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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: checht on March 27, 2023, 05:40:14 PM

Title: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: checht on March 27, 2023, 05:40:14 PM
I'm building a 100' x 4 channel snake using Redco TGS and neutrik connectors, and have purchased 2 different color coding systems trying to find the one that's easiest to differentiate.
I have low vision, and especially in the dark, even w a flashlight, high vis is super helpful.

I purchased the Neutrik colored boots, and also colored 3D printed caps from Gotham. I kinda think the boots are esaier to see, and given that this application, the reduced size of using caps isn't a huge deal.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: morst on March 27, 2023, 05:41:24 PM
I'm building a 100' x 4 channel snake using Redco TGS and neutrik connectors, and have purchased 2 different color coding systems trying to find the one that's easiest to differentiate.
I have low vision, and especially in the dark, even w a flashlight, high vis is super helpful.

I purchased the Neutrik colored boots, and also colored 3D printed caps from Gotham. I kinda think the boots are esaier to see, and given that this application, the reduced size of using caps isn't a huge deal.

Thoughts?
Use numbers rather than colors for better low light legibility!?
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: rocksuitcase on March 27, 2023, 06:08:39 PM
Just given the photo, I'd vote for the boots. More surface area, easier to spot during a quick setup.
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: morst on March 27, 2023, 06:16:23 PM
Just given the photo, I'd vote for the boots. More surface area, easier to spot during a quick setup.
I don't understand the caps.
Are they dust caps to be removed before connecting?
That's ... the opposite of a time-saver, but I suppose protecting from dust is a reason...


OH that's the back of a side-exit connector. I would go with axial connectors if possible, so the boots if that's the choice.
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: checht on March 27, 2023, 06:46:51 PM
Boots need to be drilled to pass cable out. Not sure why they can't do that during printing... Can be used with axial or side exit,, gotta drill either way, but plastic is easier than aluminum unless I head over to my friend's shop.

Numbers would need to be at least .5" tall for me to read them, I have serious optical nerve neuropathy that gets me close to legally blind. Fun fun fun, but at least I can see my grandmonsters' faces. So, colors are more reliable.

I enjoy that stubbies are half the size of original Neutriks, but sometimes venue staff complain that they're too small for plugging in to deep patch bays and even more of a pita when removing. Since this is a snake build, and the cable weighs 6+ lbs, perhaps full size is appropriate.

Thanks everyone!

Pinecil arrived today, tinned it, and am making myself finish work day before jumping in.
Now I gotta pick how long for the fans, thinking 15" or so...
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: voltronic on March 27, 2023, 07:25:09 PM
Checht, I would agree with others that the official Neutrik boots would be easier to see, and I also recommend numbers or other label indicators on the metal shells for a long snake.

If you do decide to drill out the centers of the printed Gotham caps, let us know how it goes. They aren't printed that way because they are intended to just be a cap while the metal shell gets drilled, but I'm interested in possibly drilling the centers for a future build.
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: morst on March 27, 2023, 11:01:06 PM
Numbers would need to be at least .5" tall for me to read them, I have serious optical nerve neuropathy that gets me close to legally blind. Fun fun fun, but at least I can see my grandmonsters' faces. So, colors are more reliable.
I was thinking the numbers should be 3/4" or a full inch high.
I usually use white tape and a sharpie for temporary installs, but since you're building a snake, it's gotta be solid.
Colors will be fine for a 4-channel snake, might I suggest going from dark-to-light when wiring? Purple red orange yellow or some-such plan?


For larger projects, I don't think colors scale well, so I'll keep my eye out for readable solutions while I'm on the job (yes, my day job often involves cables and such lol!)
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: Ronmac on March 28, 2023, 07:01:22 AM
For higher visibility you could also colour match the boots with a length of heat shrink or techflex on the cable.
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: SMsound on March 28, 2023, 06:13:27 PM
For higher visibility you could also colour match the boots with a length of heat shrink or techflex on the cable.

Add Neutrik Rings to match the boots, and then color-code the heatshrink. Sumito Sumitube comes in a lot of colors and it works great. You can buy it by the foot:

https://www.performanceaudio.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=sumitube
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: wehideandseek on May 30, 2023, 09:46:24 PM
Totally backwoods but in the past i've used strips of gaffe tape: two rings around each end of a cable = rt; one = left. Could feel my way in a pitch black setting.
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: 2X2 on July 05, 2023, 05:22:00 AM
Totally backwoods but in the past i've used strips of gaffe tape: two rings around each end of a cable = rt; one = left. Could feel my way in a pitch black setting.

this is why i TS
Title: Re: color coding neutrik xlrs
Post by: checht on February 04, 2024, 11:42:41 PM
Wanted to thank everyone for their input, super helpful.

I ran the snake for 4 nights at The Triple Door in Seattle, the venue it was designed for, all it was just exactly right.

Allowed me to run omt4 from the sweet spot while running from the sbd for a feed and ac power.

Really happy with the recordings. A link to one of the shows:
https://archive.org/details/LosLobos2024-02-02