GCX Patch Jacks

[bettsaj]

I've just been watching a rig run down on You Tube, and the guy in question is running no less than 4 GCX audio switchers. That's absolutely fine.... No problem with that, but I did notice something of interest on the back of his GCX switchers.

On the back linking two loops together he has what can only be described as a U shaped "Patch Jack".... There is no cable at all, just a U shaped metallic double ended jack plug.... very tidy indeed. Do Voodoo Labs sell these, as they look to be proprietary for the GCX. If not, any idea where you get them.

The video is here, Please fast forward to 13.35

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CecB7rnFH9I

[JohnClark]

I've not seen those before... I'd have no idea where to get something like that. Personally, I've never found making short patch cable all that hard to do

[bettsaj]

I agree, regarding making patch cables. Just that these look so cool

I have sent him a message asking him where he got them from..... Hopefully he'll reply, when he does I'll post here with what he said.

[effitall]

While not specifically what you're talking about, I discuss internal jumping of loops here:

http://voodoolab.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7333

In a perfect world this would be via jumpers or switches inside the GCX, but it's easy enough to do with a little bus wire and a soldering iron. I'm sure this has warranty implications, so I wouldn't suggest you do this on a brand new GCX unless you're comfortable with the cost of repair/replacement. It takes longer to remove/replace all of the nuts for the 1/4" jacks than it does to jump the loops and costs next to nothing.

[bettsaj]

Yeah, i'd already read that article.... It's a sound idea, but as you say by the time you've opened the GCX up, done the work and put it back together you may as well have just made up some small patch cables.

And obviously, as you say there is the warranty implication, and also if you do hardwire the inside to connect the loops it makes it a chore to change it back. Small dip switches on the back would be a good idea... 1 between each loop.

[luctrev]

Hi there

I made my self a "Patch Cables U" to link GCX loops.
I used a ordinary 1/4 TS plug, bend 90 degree the ground contact and solder it together, jump the TIP over with a short wire. It's very easy, cheap and quickly to be made, see the pics.

Mooer sell something like this but i dont know if its fit on in/out jack space. Here Mooer PC-U http://www.mooeraudio.com/?product/201410208360.html

[JohnClark]

I would think that not having any shielding would open your signal path up to potential noise issues with how those connectors are wired together. Also with the signal connections exposed like that, just touching them with your finger would likely make a pretty decent buzz.

[luctrev]

The amount of unshielded cable is about the same on a 1/4 TS plug with plastic tubing or pedal connectors like ones below.

About 1.5cm of unshielded cable this is not enough to act as antenna for RF emissions below 20GHz. Signals with very high intensity may interfere, but they will also interfere with other parts of the system. Of course, if you touch the exposed terminals with your finger the noise will come.

To me it works fine, no interference nonoise. The idea is cheap and simple so I think it's worth testing.

If you find it necessary, you can use liquid tape, for example, to insulate the terminals.
http://www.shopwurthusa.com/wurthstoref ... 0893198010

[JohnClark]

Well you've certainly seem to have done your homework, right on!

I think personally if I'm still going to use two connectors and have to spend the time soldering anyway, I'll still go ahead and use a short bit of cable Besides, it makes a nice "hook" to pull it out of the jacks when you eventually change up what the loops are being used for and there is always a need for a short patch cable elsewhere.

You still get applause from me for creativity on your method!

Cheers!

[luctrev]

bettsaj

Watching the video, I noticed something. I think the U shaped "Patch Jack" are made similarly to mine solution, but in reverse.
The ground is folded over the TIP terminal, not under like mine.

I may be "space out", but I think that's it!


John, I live in a small town in Brazil, you can not imagine how expensive things are here. Good quality products are hard to find, I get access to certain things thanks to the internet, but sometimes the cost of shipping and delivery time by brazilian post office is absurd.

Importing is complicated, usually I pay double or even more on imported products. Here to I have a GC Pro, a GCX and a PX-8 cost me a lot of money, so when possible I look for alternative solutions.

Cheers