I have (rather foolishly) decided to re-arrange my amp/outboard rack, and am having a go at tidying up the connecting cables.

Does anyone have any tips as regards labeling cables?
I have x3 6u abs racks with various kit in each, I can't keep the various bits of kit connected all of the time as it has to be transportable, also being the reason for not having one bigger box.

I need to connect/disconnect the three every gig, and if the cables could be identified better it would take less time, giving more time to set up my damn lighting truss!

Before I had written id tags on a piece of paper, and it wrapped to the cable with clear tape.
Any advise please?

Cheers,
John Denim.

This topic may help you

Link

HTH,

Chris

EDIT: Grammar

I'd heat shrink labels on the end of each of the cables. It takes more time than the wrap around tape approach, but it won't come off nearly as easily and it looks more professional too. I'd also recommend perhaps colour coding them as well - say use white paper for eq, red for compressor, green for something else - when you get used to it this'll mean you just need to search for the colour and the only thing you'll really have to look for on the actual label when you're in a hurry is L or R.

I have been rootin' around and have found some yellow insulation tape and a thin sharpie.

I suppose this approach would not be as neat as the heatshrink though.
Thanks for the link Chris.

John Denim.

I've seen these used before and quite like them, although I can't vouch for their effectiveness under heavy use.

Edit:
Does anybody know where to actually buy these? (Have checked CPC, RS, Farnell)

See also HERE and HERE.

I recently bought some clear heat shrink from RS that would shrink down onto most mic cables, but criticaly, would go over a Neutrik XLR connector prior to shrinking down, If you want I can dig out the number.
I find that the heat shrink produces the most professional result without having custom labels made off, other than buying the tubing all you need is acess to a heat gun or paint stripping gun (or a high temp hair dryer for some of the lower shrink stuff)

If you're careful then working around it carefully with a match can do the job as well.

OK thanks to all.

I looked in screwfix today but the only kit they had contained a nice diameter (un shrunken?) heatshrink to go over the cables, but not over the connectors, I'm not going to start taking them apart!

Will have a look at RS, a what, 4:1 size is about right?

John Denim.
ps. On the occasions I do use heatshrink, I just run a soldering iron down to shrink it.


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EDIT: I'll have that RS part no if you have it to hand please Neil.

I've just looked up the part number for that heat shrink, the RS no is 252-7917
Surpisingly the tube is only a 3:1 18mm to 6mm, and from the datasheets a neutrik is 19mm dia. But it does work although a tight fit.

I have also in the past used a 4:1 tube, but it ended up very thick when shrunk and needed so much heat it melted the cables. the one above shrinks down nicely and remains very clear without looking too bulky on the cable. At £6.50 for 3 metres it sounds expensive, but bearing in mind at 30mm per tag that means you can mark 90-100 cables with one spool. I'll post a picture if I can find one I've done recently.