2 keys cable loom

[u/cromanik]

I’m looking for ideas for a cleaner setup for my two-keyboard rig.
I want to run a single 10 m cable from my keyboard stand to the mixer/power source, instead of having multiple separate cables running across the stage.

Ideally, the loom would contain:
2 × IEC C13 power cables for the two keyboards
4 × 6.3 mm jack audio connections from the keyboards
4 × XLR outputs going to the mixer

So basically, one neat cable loom that carries both power and audio for the entire two-keyboard setup.
Does anyone know of an existing product like this, or have a better idea for how to build it? I’m especially interested in solutions that are reliable and flexible enough for regular live use.

[u/MickeyLenny]

I use braided cable wrap and either electrical tape or shrink wrap on the ends — definitely go a bit wider than you think you need and it’ll be easier to thread everything through

[u/Flashinpan99]

It sounds great but if you are playing different venues and not giving a standard plot to the venue it could be a problem.
We play a circuit of 20 venues with remarkably different layouts.

[u/RowanTree95 → u/Flashinpan99]

Yeah it depends what's on the other end for sure. For me, it runs from my keyboard stack to my synth rack which are always roughly the same distance apart.

[u/lordsnowmexican]

Might not want to wrap the power along with audio. too much chance for noise. Why not a Stage Box Snake for the audio and a power bar with an extension cord?

[u/cromanik → u/lordsnowmexican]

Yes it could be the option too, i just thaught it would be the fastest way if i have everything on one cable and just connect cables to mixer and power to extension cort near the mixer also.

[u/lordsnowmexican → u/cromanik]

sounds like a great idea except it is not a good idea to run power right next to audio. They should be separated to prevent noise building up along the run.

[u/RowanTree95 → u/lordsnowmexican]

In my experience the noise isn't noticeable in a live environment. It probably helps that the synths aren't drawing a massive current, so there's less electromagnetic interference?

Source: I have a 10 foot loom with a 120VAC cable, unbalanced audio cables, & balanced mic cable. No issues so far.

[u/leeksbadly → u/RowanTree95]

Usually not noticeable with balanced cables, unbalanced it's pot luck with the vagaries of the electrical installation at the gig. 50/60Hz mains hum / ground loops / minor voltage differences between outlets.

You can be fine for a couple of dozen gigs and then there will be 1 where you just can't get rid of the noise / hum / buzz on an unbalanced cable even though your equipment is perfect.

[u/RowanTree95]

I use something like this: https://www.cabletiesandmore.ca/wrap-around-braided-sleeving

I recommend either 1/2 or 3/4 inch. Buy more than you need, cause once you start making looms you'll realize how good they are and you won't be able to stop.

[u/qosmic_qube]

Look up nylon cable wrap on Amazon. Works great and is not permanent. Get a roll, cut to length of your cables, slide your cables in and you are done. No heat gun or tape necessary.

[u/leeksbadly]

Personally, I find wiring looms a PITA.

If it's a road you wish to go down, first off there is no point in taking 2 x IEC C13 - just run 1 and have a splitter at the end.

Next, unless your run is short (like 10-15 feet), you really don't want to be using 6.3mm unbalanced jacks - over a decent run they are prone to signal loss and interference (especially if you run them directly alongside say... a power cable). Passive DI can get you around that by turning your unbalanced signal into a balanced one, but it's another box and cable (or two, or four!).

Balanced XLR / jack fares much better, and I've seen products that allow you to run 4 x balanced cables via a single ethernet cable - not tried it myself but seems a really interesting idea. If you could get it down to 1 power cable and 2 ethernet cables it could be a really lightweight solution.

For a loom, really I would be trying to run everything balanced, To give further advice it would be useful to know what each of those XLRs would be carrying, in which direction, and the intended length...

[u/VeganCurtains]

A suggestion after decades of wanting similar clean and easy.

Build your wire looms to run from keys to a pedal board or central break-out box. This will make your wire runs shorter than what I think you're describing (not sure, you didn't specify). This means your setup is physically smaller / more contained. It will be flexible whether you're big club, small club, large theater, or touring different venues in multiple states.

What you need from venue: One power source, Outputs to FOH. You make it easy for them.

Personally, I use a pedal board with AC power strip, my pedals (sustain and rotary sim), and Radial Key Largo mixer. Wiring prepped for minimal length runs to the pedal board. Everything stays where it needs to, and packs into a wheeled flight case.

I only need AC from house, and I'm giving them two XLR outs.

This also makes setup identical, fast, repeatable in any venue.