Buying microphone cable, 100m drums.

[Arpangel]

Updated my post above with more suggestions re colour coding XLRs

Thanks Hugh, got it.

[MOF]

I’ve always made my microphone cables with Starquad, maybe not relevant for you but my work has taken me to some places where there was the potential for picking up unwanted interference.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Starquad's famed superior interference rejection only applies to interference sources lying physically alongside the cable. So it's beneficial if you're running mic cables directly alongside lighting dimmer power cables, for example, but there's no advantage at all in more typical applications.

Moreover, the much higher capacitance compared to standard cables can become problematic on longer cable runs.

If you're concerned about RF interference then it would be better to invest in Neutrik's EMC XLR connectors and use a good quality cable, ideally with a double-Reussen screen.

[Arpangel]

Starquad's famed superior interference rejection only applies to interference sources lying physically alongside the cable. So it's beneficial if you're running mic cables directly alongside lighting dimmer power cables, for example, but there's no advantage at all in more typical applications.

Moreover, the much higher capacitance compared to standard cables can become problematic on longer cable runs.

If you're concerned about RF interference then it would be better to invest in Neutrik's EMC XLR connectors and use a good quality cable, ideally with a double-Reussen screen.

The only interference I’m worried about is my partner shouting outside the piano room "are you recording?"

[ef37a]

Starquad's famed superior interference rejection only applies to interference sources lying physically alongside the cable. So it's beneficial if you're running mic cables directly alongside lighting dimmer power cables, for example, but there's no advantage at all in more typical applications.

Moreover, the much higher capacitance compared to standard cables can become problematic on longer cable runs.

If you're concerned about RF interference then it would be better to invest in Neutrik's EMC XLR connectors and use a good quality cable, ideally with a double-Reussen screen.

The only interference I’m worried about is my partner shouting outside the piano room "are you recording?"

Heh! Can you not rig a red "Silence Recording" lamp outside the room? And whatever cables you finally get matey, I would chuck in at least one Cat5e/6 shielded cable as well...SO handy for all sorts of signals. If you find a local network installer he will probably GIVE you 30mtrs 'end of a box'.

Dave.

[Drew Stephenson]

I have often wondered if there were midi-triggered "recording" lights available. I know that if I had one that I had to remember to switch on it would be a waste of time; but something that came on automatically...

[SimonZ]

There are !!!
'Punchlight' have a few options and there are others

[James Perrett]

There are !!!
'Punchlight' have a few options and there are others

And we have a thread describing the Elf's adventures with an Arduino from a few weeks ago building something similar.

[Drew Stephenson]

There are !!!
'Punchlight' have a few options and there are others

And we have a thread describing the Elf's adventures with an Arduino from a few weeks ago building something similar.

The Elf's creation (like his mixes) is well beyond me, but I shall check out 'Punchlight'.

[Luke W]

I have often wondered if there were midi-triggered "recording" lights available. I know that if I had one that I had to remember to switch on it would be a waste of time; but something that came on automatically...

We have quite the opposite problem at work with people forgetting to turn them off, it's left me standing around like a lemon a few times now.

[Drew Stephenson]

Well, given the prices of the Punchlight ones I might be thinking again about making my own. If I can make it switch off automatically as well I'll let you know.

[Wonks]

If you've got 100m drums, you're going to need some bloody long drumsticks!

[Mike Stranks]

Most mixers specifically designed for broadcast have microswitches in the fader tracks. This meant that when I was in BBC Local Radio, faders could:

* Switch on the Red Light when a mic channel was opened
* Mute any loudspeaker in the room when a mic channel was opened
* Auto-start a CD player (f'r instance) when the relevant channel was opened

... and of course being BBC faders they opened by being pulled towards you!

[Hugh Robjohns]

In addition, on big network broadcasting consoles, the same microswitches could also be configured to auto-cancel the channel's PFL mode, and unmute any pre-fade audience PA foldback sends.

Sadly, the days of faders opening towards the operator are long gone.

[Forum Admin]

If you've got 100m drums, you're going to need some bloody long drumsticks!

And a gargantuan Persian rug!

[Eddy Deegan]

Sadly, the days of faders opening towards the operator are long gone.

Just turn the mixer around 180° - instant nostalgia!

[RichardT]

If you've got 100m drums, you're going to need some bloody long drumsticks!

And an elephant to hear the fundamental.

[Dan LB]

Sadly, the days of faders opening towards the operator are long gone.

Hugh, why do you say ‘sadly’? Do find reverse faders more intuitive or preferable in some way?

The option is there on a couple of Calrec Alphas that we have but I’ve never tried it. I must give it a shot sometime!

[Hugh Robjohns]

I found them much easier to use, especially when needing to open or switch between faders quickly.

Reversed quadrant faders were the best, ergonomically -- that up and over action follows the natural movement of the wrist very well -- but reversed flat faders are okay.

To open a fader to a set level, you just drop your thumb in front of the required fader level, and then use your 3rd/4th fingers to pull the fader up to the thumb. Fast, accurate and comfortable.

It's not as easy to place your 3rd/4th finger beyond the mark and push the faders up with a thumb. Possible, of course, but it's not as comfortable or easy to do, and I don't think it as accurate or precise, either.

For semi-static music mixes the faders direction makes little difference, but for a fast news or panel programme it really does!

And then there are other practical benefits, like not accidentally knocking a faders open with your jacket sleeve...

[Rob Kirkwood]

Also gives you space to put your coffee cup.

Rob

[Hugh Robjohns]

[Arpangel]

I’ve got a red LED studio light, it’s only small, but it works, I’ve just never got around to wiring it up.

[Music Wolf]

And then there are other practical benefits, like not accidentally knocking a faders open with your jacket sleeve...

For the benefit of any younger readers who may have wandered in. This is how we used to lay down those sick beats back in the day.

[Wonks]

Back in the day? Look into the studio and you can see Ed Sheeran! This is cutting edge technology.