I've got some questions about subsnakes in use in smaller/mid-size
systems (FOH around 10K, 24 channels of main snake sends)
Are most people using subsnakes to clean up cable runs? Obviously
stage plot/stage box are factors in this, but I'm thinking of getting
a 4 channel sub snake up to the front of the stage for vocals, and
then a 8 channel to the far side of the drums for drum mics, and
other stuff on the far side from the main stage box. What do most
people do?
Any ideas on where to get some cheap sub snakes? I'd like to have
stage boxes, but haven't seen too many pre-made subsnakes around.
Is it cheaper to make my own? Anyone got any used ones they want
to unload? (20-50 feet?)
-matt
Posted by Joel Ashcraft on March 13, 2002:
Matt,
I have been from the school of thought where the more subsnakes
the better.
On big stages, 40'+ wide, I use at least 3, and with approaching
40 inputs, I will use 4, maybe even 6, depending upon where my cables
are going to have to be routed, depending upon risers, set stuff,
etc.
For your size show (up to 24 inputs), I suggest a drum/backline
snake (I havent used one with returns, but I have needed it once
in a blue moon), a "downstage right" snake (assuming of
course that your splitter (or snake trunk runs up the SL side),
and a spare for "other" input areas. This way, you have
cables that only run to areas that are not really high traffic,
and that allows you to put your snake head by your amp rack, keeping
your cables to the amps short, and then you have inputs on both
front corners, and then in the rear with the drums and guitar amps
and stuff. The extra one is for that guy who needs 6 inputs at his
keyboard rig, and you dont want to have a gazillion cables going
to his freekin rig, so you use the other sub there.
This is my approach. Good luck.
Joel
Posted by rick brown on March 13, 2002:
Sub snakes ARE worth using...only get an 8 ch for down stage(vox
and accoustics etc), 12ch for drums, and another 12ch with a split
of 6 and 6 more 25ft away for bass keys ,guitars, etc
This will keep you from using 50 million mic cables and keep it
clean on stage
Using a drum loom cut to length and a little more for slack, for
kick, sn ,hat,tom 1&2 and floor will cover MOST smaller gigs
( color code all your ch so you can quickly plug into sub-snake)
and then if you need OH or more toms then just add seperate mic
cable as needed.
We have used THIS method for years with much success as far as ant
problems ...its mic cable we all gotta solder some time ( I like
it) and if you COIL it ito a circle of about 2-3 ft and put a cable
tie on it should not cause a mess and this will go into your mic
cable box lasting for years and is a good labor saving idea if you
work for the same band or not
als
Posted by David B. Little on March 13, 2002:
Most definitely. I have a similar rig with two subsnakes - 16x3x75'
upstage, 12x3x40' downstage. They were originally snakes from earlier
rigs that got shortened to make patch looms, hence the returns.
Both terminate at my split at monitor world. The returns come in
handy for wired IEMs, com drops, or whatever strange patches some
of these acts can think of. Use a stage box - that fan to fan crap
is for the birds - they get tangled, you have to dig through the
fan and are easily damaged. I'm against the drum loom hooha unless
it's a one act rig.
Handy thing about it is the ability to repatch at the split for
multiple bills - saves running extra lines for the support act(s)
if allow
Posted by Chris Hindle on March 13, 2002:
I usually park the main stagebox near the drum kit. I have a 35
foot 6 "send", 6 "return" that goes to the amp
rack, and takes whatever 6 closest mics/di from that side It's nothing
special. Fans on both ends. Mogami cable. Was a pleasure to strip
and solder. Stripped back about a foot on the stagebox end, and
3 feet or so at the other end. Plenty versatile. Also made up a
6 channel 35 foot to go around to the other side of the stage, intended
for the front line mics. Also fans on both ends, about a foot stripped
back on both ends. Whatever works with your "standard"
setup.
Also have a fan-fan 50 foot for those occasions where the main line
just doesn't quite make it. I only use it about twice a year, but
when I need it, it's there!
Chris.
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