Cable care, wrapping

[jcmbowman]

What about 3 spools?

My cables are tossed into a Rubbermaid tub, so organization is non-existent.
I'm on the hunt for a better method.

I've been doing the rubbermaid tub method for years - different tubs for power, XLR, speaker/instrument, and Speakon cables. I use the over/under method on all except the heavy gauge power and speakon (they just get coiled, it's easier that way when I uncoil them since I don't always need the full length), and they're tied with a variety of ties, from tie cable, to girly hair elastics, to velcro straps. Length is indicated by a color code which is marked on each cable via a band of colored electrical tape on the wire just behind each of the connectors. I always forget which color is which, so I have a color code guide taped to the inside of each of the tub lids.

The only times I ever have to replace cables or connectors is when some baboon plays nice and coils my cables for me and I don't notice until they've been laying in the tub like that for a couple weeks or longer, and when something heavy crushes or pinches the cable. (Note to others - don't put your snake down unless you've already talked to EVERYONE who has the keys to the scissor-lift!!) The only real improvement I could make at this point would be to build road case boxes for the cables. I have had to replace the tubs every so often because they're not really designed to hold that much weight in copper.

[gdougherty]

The only real improvement I could make at this point would be to build road case boxes for the cables. I have had to replace the tubs every so often because they're not really designed to hold that much weight in copper.

I've thought about that too, though I picked up a heavy duty tub that's thicker and more durable. It's served me well for the last three years after my last Rubbermaid type tub busted. Most importantly to me, it's significantly lighter and cheaper than a road duty rolling case would be.

[David Carter]

I'm not out on the road all the time, but I've got one of these, and it's been great.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_ ... +Portables

[Scott Brochu]

How would you guys do 1/4" to 1/4" on a reel?

[gdougherty]

How would you guys do 1/4" to 1/4" on a reel?

You don't. Those get wrapped individually.

[Scott Brochu]

Just looking for an easier way like the XLR's

[mattaudio]

I might be crazy, but this is how I do it:

Put both connectors on one end, find the other end (therefore halving the cable)
Keep halving the cable until it's about 1 to 1-1/2 feet long (depends on the thickness of the bundle)
Pretzel the cable by making a loop and pulling one of the ends through.

I throw 30 mic cables in a suitcase, and they never get tangled. Also, after undoing the pretzel the cable straightens out freely 95% of the time.

It's worked great for me for years.

[DJPhatman]

I might be crazy, but this is how I do it:

Put both connectors on one end, find the other end (therefore halving the cable)
Keep halving the cable until it's about 1 to 1-1/2 feet long (depends on the thickness of the bundle)
Pretzel the cable by making a loop and pulling one of the ends through.

I throw 30 mic cables in a suitcase, and they never get tangled. Also, after undoing the pretzel the cable straightens out freely 95% of the time.

It's worked great for me for years.

This is called "roadie wrap", and I have also been doing it for over 10 years. I have never broken a mic cable, and don't recall one ever being tangled.