BUYING GUIDE - ACCESSORIES AND OTHER FUN STUFF
Cable Management
I have seen many instances where there is either no cable management products in place in a church, or at the very best, very little. This will improve the form and function of the worship ministry. What I mean by that, is that cables (when in abundance), can really make a place look messy. Every church is different, and everyone's needs can vary. With that in mind, I'd like to make some recommendations as to what you can do to create a more orderly and neat environment on stage and off of stage. So, let's talk about some options that can help your ministry in creating, and maintaining an orderly environment.
Cable Claw:
Cable Claw:
The cable claw is very useful because it will keep your cables from getting tangled, and provide an area where you can always find what you need very quickly.
Another product that can help with the look of your stage and mixing console areas, is expandable cable sheathing.
This type of product can really cut down on stage cable clutter. Typically there is a split that runs down the length of the sheathing, and so bundling your cables within the sheathing is very easy. Then from there, you can use some small pull ties/zip ties to secure the sheathing around the cables. I typically will put a zip tie about every 6-8 inches down the whole length of the cable bundle. What the picture above does not show, is that once you've bundled your cables in the sheathing, you can place a small piece of heat shrink at each end that will further dress up each side if you deem it necessary. A company called "Techflex" makes some really nice sheathing for a decent price. It comes in a variety of colors if you need to match an area on stage, or in your sanctuary.
Sub Snakes, Drum Snakes, & Accessory Snakes
Instead of having 8 or so cables being strung from your drums to the snake, you can purchase an accessory drum snake. This effectively turns a lot of cables in an area, to 1 cable running along the stage. This can also be effective with a keys station or a spot where you have a group of musicians away from the main snake.
Buy Microphone Cable in Bulk - Roll Your Own
A common issue on stages is the problem of only having to go a few feet with a microphone cable, but only have a 20ft. cable to do so. Then, you have extra cable coiled up on stage or just laying there. If you or someone in your congregation is handy with a soldering iron, you can custom make your own microphone (XLR) cables according to the exact length you need. This cuts down on cable clutter tremendously, and will take your stage presentation to the next level. Make sure you purchase some good quality XLR ends as well. Neutrik or Switchcraft is the only way to go.
Get at least 500 ft. It'll go quicker than you'd expect.
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Neutrik XLR plugs are my fave, with switchcraft taking a close second!
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Instrument Shelving
Photo by: Keith Kyle
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**Just So You Know - I am not in any way affiliated with any companies mentioned. My selections on what the best gear is, is from direct personal experience with said items. I have nothing to gain by recommending any piece of gear, other than the piece of mind knowing you'll be getting stuff that works, and that you can rely on.
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