Talk:Audio multicore cable
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[edit] CobraNet/EtherSound
The CobraNet/EtherSound section could just link to the Audio over Ethernet page, where they are both given treatment. --BenFranske 19:03, 14 February 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Merge with Snake
It looks like nobody has discussed this yet... In my experience Multicore cables are the same as Snake cables, just as Snake boxes are the same as multi boxes. So I vote merge unless anybody can demonstrate a difference between the two. --Davidkazuhiro 04:55, 15 February 2007 (UTC)
I have renamed (moved) this article to audio multicore cable. I will create a redirect from snake cable. The content of snake cable is given below for when I get round to merging it in. I'll also create a new page for multicore cable. Sidefall 22:22, 31 May 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Stuff from Snake Cable
A snake cable (often just "snake") or medusa is an electrical signal cable with multiple insulated wires or even other cables within it. They are often used in sound reinforcement, as they are far simpler to work with, and also far less likely to cause tripping and other entanglements. Each cable within the snake is independent of the others, having its own insulation and shielding. The name comes from its resemblance in thickness and colour to a black snake.
Basic snakes are simple, having all of the same connectors on one end, and their companions on the other, just like single cables. This configuration of snake could be referenced as a "send snake", or "drive snake". Some with XLR connectors have up to half of the channels swapped to opposite ends — that is, some channels might run male-to-female (possibly referenced as "sends"), others from female-to-male (possibly referenced as "returns"). The "returns" provide a path for return audio to the stage or other similar area.
Snakes with a box on one end and a fantail on the other end are possibly referenced as "stage snakes." Snakes with dual fantails are possibly referenced as either "patch snakes" if they're short (a few feet to possibly 30ft.), or "drive snakes" if they're long (50ft. to 200ft.+)
Subsnakes are typically approx. 8 to 12 channel configurations, approx. 20 to 50ft. in length, and are oftentimes used in conjunction with a large format snake to carry a group of channels from an area of the stage that would otherwise be cumbersome to service with the main (large format) snake.
Many high-end snakes have up to 64 channels of balanced audio, and are permanently attached at one end to a large reel or spool which has the connectors on its side panel, rather than just dangling loose as on the other end of the cable. Some snakes have integrated DI Boxes. Multipin disconnects are common with high-end snake so the lengths of the trunks can be suitably configured to meet the job requirement and to facilitate handling of high-count snake cables. These multipin disconnects are also utilized on the fantail end of the snake so the fantail can remain connected to the mixing console, disconnected from the main trunk, and stored in a "doghouse" within the mixer board case. A fantail with a disconnect is possibly referenced as a "squid" (since it looks like a squid).
Aside from audio, an electrical snake can mean any cable with many conductors for carrying separate signals with modular plugs at either end. Snakes are used for lighting, computers, and industrial controllers, in addition to audio signals.
