Don’t use your Elbow when coiling a microphone cable
Incorrectly coiling, wrapping a microphone cable (XLR) dramatically reduces the functional life of a cable. This video (from a training series I use at FunFlicks Outdoor Movies SF Bay Area) shows you how to correctly coil a microphone cable.
You never want to coil an XLR around your elbow. That breaks the inside of the cable down and reduces the life of the cables.
Just coiling in one direction (although better that wrapping around your elbow) is not optimal.
Using the over under technique is the best way to wrap or coil cables. Roadies and AV professionals all over the world would agree.
By alternating twists, the cable is allowed to stay a little bit straighter. The over under method also allows the cable to be easily throw out to unwind (making your setups quicker).
I find reaching inside with my left hand (pinkie up) is the easiest for me to get the under coil of the microphone cable, brining both thumbs together.
This technique I also use with SDI, XLR and other media cables.
Paul the Outdoor Movie Guy saw his first outdoor movie screening back in the 1990’s at a VW festival in the UK and was hooked.
“Watching Blade Runner outdoors on a huge screen in my old 68’ Bug” he says, “was amazing!”. Wanting to share this passion with his young family, Paul started hosting movie nights. “When I introduced my children to Star Wars, it needed to be big screen experience.”
His equipment increased in size and thoughts of creating a business from a passion started forming. At one point the Mother-in-law mentioned, “you should do this as a business”.
With a background in Recreation Management and Information Technology and a passion for film, FunFlicks San Francisco Bay Area was created in 2009. Over the next few years, other locations were opened allowing his team to provide outdoor movies all over Northern California, Oregon and Northern Nevada.
“I love creating experience driven events and take pride in walking our clients through the process of setting up their movie nights.”
Whether it’s working with Film Festivals, creating a retro style drive-in, working with Parks and Recreation or little Johnny’s Birthday Party, it’s all about community and the shared experience of watching a movie together.
Always looking at how technology can enhance the experience, Paul has added items like Silent Cinema, a Red-Carpet photo booth, Hashtag printers or even professional photographers at events. “My team looks forward to helping you create a unique outdoor movie experience”
View all posts by paultheoutdoormovieguy
