osa Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I know there is no way this is an original idea, but working with all these side input cameras, i was thinking about right angle XLR adapters as an option, vs making complete custom cables and pigtails in all the various configurations i have on hand. Has anyone come across anything like this or ventured to fabricate, similar to the DIY XLR connector thread? i am envisioning a hybrid combo of neutrik right angle male XLR connectors combined with standard straight female connectors. trying to keep them a solid piece, as small and low profile as possible but also maintaining the ability to change angle in the field for different XLR input positions. Has anyone come across anything like this or built anything like this? i am going to keep looking in the meantime before i take a crack at reinventing the right angled wheel... Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Radlauer Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 Having made a bunch of these pig tale custom cables for people.. I have to tell you there isn't much else out there. In "our" cross section of market share compared to the rest of the audio world, there just isn't much of a demand for this type of product...Otherwise I think Neutrik or Switchcraft would have already come up with something. The closest thing prefab is Its everything that you ask for but its bulky as hell.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Wielage Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I thought I saw a rumor where Neutrik was going to make a low-profile right-angle XLR-3 connector, similar to the Kortwich: I know there was some conversation as to whether K-Tek would sell the low-profile right-angle cables they make for their boom poles. Not sure where that went, but I know these connectors are not cheap. In truth, you can make your own for much less money, assuming you start with a basic $3 connector and saw it in half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Radlauer Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 I think if Neutrik were in the business of actually making cables then they might see the need for this type of connector. But honestly as I sit here and build cables...I think to myself..there are so many variables in making the "Kortwich" style cables.. There is no way a connector manufacture would know what wire will be used, what orientation that the cable exits the connector, etc.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Radlauer Posted June 3, 2014 Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 Thats a very interesting approach! Looks like A LOT of work! But if it works for you then thats all that matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osa Posted June 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2014 Thanks guys for the responses - Jim you definitely nailed it exactly as i was picturing. I could see this possibly working on an F3 or similar but even still once adding a regular XLR to this type of adapter, that is almost like 5" of connector? looking at your customized hard wired XLR connectors, that almost seems like the better solution ultimately. I think i might be better off replacing all XLR male connectors with hard wired right angles all at once for the super low profile alone. Still work with Varicams and 900's quite a bit so my concern of keeping straight connectors was always tied to that. but i cant see why hardwired wouldn't work for shoulder cams like HDX's, XD's etc. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osa Posted June 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2014 Wow what a difference modern design makes! Great pics, AND great work! demonstrates kortwich style is clearly the way to go to streamline Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Radlauer Posted June 4, 2014 Report Share Posted June 4, 2014 I modified a Wooden Camera A-Box for client had an F55 and did not want the cables sticking out...We made the cables go straight up so he could easily tie them off with other cables on the camera. He said his Sound Mixer loves it because the connections are on the back of the camera. While the Kortwich style cable is more permanent in its orientation, they do work quite well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osa Posted June 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 I modified a Wooden Camera A-Box for client had an F55 and did not want the cables sticking out...We made the cables go straight up so he could easily tie them off with other cables on the camera. He said his Sound Mixer loves it because the connections are on the back of the camera. abox.jpg While the Kortwich style cable is more permanent in its orientation, they do work quite well. Nice Matt! F55 ports already stick out 1.5" or so then adding straight xlr's surely makes it hard for shooters not to run into things. This thread is surely convincing me, although it will be a ton of work, modifying all of my XLR male pigtails and camera jumpers to kortwich style is indeed the way to go over adapters. great work Jim and Matt, and everyone else working hard on making low profile connectors. i cant think of any camera where the kortwich style orientation would be an issue. it seems like there is room even on varicams and xd cams and other rear connector-based cameras for them to fit? Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Radlauer Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 Nice Matt! F55 ports already stick out 1.5" or so then adding straight xlr's surely makes it hard for shooters not to run into things. This thread is surely convincing me, although it will be a ton of work, modifying all of my XLR male pigtails and camera jumpers to kortwich style is indeed the way to go over adapters. great work Jim and Matt, and everyone else working hard on making low profile connectors. i cant think of any camera where the kortwich style orientation would be an issue. it seems like there is room even on varicams and xd cams and other rear connector-based cameras for them to fit? Ken Ken, The only issue you might have is when your trying to solve a specific problem...Like my F55 issue. Those cables would not work on an ENG type of camera. And it would be silly to keep a bunch of A-Boxes around right? I dont know if I would modify ALL of my connectors. I left my pig tails straight, but I made my ZAX RX900 cable low profile, so when it sits on the back of an ENG camera the cables dont stick out and they route only a short distance to the RX. Make some shorties that you can use to solve a problem you might not encounter all the time. Cameras like the C300 can be a challenge because depending on the Operator/AC, they may actually place the XLR ports somewhere that isn't convenient. My goal is to keep it light for those and use an ERX. The other thing about "kortwich" style is that if you really do it their way, the connector is sealed up for good...Maybe not a good idea for a beta snake pigtail..Some make them with plastic caps for that reason. SO you could try that as well.. Good luck you! If you have any questions or need some pointers you can message me.. and I'm sure Jim wouldn't mind passing on his years of knowledge as well. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeeKai Posted June 20, 2014 Report Share Posted June 20, 2014 Locking TRS mod - thought I'd post it here rather than start a new section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Hayter Posted June 20, 2014 Report Share Posted June 20, 2014 Nice grommets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeeKai Posted June 20, 2014 Report Share Posted June 20, 2014 I posted this in the wrong bastarding section! curses! Thank you Simon! Off to the other thread now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osa Posted July 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Locking TRS mod - thought I'd post it here rather than start a new section. WOW those cables are a true work of art Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osa Posted July 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 I decided to do what seemed most obvious and just modify XLR's to be right angle. it was clearly the best way to go. Here are some pics attached of my version. No where near as sweet looking as Seekai's. But I feel these pics help show example of why low profile custom XLR's are the way to go vs any adapters. My crude method was to hacksaw the end of a standard XLR, Drill hole in the side, apply flat black paint to clean up the saw marks, put together and solder in a tight space and then cap off with automotive interior connector caps. Used a dab of E6000 per Jim Gallup's suggestion (thanks Jim!). Keeps the cap on tight but still user accessible if a repair is needed. I am certainly much happier with these results over previous connectors. I think camera dept will be much happier with any attempt to keep things low profile. Thanks for everyone's help! Best, Ken RA XLR Adapter.tiff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Very nice work. A suggestion if I might, smooth the saw marks with a disk sanding attachment in an electric drill, 150 grit works beautifully. For the caps, hole plugs in either metal or plastic will do the job with no post cutting involved. For the RA or as I prefer to call them "low profile" I grind out a cable size groove in the rim of the xlr for the cable to rest on just below the surface and the cap and hot glue keeps it in place. Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osa Posted July 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Beautiful stuff, Eric thanks for the tips! i believe i can find a dremel attachment that will do the job. i love the idea of taking the profile ever LOWER. good stuff. this is certainly only my first of many attempts. will hopefully refine with ea new batch. Eric you mentioned on one of the forums a good quality cable for these but i cant seem to locate it. i used clarke cable i had laying around that is certainly thinner than the canare stuff i usually use but it is way too stiff. Sorry to continue derailing this thread. it's now leaning dangerously close to the other thread Bottom line - if someone else in the future has the idea to make xlr adapters for side input cameras, as Jim Gallup kindly showed with his examples, DONT DO IT ITS NOT WORTH IT! Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Ken, The cable I use is from http://www.Redco.com, it's their TGS-1 @ $.25/ft. 2 conductor shielded with a drain wire. Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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