I'm just a dumb audio monkey, but we use regular mic cable for lights all the time. As long as it's relatively short runs (under 100ft or so), it's never been a problem....go above 100ft, you're in the danger zone. Several hundred feet, you're almost certainly gunna run into issues. Great video, and thanks for pronouncing soca (so-ka) correctly!
You can… but even under 100ft runs you can still run into problems. Often times with moving lights, they become jittery and unreliable, which isn’t what you want on a show.
A little bit surprised that power cables with IEC 60309 industrial connectors are not mentioned. If my memory serves me right, they're quite common on power distros and fan-tail cables.
Great point! Those are also commonly referred to as pin & sleeve connectors. Though they're occasionally found in entertainment in the states, they're mostly used overseas. That doesn't mean they aren't common here, but as far as what we see regularly in our circles they aren't common. Thanks for the comment!
A fantail splits into multiple connectors at one end. The term "fantail" comes from its resemblance to a handheld fan or a bird's spread tail feathers.
You CAN do all sorts of dumb things, but professionals don't violate the spec. 3-wire DMX over XLR is for weddings and party DJs. ;P And stop running lighting control signals through the audio snake.
We suggest reaching out to the vendor you bought the cable from directly - they could help double-check your connectors and ensure everything is compatible!
I doubt that you are using simply Cat 5 cable which only gets 100 Mbps. You are most likely using Cat5e which gets you 1 Gbps -1 Gigabit. Also known as 1000 Mbps. There is a huge difference between Cat5e and Cat 5 and I see AV people making this mistake all of the time.
Hard to believe anyone uses socapex in 2023. It made sense when I got into theater in the 70s, when six channels of solid state dimming weighed 75 pounds... copper is expensive and heavy.
It’s actually extremely efficient, and convenient. Like for us, all our lighting power outs come from our rafters with several socapex out, that way we run one (rather heavy cable) and get access to 6, 240v circuits. Especially with lighting, when signal fixtures can be around 800w or higher.
Thank you! Excellent presentation. I hope to see a video on power distribution!
We'll add it to the list!
I'm just a dumb audio monkey, but we use regular mic cable for lights all the time. As long as it's relatively short runs (under 100ft or so), it's never been a problem....go above 100ft, you're in the danger zone. Several hundred feet, you're almost certainly gunna run into issues.
Great video, and thanks for pronouncing soca (so-ka) correctly!
You can… but even under 100ft runs you can still run into problems. Often times with moving lights, they become jittery and unreliable, which isn’t what you want on a show.
110ohms dmx/aes ebu for mic cable is kind of normal in germany…just saying ;-)
Ryan does most excellent work!!. The team is great!. 😎
I love this!!! Well done!
A little bit surprised that power cables with IEC 60309 industrial connectors are not mentioned. If my memory serves me right, they're quite common on power distros and fan-tail cables.
Great point! Those are also commonly referred to as pin & sleeve connectors. Though they're occasionally found in entertainment in the states, they're mostly used overseas. That doesn't mean they aren't common here, but as far as what we see regularly in our circles they aren't common. Thanks for the comment!
What’s a fan-tail cable? Never heard of that.
A fantail splits into multiple connectors at one end. The term "fantail" comes from its resemblance to a handheld fan or a bird's spread tail feathers.
avez vous une liste complete avec tous les noms et type de cable en pdf ou autre format ?
Really good for educational purposes thank you. But what about stage pin? Are you all to fancy to use any tungsten fixture.😂
great stuff, thank you
You can use microphone as dmx (I've been using it for years)
But it hugely depends on how many lights you're using and the length of cable.
You CAN do all sorts of dumb things, but professionals don't violate the spec.
3-wire DMX over XLR is for weddings and party DJs. ;P
And stop running lighting control signals through the audio snake.
Nice video not often you see that great explation I know what your saying but for people who donff understand can see how useful this is
Glad it was helpful!
No discussion of the true1 being rated for make/break under load?
This was great and so informative
Glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching!
Great video! Keep them coming. Maybe cover some video terminology and usage. Nice bloopers
Thanks for the idea! We've got plenty in the works for video- both broadcast and cinema.
Hello how can I conect my robe BMFL I brought I cable from the 4wall but the cable the neutric is blue and can’t be connected to the light
We suggest reaching out to the vendor you bought the cable from directly - they could help double-check your connectors and ensure everything is compatible!
Great content. However the background music was a distraction. I was, at times, not able to clearly hear what you were saying because of the BGM.
Thanks for the kind words and the feedback! Much appreciated.
Exellent😊
I doubt that you are using simply Cat 5 cable which only gets 100 Mbps. You are most likely using Cat5e which gets you 1 Gbps -1 Gigabit. Also known as 1000 Mbps. There is a huge difference between Cat5e and Cat 5 and I see AV people making this mistake all of the time.
Thanks for your comment! Yes, it is cat5e, some of it's even cat6, though not because this particular application needs it.
Please stop calling them Edison cables. Edison was DC. I like either Tesla or humble cables
Hard to believe anyone uses socapex in 2023. It made sense when I got into theater in the 70s, when six channels of solid state dimming weighed 75 pounds... copper is expensive and heavy.
It’s actually extremely efficient, and convenient. Like for us, all our lighting power outs come from our rafters with several socapex out, that way we run one (rather heavy cable) and get access to 6, 240v circuits. Especially with lighting, when signal fixtures can be around 800w or higher.
Most events still use socapex. It’s absolutely still used.