managing long xlr cables

[puckhead193]

I figured I would post this here since audio related....

I need to use 100 foot XLR cables. For shorter 15-25 ft length cables i "loop" it up and tie with a velcro tie, no big deal. But sometimes I need to run a 100 foot cable, is there a better method to use then looping it together because it takes forever! What do they do in concerts were they have 100s of feet of cable to run? I feel like using those garden hose things were you just turn the lever and presto its all wrapped up...

 

[simsaladimbamba]

For coax cables, a bit thinner than XLR cables, there are actually cable spools, maybe they exist for XLR cables too, but when we are on set and have plenty of cables (power, video, audio) we just do it the old fashion way, looping them by hand. Just be glad, you don't have to spool 63 A or 125 A cables, they are a cluster**** of niceness.

You could also try to build or your own XLR cable drum, if you cannot find one.

 

[Julien]

Another option might be to by some sorter (25") cables for specific situations. Monoprice has quality 25" cables starting at about $11.

 

[SimonUK5]

Cable Drums/Spools are what i'd use...

 

[ChrisA]

...What do they do in concerts were they have 100s of feet of cable to run? ...

They use "snakes" That is a really think cable with maybe 8 or 16 XLR cables all inside one outer cover. It avoid tangles with long runs between the performers and the sound guy.

 

[puckhead193]

Cable Drums/Spools are what i'd use...

My problem is there big and not to mention expensive.
i saw this on B&H.comLink Looks interesting and I don't have to sit and make loops "manually" if that makes sense. The same company makes retracktable cables but i'm unsure of the quality...

 

[Auszero]

I'm a live sound engineer with miles of xlr amongst other cables. For runs of 100' we just use a method of "looping" called the over under then use velcro or cable ties to tie it up. I've only seen spools used for lengths over 250'. Once you learn how to over under its the only way you wrap anything and you're quick at it. 100' xlr would only take me like 10 seconds to wrap.

 

[DPUser]

I use Home Depot orange power cord reels. No more twisted or tangled cables.

 

[gannonsamuel]

Maybe a stupid question, but, if you are regularly using shorter cables runs would it not be easier to get some shorter cables?

I'm a live sound engineer with miles of xlr amongst other cables. For runs of 100' we just use a method of "looping" called the over under then use velcro or cable ties to tie it up. I've only seen spools used for lengths over 250'. Once you learn how to over under its the only way you wrap anything and you're quick at it. 100' xlr would only take me like 10 seconds to wrap.

The Over Under method is also noise cancelling and can deal with some ground loop hums in certain situations, also makes you look cool.


Theres something about cables on big reels i don't agree with, surely it can put unnecessary strain on the cable?