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Title: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Michael Lascuola on June 06, 2018, 04:59:13 PM
I've been using Rubbermaid-style tubs for some years now, but would like to have something that is a little more road-worthy and maybe stackable. 

I've seen some SKB and Pelican cases that are nice, but I can't justify spending hundreds to replace something that already "works."

Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Scott Holtzman on June 06, 2018, 05:05:59 PM
I've been using Rubbermaid-style tubs for some years now, but would like to have something that is a little more road-worthy and maybe stackable. 

I've seen some SKB and Pelican cases that are nice, but I can't justify spending hundreds to replace something that already "works."
Then what are you asking?

Nothing screams amateur like plastic tubs.

Often casing cost more than the gear it contains.  That's part of the transportation cost.



Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Jeff Lelko on June 06, 2018, 05:08:55 PM
Hi Michael,

I use an assortment of cases from Audiopile for such purposes - mostly the M040-MT and M040-Tray (link (http://www.audiopile.net/M-Series-Mic-Cases-and-Small-Road-Trunks)).  They're a nice balance of size/weight/ruggedness/price, but Audiopile sells cases of all sizes.  The built-in wheels are great too!  Hope this helps!
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Craig Leerman on June 06, 2018, 05:19:40 PM
For large gigs I have big 3/4” road cases that carry cables. For smaller shows I use the MO24 stuff from Audiopile.  The Tray versions hold things like mics, DIs, 1/4” cables, and misc and the basic trunks are great for cables.  I like how I can stack 3-4 trunks atop one another and handtruck them into a gig through a standard doorway.

Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Scott Helmke on June 06, 2018, 05:36:15 PM
If you want to stay in the plastic bin world, Akro-Mils makes the really sturdy ones that they use to ship plumbing parts to hardware stores.  Still pretty affordable, very definitely better than anything you can buy in a local store. Not even that bad looking, though not really rock&roll.

Here's a link (https://www.globalindustrial.com/g/storage/bins-totes-containers/shipping-security/akro-mils-attached-lid-distribution-containers?trackType=null).  If you poke around you should be able to buy them in more colors than just gray.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Ray Aberle on June 06, 2018, 05:39:59 PM
... there's plenty of threads about this if you do a quick search.



But what are you looking for? A more rugged Rubbermaid bin? Or real, legit road cases/cable trunks?
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Mark Cadwallader on June 06, 2018, 05:42:54 PM
I use M 040 series cases from Audiopile for xlr and dmx cables. I use Audiopile C006 DC cases for my 12/3 SOOW electrical cords.  M 028 cases (the deep version of the M 040 case) hold my 100' and 150' 24 x 8 snakes.

The M series cases have bogie wheels, but a hand truck is faster and easier to move any distance.  They are small enough to lift, even when fairly full.  On end, they are almost the same height as the C006 cases, too.


Edit: add detail on case model number.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Chris Hindle on June 06, 2018, 05:46:09 PM
If you want to stay in the plastic bin world, Akro-Mils makes the really sturdy ones that they use to ship plumbing parts to hardware stores.  Still pretty affordable, very definitely better than anything you can buy in a local store. Not even that bad looking, though not really rock&roll.

Here's a link (https://www.globalindustrial.com/g/storage/bins-totes-containers/shipping-security/akro-mils-attached-lid-distribution-containers?trackType=null).  If you poke around you should be able to buy them in more colors than just gray.
Scott, I bought 20 of those in the early 90's.
All but one are still in use today.
I think I got them at Reno/Ro-Na whatever it is we have in the great white north. Handy both in the shop, and in the trucks.
Speaker cables in one, XLR in another, AC in the 3rd is my standard "show pack"
If you need more than 60 XLR (seriously), grab another tub.
Chris.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Franklin Benjamin on June 06, 2018, 05:52:51 PM
I've been using Rubbermaid-style tubs for some years now, but would like to have something that is a little more road-worthy and maybe stackable. 

I've seen some SKB and Pelican cases that are nice, but I can't justify spending hundreds to replace something that already "works."

Try Craigslist.  Sometimes you can get lucky and people are trying to get rid of stuff and they will let it go for cheap. Just make sure when you buy, it's the right size for your needs.  My justification is if it has wheels, then I don't have to lift it.  A plastic tub will never be rigid enough for me to trust lifting or guarantee that the lid stays shut.  The audiopile cases are great for the money.  I have an old 24X48 case from audiopile (often referred to as the dead man because it's that heavy) but I rather push than lift any day.  I've since pulled all patch out of that case and now it only has power and speaker cables.  In a pinch, if you don't need a large case, you can convert an old amp rack into a cable case.  Just install a castor plate on the bottom lid and roll it in that orientation. 
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Scott Holtzman on June 06, 2018, 06:01:02 PM
I use M series cases from Audiopile for xlr and dmx cables. I use Audiopile C006 DC cases for my 12/3 SOOW electrical cords.

The M series cases have bogie wheels, but a hand truck is faster and easier to move any distance.  They are small enough to lift, even when fairly full.  On end, they are almost the same height as the C006 cases, too.

The M040's are our single man case.  I admit the luggage wheels are not that useful.  It usually ends up riding on top of something else.

Unless a venue has a barrier to push in I have come to the realization that a single large road case is the way to go.  DI's and Mic's in a tray on top, cables, mic stands and polls on top.  Monitors ride the case in, mains ride on the subs.  That's three pushes and I am 100% in.  In places with steps I can sometimes use my ramp creatively. 
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Geert Friedhof on June 06, 2018, 07:14:36 PM
I only have/buy cases which i can stand on comfortably.

edit: typo corrected
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Jay Barracato on June 06, 2018, 08:05:55 PM
The M040's are our single man case.  I admit the luggage wheels are not that useful.  It usually ends up riding on top of something else.

Unless a venue has a barrier to push in I have come to the realization that a single large road case is the way to go.  DI's and Mic's in a tray on top, cables, mic stands and polls on top.  Monitors ride the case in, mains ride on the subs.  That's three pushes and I am 100% in.  In places with steps I can sometimes use my ramp creatively.
I am another M040 user. It is a great balance between size and weight when full. They also pack nicely in my pickup bed.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: boburtz on June 06, 2018, 08:45:59 PM
I've been using Rubbermaid-style tubs for some years now, but would like to have something that is a little more road-worthy and maybe stackable. 

I've seen some SKB and Pelican cases that are nice, but I can't justify spending hundreds to replace something that already "works."
Here's what we use: You can see what you need, everything is separated and relatively organized. Caveat is that mics bang around on each other and do get scratched and scuffed. Mic cables are kept in the bottom two drawers. 50x 20 footers, 25x 10 footers, 10 or so 50 footers. 2nd caveat, no one is hauling this thing up stairs.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Michael Lascuola on June 06, 2018, 09:18:32 PM
... there's plenty of threads about this if you do a quick search.


I actually searched for some time before posting.  Old threads with dead links, or, not quite what I was looking for.

Judging by the mostly helpful replies, I made my question pretty clear.  But I will try to drill down more.
I saw local sound guy who was using tubs that are similar to the Akro-Mills (seeing that brand reminds me of the old parts drawers I bought from Allied Electronics back in the day!).  He said he got them from WalMart, but a search through all 24 pages of totes on the WalMart side brought up nothing identical.

I own some of the Audiopile racks -- they have held up well, and I use them for my "old iron" amps.  That looks like a good way to go if I want to "spend once, cry once" standardize.

I see that road cases, as Scott patiently mentioned, can be more costly than the gear they protect.  The form-fit case for my Mackie DC16 is $400, which I just couldn't justify with my current income.  So for that, I built my own out of Tongue & Groove siding, but that's a light duty application.  I don't use that piece every time, like I do the mic, Speakon & IEC cables.

Please continue your responses, as I find it informative to see what everyone is using!
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Michael Lascuola on June 06, 2018, 09:39:30 PM
Unless a venue has a barrier to push in I have come to the realization that a single large road case is the way to go. 

I used to have "everything" in 2 or 3 cases, but unfortunately, I am doing too many types of gigs now.  This may make me an anomaly here - I find it easier to have more specialized tubs.  I'm doing band video, video with orchestra micing, video & audio recording for opera; and PA, which can be everything from only 1 wired mic to two stages at once in the same resort. 

So, if I can get 8-10 or so cases, I can separate everything accordingly, and just grab the cases I need for the gig.


Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Scott Holtzman on June 06, 2018, 09:58:10 PM
I used to have "everything" in 2 or 3 cases, but unfortunately, I am doing too many types of gigs now.  This may make me an anomaly here - I find it easier to have more specialized tubs.  I'm doing band video, video with orchestra micing, video & audio recording for opera; and PA, which can be everything from only 1 wired mic to two stages at once in the same resort. 

So, if I can get 8-10 or so cases, I can separate everything accordingly, and just grab the cases I need for the gig.
We are packing for a show now, 23 cases FOH, Monitor world, Video, etc.  I was speaking more of how I relate the hard won experience back down to my roots of one man gigs.

Other than I pay someone now to move the stuff so I can socialize with my artist I still do 2 or 3 small club dates.  That is what I was speaking of that schlepping a bunch of the smaller cases isnmuxh more work. 

I count my trips to the box and back and forth on stage.  Anything I can do to me more efficient.



Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Michael Lascuola on June 06, 2018, 10:04:48 PM

I count my trips to the box and back and forth on stage.  Anything I can do to me more efficient.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

I agree on the maximizing efficiency point.  I always thought that by my late 50s, I'd either be doing something different, or have a stable of young bodies willing to assist.  Neither of these things is going to happen! :|

It was really eye-opening for me when I did a time lapse video of a load-in/setup.  I looked like a chicken with it's head cut off  :)
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Scott Holtzman on June 06, 2018, 10:13:31 PM
I agree on the maximizing efficiency point.  I always thought that by my late 50s, I'd either be doing something different, or have a stable of young bodies willing to assist.  Neither of these things is going to happen! :|

It was really eye-opening for me when I did a time lapse video of a load-in/setup.  I looked like a chicken with it's head cut off  :)
Lol, I would look like a giant weeble limping around.

I am in my mid 50's.  I was around the periphery of production from my childhood (school theater, stint as roadie, various HOW from little white church to mega, community theater, cover bands etc.) To now actually growing the production business in a soon to be profitable concern.

I take one of the kids with me they load in and out and get a chance at mixing and learning while making a few bucks.  Makes my night far more enjoyable.

Everyone has a different set of realities and in sharing our wins and failures hopefully we all gain something in the process.

Sorry if you didn't like my crack about amateur hour.



Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on June 06, 2018, 10:16:21 PM
I agree on the maximizing efficiency point.  I always thought that by my late 50s, I'd either be doing something different, or have a stable of young bodies willing to assist.  Neither of these things is going to happen! :|

It was really eye-opening for me when I did a time lapse video of a load-in/setup.  I looked like a chicken with it's head cut off  :)

What I'm thinking of is probably a U-line item as I'm pretty sure I've seen it in print... but it's like a food service rack where the cafeteria pans, baking pans and trays slide in, except the racks are spaced for plastic bins.  You could shelve your specialized bins in your storage space.  They're prepped and ready to load into the rack and roll it to the truck; you take only what you need.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on June 06, 2018, 10:55:27 PM
I have 2 x Pelican 20" square cases on wheels and I LOVE them. I use one for cables and the other for power cables, mics and a few small items that I don't want to go missing.
Because they have wheels, they are so easy to move around and they are one of my favorite pieces of gear. They are old and well beaten up but every latch still works. One or both of them often gets used at the back of the stage to place things on and they also are handy as equipment dollies when loading in and out too.

I also own the same case in the next size up but I don't use it very often as it doesn't fit in the minivan as well. I use it for larger /outdoor shows when we bring out the trailer.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Michael Lascuola on June 06, 2018, 11:00:49 PM
I have 2 x Pelican 20" square cases on wheels and I LOVE them. I use one for cables and the other for power cables, mics and a few small items that I don't want to go missing.

They sure look nice!  That's what one other local guy uses (but no wheels) - he's got 5.  That's more than I paid for my first Toyota!  :D
Maybe I'm just a cheapskate.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on June 06, 2018, 11:20:04 PM
They sure look nice!  That's what one other local guy uses (but no wheels) - he's got 5.  That's more than I paid for my first Toyota!  :D
Maybe I'm just a cheapskate.
They are great!!....I have an SKB one like them too (on wheels) and sometimes I switch them out. There is a tiny bit more room in the pelicans.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on June 06, 2018, 11:20:35 PM
and
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Justice C. Bigler on June 06, 2018, 11:55:24 PM
I usually use union stage hands to carry our mic and speaker cables from our shop to the stage.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Riley Casey on June 07, 2018, 09:38:37 AM
I'm suspect that you're looking for a low end / low cost answer and mine won't be that.  In the long run however you'll find that the cost of labor and time far exceeds the cost of equipment.  When you get there you'll find that standard sized road cases dimensioned to truck pack sizes ( three or four across depending on their orientation in the truck ) with internal dividers, labels and inventory lists ( twenty 50 ft XLRs here, ten 25ft NL4s here ) will save you money and aggravation.  Making that transition is a long process and lots of people bail out into less harrowing ways of making a living before that but if you're in it for the long haul thats a path.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Mal Brown on June 07, 2018, 11:47:07 AM
I use 6 stackable HDE plastic bins with interlocking tops @ about $10per unit from Home Depot.  I segregate std mic cables in one, longs and shorts in another and short drop snakes in a third.  Tape, notebooks, electrical gak (tester, flashlight, etc) in the forth.  Speaker cables in the last 2.  Forget, I added another for scaffold hardware as I added a couple of sets of Bakers on the truck.

3 per hand truck load, some have 5 or 6 years on them.

There’s a lot of ways to drop c-notes in this biz... cases s stuff has not gone above the investment line yet for me.  Besides, If I invested in a single for all this stuff, it would require new truck organization and it would be a 2 guy move.


Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Steve Eudaly on June 07, 2018, 01:04:15 PM
I'm suspect that you're looking for a low end / low cost answer and mine won't be that.  In the long run however you'll find that the cost of labor and time far exceeds the cost of equipment.  When you get there you'll find that standard sized road cases dimensioned to truck pack sizes ( three or four across depending on their orientation in the truck ) with internal dividers, labels and inventory lists ( twenty 50 ft XLRs here, ten 25ft NL4s here ) will save you money and aggravation.  Making that transition is a long process and lots of people bail out into less harrowing ways of making a living before that but if you're in it for the long haul thats a path.

+1 here. When purchasing additional inventory, pricing of casing/transport needs to be figured into the cost.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Steve Litcher on June 07, 2018, 03:11:58 PM
I finally made the switch to trunks for all of our cabling, and I'll never go back to plastic bins.

Aside from the cost, my reasoning for keeping the bins was around "scale" - if we were doing a smaller show and didn't need a bunch of 35-, 40-, and 50-foot XLRs, we didn't need to bring those bins. Or, if we were doing a gig with all powered gear, we didn't need to bring the two bins of NL4 cables. I *thought* this was the best way to do things.

Then we bought four of the Gator truck pack cases with dividers and trays... and wow. What an improvement.

I looked into the Audiopile (we have a bunch of their shockmount cases and love them) cases, but with shipping, they turned out to be about the same price as the Gators.

Four cable trunks replaced 16+ bins for us. It dramatically cut down on load-in and load-out time, as well as set-up/tear down. No chasing after bins that were scattered everywhere, no having to stack/hide dozens of bins during the show.

Simply put, everyone here at 608 is in love with our new cable trunks. I just ordered two more for our big feeder cables and other bits.

I did save a couple of bins for the really gravy jobs - we do sound for an outdoor volleyball league once a week. That bin has 2x 100' 10/3 cables, 2x 100' XLR cables, and an RCA-to-XLR adapter DI. Not worth hauling a trunk to that gig.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Frank Koenig on June 07, 2018, 03:46:32 PM
No argument from me that proper trunks are the right thing for mid- to large-scale professional use. If, however, you want polyethylene totes, for whatever purpose, sound related or not, the ones you want are called "round-trip totes". They are used in logistics for transporting merchandise from distribution centers to stores, in which case they are stacked several deep and palatized. They are called round-trip because they are used over and over. They have lids, nest fairly efficiently when empty, and run about $12-25 each depending on size, source, and quantity. They come in many sizes and colors. You will not find them at Walmart.

--Frank
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Jeff Lelko on June 07, 2018, 03:51:41 PM
I use 6 stackable HDE plastic bins with interlocking tops @ about $10per unit from Home Depot. 

These? (https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-12-Gal-Flat-Lid-Tough-Tote-206100/207207157?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-300657245-_-207207157-_-N)

I like them for storing random things around the shop but don't pass the "professional enough" test given that I can't stand on them...

If you must buy plastic bins from Home Depot I've had good luck with these (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-23-in-50-Gal-Mobile-Tool-Box-037025H/202300294).  They're strong enough to stand on (and thus avoid getting crushed in transit) but not overly expensive. I've also never had the bottom fall out unlike the cheaper storage totes you can get for $9 at any big box retailer. 

It just depends on what you need out of these. I'd never send a Stanley box on a tour - for that you want all your gear in "real" cases, often built to truck pack dimensions. For just local "casual" use the Stanley boxes are nice. I use them for toting around my arsenal of various effect lights that don't see enough use nor go far enough to warrant a dedicated proper road case (unlike my consoles, moving lights, cables, etc.).  I still personally think the Audiopile product is the best size/weight/price combination for any weekend warrior and light-duty professional, but what's "best" always depends on many various factors.  Good luck!
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Eric du Toit on June 08, 2018, 12:05:12 AM

For my purposes, the generic Husky red and black tool bags at Home Depot work well for mic, speaker, and power cables.  Fairly rugged too.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Doug Johnson on June 08, 2018, 09:58:54 AM
Moving from old iron and a little downsizing left me with a number of empty 8 space amp racks.  I bolted one cover on and added a caster plate, then hinged the other cover.    They have worked out great as cable trunks.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Mike Pyle on June 08, 2018, 01:56:15 PM
No argument from me that proper trunks are the right thing for mid- to large-scale professional use. If, however, you want polyethylene totes, for whatever purpose, sound related or not, the ones you want are called "round-trip totes". They are used in logistics for transporting merchandise from distribution centers to stores, in which case they are stacked several deep and palatized. They are called round-trip because they are used over and over. They have lids, nest fairly efficiently when empty, and run about $12-25 each depending on size, source, and quantity. They come in many sizes and colors. You will not find them at Walmart.

--Frank

Same here. I get these from Uline or Global Industrial.

https://www.uline.com/BL_312/Round-Trip-Totes

On multi-day gigs I usually stack them in one of these for transport, which also gives me a secure lockup at the gig to keep stuff from wandering off.

https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/material-handling/trucks-carts/security-cage/fold-up-security-truck-44-1-2-w-x-27-d-x-76-h-2000-lb-capacity-2
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: John Halliburton on June 08, 2018, 02:24:28 PM
Cheap but strong are the black totes with yellow lids for Speakon and AC cables.  Available at many places like Lowes and Costco.  They "lock" when stacked so you can put them on a dolly and roll.

I to used Rubbemaid Rough Totes for many years for mic cables.

Now I've switched over to an assortment of Pelican cases or their SKB counterpart. Mainly 1620 Pelicans, but I have a few 1510 for small gigs.  Sometimes I don't have the luxury of rolling gear in on a flat dolly, so the Pelicans with their own retractable handles and two wheels are handy.  They do stack fine if the same model, so it is possible to roll multiple units in on a flat dolly.


Strong and lockable too. Look more professional as well.

Best regards,

John

Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Lyle Williams on June 09, 2018, 06:29:00 PM
Inside I put cables into thrift-shop pillowcases.

Well, some of the pillowcases aren't from thrift-shops, but the general idea is to get many many different colours so that cables can be kept sorted and untangled but still found easily.

The cable type/length gets written on the outside of the pillowcase in big sharpie letters.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Tim Hite on June 10, 2018, 03:35:21 PM
It's called a lug rack.

... but it's like a food service rack where the cafeteria pans, baking pans and trays slide in, except the racks are spaced for plastic bins. 
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: drew gandy on June 12, 2018, 04:01:12 PM
(http://www.sandipointe.com/im/bags/piggly-wiggly-bag-8.jpg)
 ;D

I've had a hard time giving up the rubbermaid rough totes for basic cable and gack because of their light weight and ability to "flex" into tight spots in the small vans.  I wish they looked more professional.

But larger road cases on wheels are absolutely the way to go in real trucks. 
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Randy Pence on June 13, 2018, 08:34:01 PM
I'm either a hired gun or doing the dry-hire myself, not a gear owner. My preference is a wheeled trunk and ideally the mics and DIs in a latched briefcase that can also fit into the trunk. If the gig is small enough and there are enough things with wheels, a trunk w/o wheels can work. Around here, the cheapo version is to use the trays bread gets delivered in, similar to gallon jugs of milk crates in the US. The cheapo version is annoying.

One major aspect of trunks which I prefer is that rack lids and whatnot have a chance to be packed away to be safe and quickly reachable at the gig.

One in-house hotel AV company I worked for tended to use ridiculous folding carts to stack everything on because they did not have the storage space for a proper trunk
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Geert Friedhof on June 14, 2018, 06:26:16 AM
My preference is a wheeled trunk and ideally the mics and DIs in a latched briefcase that can also fit into the trunk.
...
One major aspect of trunks which I prefer is that rack lids and whatnot have a chance to be packed away to be safe and quickly reachable at the gig.
This.
Just try to standarize your cases and sets. Grab one of your cabletrunks, and you know you have everything you need for a normal gig. If you mix and match your sets on a per event basis you will make a mistake which you wont realize until too late. It also saves a lot of time. I hate it when a provider brings just enough cables and/or mics, so i have to compromize on things. I also hate having to go through 30 different boxes to find that one cable i need. It's part of the business to be prepared. A few cables more won't break the bank, or your back. KISS all the way.

On the subject of cost: when i look at my cased equipment the cost of the cases is about 1/8 to 1/10 of the equipment's, much of which i will recover when selling the stuff, because it is in excellent shape.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on July 06, 2018, 05:08:16 PM
Airplane carry on luggage works for me.

Heads-up...you will need to change your display name to your real name (as per forum rules) to be able to participate in this forum  .... thanks and welcome.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Ray Aberle on July 06, 2018, 05:08:31 PM
Airplane carry on luggage works for me.
Who are you?

(edit: Debbie beat me to it! haha)
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Dave Garoutte on July 06, 2018, 07:38:08 PM
600 ft of XLRs in one bucket.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Lyle Williams on July 06, 2018, 11:05:44 PM
Can you grab me the 6' one from the bottom?
Title: Posting Rules
Post by: Mac Kerr on July 07, 2018, 03:20:25 PM
Airplane carry on luggage works for me.

Please go to your profile and change the "Name" field to your real first and last name as required by the posting rules displayed in the header at the top of the section, and in the Site Rules and Suggestions (http://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php/board,36.0.html) in the Forum Announcements section, and on the registration page when you registered.

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Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Stephen Beatty on July 07, 2018, 05:24:14 PM
 I peruse the local YMCA thrift shop and Goodwill for used luggage.
 No great loss when they wear out. Pack ok.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Dave Garoutte on July 07, 2018, 05:37:34 PM
Can you grab me the 6' one from the bottom?
I think that's a problem with any of these storage methods.
Cables are organized and labeled; 10,15,20,25,30.
Pile them by size at setup and it's pretty quick.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: John Fruits on July 07, 2018, 06:33:38 PM
I remember the olden days, touring in an old school bus, the back half of the bench seats were removed to provide room for equipment, the removed seats furnishing band members porches.  We used the old wooden ammo crates. nice rope handles and everything.  The mics were swaddled in towels in ammo cans. 
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Dave Pluke on July 07, 2018, 09:27:03 PM
I remember the olden days, touring in an old school bus,...

And I remember the motor of an old school bus throwing a rod, on a freezing New Years Eve, heading for a gig in Lake Geneva, WI. Brrrrrrr!

In those days, we were using the cheap replica steamer trunks to haul cables.  Would blow out the seams fairly regularly.

Dave
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on July 07, 2018, 11:40:27 PM
Road cases.  Use road cases.

Why has this thread not been moved to the Lounge a month ago?
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Mark Cadwallader on July 08, 2018, 12:45:22 AM
I usually use union stage hands to carry our mic and speaker cables from our shop to the stage.

The winning and best answer -- until the thread moved to the Lounge.  I still like it.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on July 08, 2018, 04:24:52 AM
The winning and best answer -- until the thread moved to the Lounge.  I still like it.

And when I'm an IATSE stage hand it means I move cables for other people; in the shop I manage it means I'm moving our cables.  I'm too old for this... ;)
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Michael Lascuola on July 08, 2018, 09:05:26 AM
The winning and best answer -- until the thread moved to the Lounge.  I still like it.

This answers who, not what.  :D
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: John Fruits on July 08, 2018, 09:23:12 AM
This answers who, not what.  :D
Well golly, that still leaves the when, where and why! ;D
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Rick Powell on July 08, 2018, 11:24:16 AM
Everything goes on two road cases which measure around 20x24x36. One for mic cords and speaker cables, one for AC cords. We carry a hand truck/cart where we can roll both together. My son and I are both capable of lifting one case on the cart by ourselves, but it’s easier as a 2 man lift. If we were going to change it would be to a large case on wheels for everything.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Rob Spence on July 09, 2018, 12:38:36 AM
I cut down the number of lengths I carry. Generally for moderate size stages I have 20 or 25’ with some shorter ones for the drum kit. I may pack some 50 or 100’ if needed but they are not usually on the stage.

I find that too many lengths has people spending too much time selecting the optimum length.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: John Schalk on July 09, 2018, 11:46:55 AM
These? (https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-12-Gal-Flat-Lid-Tough-Tote-206100/207207157?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-300657245-_-207207157-_-N)
If you must buy plastic bins from Home Depot I've had good luck with these (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-23-in-50-Gal-Mobile-Tool-Box-037025H/202300294).  They're strong enough to stand on (and thus avoid getting crushed in transit) but not overly expensive. I've also never had the bottom fall out unlike the cheaper storage totes you can get for $9 at any big box retailer.

I use one of these as my main cable trunk.  150' 24x8 snake on the bottom with A/C and speaker cables on top.  It has held up well for over 100 shows and yes, you can stand on it.  Packed full it is a two person lift into the back of a van.  It rolls okay on its two wheels, but I'd say the lack of four wheels is the least useful part of this $70 option.  I have optimized the pack so that my spare A/C and speaker cables stay in the van.  Mic cables ride in a separate case.

FWIW I don't see anything wrong with going with sturdier plastic bins if you have no plans to grow your system beyond the lounge level.  As others have mentioned, the little wheels on the M040 Audiopile cases are not very useful.  The band that I am the BE for has one, and it rides in and out of the venue on top of the mixer case.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Rob Gow on July 09, 2018, 12:52:27 PM
I used to use the classic milk crates when I started way back. I’ve since replaced them with mic cases that hold 24 mic’s. I would have bought appropriate trunks from Audiopile but they don’t ship to Canada.

I have 4 of these for various cables etc.

(http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/DEA1F923-142E-4F89-9A5F-0D4AD7A45532-15522-00000A47DA0A13E8_zps23e32d41.jpg) (http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/robare99/media/DEA1F923-142E-4F89-9A5F-0D4AD7A45532-15522-00000A47DA0A13E8_zps23e32d41.jpg.html)

(http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/78CD1D33-A21B-4C39-9444-2595B8BFF58F-15522-00000A47DF302A82_zpsb72f4df0.jpg) (http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/robare99/media/78CD1D33-A21B-4C39-9444-2595B8BFF58F-15522-00000A47DF302A82_zpsb72f4df0.jpg.html)

(http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z398/robare99/sound/6D517921-CED3-445F-8954-BADC08EFBA5E.jpeg) (http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/robare99/media/sound/6D517921-CED3-445F-8954-BADC08EFBA5E.jpeg.html)
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: kel mcguire on July 09, 2018, 02:22:48 PM
I'm generally searching for old road cases, photo cases and such on craigslist. So, I've managed to find some nice used cases for cables, snakes and things in sizes I can lift and use. Most of my things are able to be loaded by just me if I have to. Not opposed to the yellow top plastic tubs from Depot. They get heavy and awkward to lift or put on hand dolly. Those are typically for extra inventory that stays in my garage and often goes out to jobs too; LED fixtures, extension cords, IEC, short fantail XLR. Milk crates are organized for small custom gigs. I keep my band stuff separate and it's in two of those Depot yellow top tubs, one small one larger for my drum stuff.

I don't really care that other sound persons might look at my cases/storage with judgemental, pretentious opinions at the mismatch, used qualities or my plastic tubs.  ;) I've seen plenty of small sound co's having brand-new fancy stenciled road cases that looked great but didn't do a good job on the sound part.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Dave Scarlett on July 09, 2018, 07:21:36 PM
Like most here I've used bins, reels and cases. What I did recently though is only carry 15 and 50 foot lengths. They're back on reels due to the other guys helping load out but with only these two length there's less confusion and quicker set up.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: John Schalk on July 10, 2018, 01:29:49 PM
Like most here I've used bins, reels and cases. What I did recently though is only carry 15 and 50 foot lengths. They're back on reels due to the other guys helping load out but with only these two length there's less confusion and quicker set up.

I have only 15' (red) and 30' (blue) mic cables and several sub-snakes.  I've been very happy with that particular decision.  I over/under most of my cables, although I will straight coil the shorter lengths.  The band I am the BE for has their own PA and uses a single reel for all mic cables.  We run into the issue of un-spooling a very long cable when you only need 20', but the biggest issue is when the connections separate on the spool.  This can create quite a mess to untangle if the person doesn't stop and correct the issue right away.  The more banged up your mic cables are, the more likely this is to occur.
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: Omar Cadena on July 10, 2018, 09:17:10 PM
This tool case from Homie D's works for me for storing speaker, power and other misc cables.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-37-in-Mobile-Job-Box-Utility-Cart-Black-209261/203668066 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-37-in-Mobile-Job-Box-Utility-Cart-Black-209261/203668066)

I use something like this for my mics, mounts and mic cables:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-FATMAX-22-in-4-in-1-Cantilever-Tool-Box-Mobile-Work-Center-020800R/202262088 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-FATMAX-22-in-4-in-1-Cantilever-Tool-Box-Mobile-Work-Center-020800R/202262088)
Title: Re: What do you use to carry mic and speaker cables?
Post by: jesseweiss on July 15, 2018, 04:09:22 PM
This tool case from Homie D's works for me for storing speaker, power and other misc cables.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-37-in-Mobile-Job-Box-Utility-Cart-Black-209261/203668066 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-37-in-Mobile-Job-Box-Utility-Cart-Black-209261/203668066)

I use something like this for my mics, mounts and mic cables:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-FATMAX-22-in-4-in-1-Cantilever-Tool-Box-Mobile-Work-Center-020800R/202262088 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-FATMAX-22-in-4-in-1-Cantilever-Tool-Box-Mobile-Work-Center-020800R/202262088)

I dig those. Might take a look at them. We just have miscellaneous bags, carts, etc... for cables as we are just a weekend warrior cover band of 50 year olds.  So while the Audiopile stuff is really nice, it's also pricey.

How do you keep your mics safe in the Fatmax?  We have a Gator soft case which I'm already considering upgrading to something solid (one or two of the band members aren't the most careful with stuff).