Good multi-pin connectors for audio?

[Milkmansound]

I am thinking about building a snake that can seperate from the stage box, only a 12-16 channel one - I was wondering what a good connector is for this purpose? Is there one that can connect to lengths of 12 pair cable together as well?

I am thinking like touchel-type... but I just do not even know whats out there to do this. You guys seem to know everything about anything, so I figure heres a good place to ask :grin:

 

[pucho812]

hmmm sounds like live sound. no pun intended. Anyway since it is for live aplications and only 16 channels max I would recomend whirlwind multi pin connectors.
http://www.whirlwindusa.com/multi012.html

they are pretty common and failry easy to assemble.

 

[Milkmansound]

sweet - those are perfect. Thanks!

edit: on second thought, those are way too expensive for this project! nice, but...

MASS 48 pin chassis, crimp type pin/socket
$111.57


wow!

 

[Bluzzi]

Edac are cheaper but I think not by much. Multipin is expensive unless you go for a bunch of DB25 or other computer grade connectors. They are jsut as good for the contact but aren't made to take the abuse of the Wirlwind or Edacs etc. So if you are permanent or semi permanent you don't need robust types otherwise don't use cheapies as you will regret it down the line!

Jim

 

[pucho812]

yeah last time I made a bunch of elcos each pin was .10 cents the hoods werre about 7-10 and the connectors was about 7-10 a piece if I remember correctly I may be off by a few dollars. I havn't had to make a whirwind in a long time. you could try ramtech they might be cheaper. But I have never made one and from what i found around here, they were dificult to make.

 

[adrianh]

When I do it again
I will use the (see link above)
"W1 (which has 39 solder type contacts and is used for cables with 12 pairs or fewer),"

For my effect to board connections.
Now for the main snake I may need to go MASS but I am saving for those.

 

[SteveAudio]

Elco/Edacs are wonderful connectors in the studio, but marginal for live use. If you do use them, make sure you get the gray poly version, not the green diallyl pthalate plastic, it's too brittle. One drop on a cement floor and good bye.

You can add metal side plates to the Male-Screw side of the connector, to protect the delicate side flanges some of the rental houses here in LA do that.

Also, Allied Electronics has many versions of the AMP MIL type connectors, of which the smaller Whirlwinds are a subset.

The big advantage of the Whirlwinds (yes, they;re damned expensive) is that they are everywhere, making it easier to find mating equipment from other PA companies, and the long backshells make assembly and usage easier.

One last thought: www.gepco.com. Fine wire company, and they have some pre-fab snake boxes with multipins that look really good.