Multicore - 4 Channels

Multicore - 4 Channels

A multicore is a multicore is a multicore! Or isn't it really?

What is a multicore?  - A multicore contains two or more (microphone-) channels in one cable. This makes it easier and faster to handle, and it looks less obtrusive when recording in front of an audience.
A four-channel multicore is handy since we often have four or a multiple of four channels.
We came across a nifty, versatile, and affordable solution.

This multicore is designed for use in show lighting, for multi-channel DMX. DMX is a digital protocol to control the features of a show light.

After doing some research, we found out that there is a CAT 6e standard for RJ45 connectors, which are the typical network connectors found on computers. 
CAT 6e is just one of many standards, but it has features that are important to us when it comes to sound:

• The diameter of each conductor inside this cable is the largest possible with CAT cables for the this price.
• The attenuation at 1 MHz is about 2 dB at a length of 100 m — or, in plain English, it's not an issue.

Wait a minute! None of our handheld recorders have an RJ-45 connector. How do we get the signal in and out of this four-channel multicore?

You can find these splitters, which include four XLR female -> RJ45 -> CAT6e cable -> RJ45 to four XLR male connectors, at your local music store. 

The splitters are the most expensive: they cost about $30 each. But now comes the clou:
With these splitters, you can use different lengths of multicore cables.
There are also inexpensive CAT 6e connectors to extend multicore cables if needed. 

One example is the Neutrik NE8FFX6-W feedthrough coupler for cable extensions. It meets the IP65 standard. This means it is protected against dust and water from all directions. While we wouldn't risk submerging it in water, heavy rain shouldn't be a problem, at least to our experiences.

The downside is that it costs about $35, depending on your local dealer. If you are recording out in the field, don't try any cheap ones!
Dust and/or rain are the enemy! Using +48V phantom power may result in a short that could destroy your inputs and/or microphones. From this perspective, $35 is a very good price, isn't it?
(Dear people at Neutrik! This is not a call to raise the price ;-) It's expensive enough, right?)

If you need to extend your cables, you may use more than one feedthrough coupler. We regularly use multiple feedthrough couplers when needed.

You can get a 10-meter (about 30 feet) CAT 6e cable for about $20. A 50-meter CAT 6e cable costs about $90.
You might be lucky and find a special offer, in which case the price would be 20-30% less. 
BUT...watch out! We only use CAT 6e cables. Period.
If you often record outside, you may want to use a CAT 6e cable with thicker external insulation. There are also versions for indoor use only.

Another major advantage is that you can set up the microphone system at home and take as much time as you need to do it right. You can perform several checks and do some test recordings, if needed.
Then, you fix the cables and splitters  to your hardware resp. stands before going to the recording location.
During transportation nothing will fall apart or change it's position.
At the venue all that's left to do is connect the CAT 6e cables to the splitters, perform a short line check, and press "record."

Reliability is absolutely paramount.
We like this solution because it dramatically reduces the risk of bad or unusable recordings and is easy to use. This allows us to focus fully on what will be recorded without any stress.

In case you might need more than four channels, you use a second or even more four channel multicores at once.
We use some colored clothespin to distinguish the multicores from each other. You can get them almost anywhere for just a few bucks.

Before your equipment gets damaged out in heavy rain, you might want to read THIS article.

 

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