"ultimate" connector?

[eleanor296]

hey guys,
I'm looking for a fast and easy way to interface my soon-to-be-completed rack and my amp head.
The head does midi and has 2 fx loops, but I'll only use 1.
I was thinking about installing a break-out box in the head, and just using 1 cable to interface the amp with my rack, using a patch bay kind of deal that I'll build myself.
I'm not too good with midi yet, but aren't there boxes that basically give you multiple midi outs from one midi in? That way I'd only have to carry midi TO the amp, but not FROM it again.
So I'd like to run 3 signals (fx loop send and return, amp in), and midi. Any way this is possible? I don't want a pedalsnake kind of solution, too much hassle.... I just want one connector. I guess I'd have to go with some sort of computer connector? But that'll probably not be good for the guitar signal?
As I said, I'm not too good with midi yet, but I've built some stompboxes and amps, so I should be alright.

the amp is a Rocktron Vendetta. I want it sitting on the rack, but as of right now I'd need these cables between the amp and the rack:

front effects -> amp
fx loop send -> post pre-amp fx
post pre-amp fx -> fx loop return
midi from rack -> midi in on amp


Thanks!
Andy

[Zben3129]

If I am thinking about the same kind of cable as you are, I'm not sure this would work.

Are you talking about using "flat ribbon cable" ... something like this http://www.futurlec.com/Cable.shtml

If so, I don't think you would get adequate shielding, as the ground wire wouldn't surround the hot wire, but would run next to it. Also, running wires from that many different stages in the audio signal so close and parallel might create some crosstalk.

Zach

[eleanor296]

Actually, I'm talking about something more durable, kinda like a midi cable but with more paths inside, you know?
Sorry, my English's really bad today 

Edit:
Maybe something like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-11-pin-plug-%2F-11-pin-socket-HAMMOND-LESLIE-CABLE-!_W0QQitemZ350125371551QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20081114?IMSfp=TL081114138007r19878

[grapefruit]

You could use multi pair shielded data cable. 4 pair would be enough. You really want the individual shielding that this will provide. Also, if you could find some with a small enough outside diameter you could use audio multicore cable. If you could find one with only 4 cores that would be OK.

As for connectors you could use a D connector, though this will limit the cable diameter and they can be a pain plugging in and out all the time. You can get some good military style connectors. They are round multipin with a twist locking mechanism. I think the ones I've used were AMP bran and came from Digikey. If you cant find them let me know and I'll get the part number from work.

Cheers,
Stew.

[eleanor296]

grapefruit, I'm actually really confuzzled as to what you're talking about... I think I'm still using google wrong.  Could you give me a link as to what kind of multi pair shielded data cable you're talking about?
I'll probably be able to find the part F# for the multipin connectors though.

Thanks for the help so far though!  I'll just have to find what you're exactly talking about =]
I knew I'd get great help here!

Andy

[grapefruit]

Two pair shielded data cable is quite common. Like this stuff:
http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=W3032

It has two pairs of wire in one shield, and two pairs of wire in the other shield. It also has a seperate drain (earth) wire. I'm sure you can get it with more pairs but it's no so easy to come by.

You could use a standard data cable that has just one shield with a bunch of wires inside, also with a drain wire. I think it would be better to keep seperate shields around audio/midi and send/returns though. If you can find a smallish multicore that may be your best bet, as there is a seperate shield and drain wire for each pair.

Does that help clarify?

Cheers,
Stew.

[eleanor296]

oh ok, I get it!  Thanks a lot!  I'll be looking for these.

Andy