Snake (electrical)

An audio multicore cable (often colloquially referred to in the US and Canada as a snake cable or just a snake) is a thick cable which contains from four to 64 individual audio cables inside a common, sturdy outer jacket. Audio multicore cables are widely used whenever multiple audio signals, for example from a number of microphones, need to be conveyed between common locations. Typical professional audio applications include audio recording, sound reinforcement, PA systems and broadcasting. The "snake" is typically used to make it easier to route many signals from the location of the microphones or other input transducers, to the location of the audio console and sound recording, broadcasting and/or sound reinforcement equipment is located.

Without a snake, a rock band performing onstage, for example, would have to have 20 or more individual mic cables running from the stage to the mixing console, which is typically located at the rear of a venue. It would be easy for the cables to become tangled, and it would be very hard for the audio engineers connecting the mic cables to the mixing board to determine which cable is for which mic (or other input).

The term can be used to refer to the basic cable as may be obtained from a supplier, or a cable with the ends terminated in either a multipin connector, a number of separate connectors on the individual pairs, or a box or panel with a number of chassis-mounted connectors. Different termination methods can be used on each end to suit the application. When individual connectors are used, three pin XLR connectors are most common, although 1/4" jack connectors are also occasionally used. Assembled audio multicore cables are found in both portable applications, where they are stored loose or on a cable drum, so that they can be taken from one location to another, or are permanently installed in a building. The availability of portable snakes enables sound engineers to set up sound systems at temporary outdoor locations, such as music festivals. Snakes are permanently installed in the walls of recording studios and performance venues such as arts centres and large nightclubs.

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