A snake cable, also known as a multicore cable or audio snake, is an audio cable consisting of multiple individual cables bundled together in a single casing. These cables are typically used in audio recording and live sound reinforcement applications to transfer audio signals from multiple sources to a mixing console.
In this article, we will explore the workings of a snake cable in detail, including its construction, types, and applications.
Construction
A snake cable typically consists of several individual cables enclosed in a single jacket. The individual cables are usually color-coded for easy identification and can range from two to over 50 channels. The cables are typically twisted together and held in place by a jacket, which can be made of rubber or PVC.
The snake cable also features two main ends, known as the fan and the box. The fan end is where the individual cables are separated and terminated with individual connectors, while the box end contains the connectors that interface with the mixing console.
The connectors used in snake cables can vary depending on the application and the manufacturer. However, the most commonly used connectors include XLR, TRS, and TS connectors.
Types of Snake Cables
There are several types of snake cables available in the market. The most common ones include:
Analog Snake Cables: These cables are designed to transfer analog audio signals from multiple sources to a mixing console. Analog snake cables are available in various channel counts, with the most common ones being 8, 16, 24, and 32 channels.
Digital Snake Cables: These cables are designed to transfer digital audio signals from multiple sources to a mixing console. Digital snake cables are typically used in larger venues and are capable of transferring a large number of channels over a single cable. They are also more expensive than analog snake cables.
Hybrid Snake Cables: These cables combine both analog and digital channels in a single cable. They are ideal for venues that require a mix of analog and digital signals.
Cat5e Snake Cables: These cables use Cat5e Ethernet cable to transfer audio signals over long distances. They are ideal for venues that require long cable runs.
Applications of Snake Cables
Snake cables are commonly used in live sound reinforcement and recording applications. They allow audio engineers to transfer audio signals from multiple sources, such as microphones and instruments, to a mixing console. This enables the engineer to control and adjust the audio levels of each source independently, resulting in a better overall sound quality.
In live sound reinforcement, snake cables are used to connect microphones and instruments on stage to the mixing console, which is usually located at the back of the venue. This enables the audio engineer to adjust the levels of each source in real-time and ensure that the sound is balanced and clear.
In recording applications, snake cables are used to connect microphones and instruments in the studio to the recording console. This enables the engineer to capture high-quality audio recordings that can be mixed and mastered later.
Snake cables are also used in broadcast applications, where they are used to transfer audio signals from multiple sources to the control room for mixing and broadcasting.
Advantages of Snake Cables
The use of snake cables in audio applications has several advantages, including:
Reduced Cable Clutter: Snake cables enable audio engineers to transfer multiple audio signals over a single cable, reducing the amount of cable clutter on stage or in the studio.
Improved Sound Quality: Snake cables allow audio engineers to adjust the levels of each audio source independently, resulting in a better overall sound quality.
Ease of Setup: Snake cables are easy to set up and can be quickly connected to the mixing console and audio sources.
