How to Send Returns Through an Audio Snake

The connector end of an RCA snake

Instead of using several dozen individual microphone cables, sound engineers use short cables to plug microphones and other devices into a snake's input box, which condenses down into a single cable. On the other end, the snake fans out into individual cables again, which engineers can connect to a mixing board. However, engineers often have to run a signal back to the stage in the opposite direction, such as when they're using on-stage floor monitors. These channels are called "returns." Although some snakes have built-in return channels, it is also possible to modify a send channel to be a return.

Things You'll Need

• 1 male-to-male XLR connector
• 1 female-to-female XLR connector

Instructions

1. 

   Black markers and white gaffer's tape are the best way to label sound equipment.

   Pick any unused channel to be modified as a return and label it so it is not mixed up with the other channels. Many engineers use the last channel on a snake to avoid confusion.

2. Connect the male-to-male connector to the designated return channel at the snake box.

3. Connect the female-to-female connector to the designated return channel at the fan end.

4. Repeat this process with additional connectors on more channels to convert additional send channels to returns.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the minimum number of connectors to reduce the likelihood of hums, pops and buzzes in the audio channel.

• Do not perform this process on equipment that is not properly grounded. Improper grounding can cause the metal housing of equipment to become electrified and cause electric shock.

References

• Shavano Music Online: Building an Audio Snake
• Choosing the Right Snake