Considering PA Systems: Wiring Edition②

2025-03-03

First, I’d appreciate it if you could check out my previous blog post.

Since last year, I’ve been thinking about changing my wiring system, and I’ve decided to go with this setup:

I’ll be connecting the BDM104L and BDF104L using the DRJ110, creating a 4-channel multi-cable box setup.
The Ui16 mixer I’m using has 12 XLR input terminals, but for now, I’m going to test it with just one set.

The BDM104L and BDF104L multi-cable boxes have RJ45 connectors on the sides.

Simply connect the DRJ110 to those connectors, and that’s it—the multi-cable box is complete.

The BDF104L is used for microphone and line inputs, while the BDM104L handles outputs to the mixer.
I compared the sound quality between directly connecting to the mixer and routing through the multi-cable box, and I didn’t notice any deterioration in sound quality or increase in noise. (This setup is definitely usable!)

The key point here is to use the shielded cable to connect multi-cable boxes. Without shielding, noise levels will increase.
I chose a 10m cable because, in my PA setup, 10m is enough to reach from the mixer to the stage wing. This cable length will also impact setup and teardown efficiency.

Since the one-set test was much more practical than expected, I’ve decided to prepare three additional sets, making it a total of 12 channels. Actually, considering monitor sends, I’ll need four more channels, so I’ll go with four sets in total.

A new idea: Wouldn’t it be easier to set up and break down if the mixer was rack-mounted?

CLASSIC PRO / CAX812 4ch (Female) + 4ch (Male)

CLASSIC PRO / CAX822 4ch (Male) + 4ch (Male)

The CAX812 is rack-mountable, with 4 input channels and 4 output channels. It also includes an RJ45 thru-connector, which allows flexibility for monitor sends.
A GND/LIFT switch is also a great feature.

I’m still considering whether to rack-mount both the CAX812 and CAX822. The next blog update will reveal my final decision.

For connecting the multi-cable box to the mixer, patch cables are very useful.

If you want a custom cable length, it’s best to make your own cables using bulk cable.

CLASSIC PRO / MIX010 White (1m XLR Cannon Cable)

Though 1m might be a bit long, the MIX010 Series is affordable and comes in various colors, allowing you to color-code each multi-cable box.

Through trial and error, my wiring system is finally taking shape.
In the next blog post, I’ll set up the new system and share my real-world experience using it on-site.

Kurosu

ESPミュージカルアカデミーでギター・エフェクター・アンプ製作の技術と知識を学び、卒業後はライブハウスでPA・照明を担当。ステージ上の全ての機材をメンテナンスするようになり現在の修理業務のベースが完成。照明のムービングヘッドやフォグマシンをメインに修理を行っていますが、ジャンルにとらわれず修理業務に従事しています。最近はアナログレコードの面白さを覚え、レコード屋を巡っています。