XLR->Male 1/4" Mono Adapter [I just so happened to score the PAIR of them below from the same seller FWIW]
http://www.ebay.com/itm/142270572536?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Hosa GXR-135 Male XLR->Male RCA Mono Adapter
http://www.ebay.com/itm/172490903427?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

And here's a few pics of my new to me 15' GakCables that my good phriend Dustin hooked me up with, that I'll be using with the above adapters! Thanks again Caymanreview :)
Schoeps MK 4V & MK 41V ->
Schoeps 250|0 KCY's (x2) ->
Naiant +60v|Low Noise PFA's (x2) ->
DarkTrain Right Angle Stubby XLR's (x3) ->
Sound Devices MixPre-6 & MixPre-3

http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/diskobean
http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/Bean420
http://bt.etree.org/mytorrents.php
http://www.mediafire.com/folder/j9eu80jpuaubz/Recordings

Offline crackmc

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 281
  • Gender: Male
  • nein dispatch says zer is problem mit deine kable
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #38 on: December 28, 2019, 10:59:45 PM »
fascinating thread
not necessarily for the info in it...most recent post was nearly 3 years ago
reminds me of the time (early 2000s) when it was a serious challenge to locate the cables/adapters/assorted hardware we all needed for the next gig
most of us these days are hampered only by Amazon’s prime shipping window and nothing else
back in the day if you couldn't find it at The Shack you were busting out the wire clippers and soldering gun
you'll love it
it's a way of life

Offline mountaintaper

  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Taperssection Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 394
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #39 on: January 02, 2020, 06:41:23 PM »
fascinating thread
not necessarily for the info in it...most recent post was nearly 3 years ago
reminds me of the time (early 2000s) when it was a serious challenge to locate the cables/adapters/assorted hardware we all needed for the next gig
most of us these days are hampered only by Amazon’s prime shipping window and nothing else
back in the day if you couldn't find it at The Shack you were busting out the wire clippers and soldering gun

Well there's not really any new info needed.  It's still all the same.  I always have the following cables when going to venues I am not familiar with (2 RCA>XLR, 2 XLR to XLR, 2 TRS>XLR, an AES Digital cable and an coaxial digital>AES Digital cable.)  When possible I also bring my Henry Engineering patchbox to make life easier for everyone. Sometimes when going to shady dive bars I will also bring a TRS>Female L/R RCA adapter in case my only option is a headphone out jack. I also have a 150ft Ethercon cable in my car at all times along with Ethercon to 4 Channel XLR converter boxes.  With all that with you all the time, you will never have an issue unless venue hates tapers and refuse you, there is no cable to overcome that obstacle.

Offline willndmb

  • Trade Count: (17)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 6792
  • Gender: Male
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #40 on: January 04, 2020, 09:49:14 PM »
This thread has prompted me to upload a photo to my blog page with part numbers of the connectors used to make the sound board cables I have been using for years:

http://www.timebetweenthenotes.com/review_sbdpatch.html
+t
Mics - AKG ck61/ck63 (c480b & Naiant actives), SP-BMC-2
XLR Cables - Silver Path w/Darktrain stubbies
Interconnect Cables - Dogstar (XLR), Darktrain (RCA > 1/8) (1/8 > 1/8), and Kind Kables (1/8f > 1/4)
Preamps - Naiant Littlebox & Tinybox
Recorders - PCM-M10 & DR-60D

Offline copyparrel

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Taperssection Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
Re: Cables for soundboard patches
« Reply #41 on: November 29, 2023, 07:52:28 AM »
Hey there! Thanks for the detailed breakdown. Your solutions for different connectors are quite helpful. It's great to have a clear guide for plugging into the soundboard, managing cable length, and connecting to preamp/ADC/recorder. Appreciate the effort!







 

RSS | Mobile
Page created in 0.156 seconds with 66 queries.
© 2002-2024 Taperssection.com
Powered by SMF