Topic: XLR mod with logical LEFT & RIGHT markers (harder to screw up)

[andromedanwarmachine]

sorry- which I use for this...

[igene]

That looks like a lot of wire to stuff into 1 connector.
Looks good (and funky too).
very tight corner !

[andromedanwarmachine]

Yeah- I took the Rycote advice on a basket size for my ECM 999 and it was like carrying a cactus or a baguette!

So I went for the smallest basket I could get for ease of carraige and made a 180 degree connector! Single point stereo so two balanced lines plus a power remote to save having to open the basket each time to turn the Mic on...

Works a treat...

[Shadow_7]

I just mark the cables with a bunch of these in the appropriate color.

http://cableorganizer.com/wire-wrap/

They come in a variety of colors and typically have two of each color per bag.  I put one on both ends of the cable.  But even with markings you can still accidentally invert things.  If you turn the stereo pair upside down, or put the mics behind the band (facing the audience) and any number of odd configurations.  I typically travel between the parking lot and venue with the gear untethered.  So the colorization is to help make the setup quicker on location and less questionable.  Seeing the red for right and white for left aspect really helps speed up the process.  Relative to trying to read a small L or small R tucked away in some poorly lit behind / under the rack connector.  The velcro wraps also come in handy to keep the cord snug to the stand and otherwise keep some slack near the mics to help with cable transmitted sounds.  And in a crunch you can take them off on location and form a small velcro rope to tether the mic stand to a fence or light post on a hill.

[igene]

IMHO - ANYTHING you can do to get your rig set up quickly and correctly is beneficial.
There is no hard and fast rule that says - "do it this way only".
It comes down to the individual's needs. Maybe you need 10 different cues to help you out.

If you are sharp and focused, you may just need a tag or piece of tape or sharpie mark.
But if you are enjoying yourself excessively - there may not be anything you can do to prevent screwing up.
Been there !

My idea / prototype is just one more thing to help the average taper get it right.
Plenty of distractions at a show. puff puff...
Plenty of variable encountered during the show to ruin the recording.  WOO WOO - JERRY ! (right next to you)

Having said that -
Electrical tape gets gooey / sticky after a while and peels off,
Sharpie marks wear off, Velcro gets lost ... but if you make something permanent on your connector - you're good for a long time.

The cable wraps are a good idea, helps manage your cable too...
Even a colored tie wrap is good / just not too tight around the wire.