Audio Cabling

This SOP defines the standards and procedures for selecting, handling, deploying, protecting, and resetting audio cabling used by Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Clean, reliable cabling is foundational to audio quality, troubleshooting speed, and on-site safety.

Poor cable management is one of the most common causes of audio failures.

Purpose

  • Ensure clean, noise-free audio signal transmission.

  • Prevent cable-related failures and damage.

  • Standardize cable selection, routing, and labeling.

  • Maintain professional and safe stage and FOH environments.

  • Extend the service life of MP/RV audio cabling assets.

Who This SOP Is For

  • Audio technicians

  • Audio leads / A1s

  • Warehouse staff prepping audio cable

  • Project Managers overseeing audio layouts

  • Authorized freelancers

Anyone deploying or handling audio cabling must follow this SOP.

Scope

This SOP applies to:

  • XLR microphone and line cables

  • TRS and TS audio cables

  • AES and digital audio cables

  • Speaker signal cables (NL4, NL8, etc.)

  • Stage box and snake cabling

  • Patch cables and jumpers

Power cabling is covered under Power SOPs.

Audio Cable Standards

  • Use balanced cables for microphone and line-level signals.

  • Use appropriate cable type for digital audio.

  • Match connector types correctly.

  • Never substitute adapters without approval.

  • Avoid consumer-grade or damaged cables.

Correct cable choice prevents noise and failure.

Warehouse Prep

  • Inspect cables for: - Jacket damage - Bent or loose connectors - Intermittent signal

  • Test cables using cable testers when available.

  • Verify: - Clear length and type labels - Ownership tags (MP / RV)

  • Coil cables properly using approved methods.

  • Pack by type and length.

Damaged or intermittent cables must be removed from service.

Cable Deployment

Routing

  • Route audio cables away from power when possible.

  • Cross power at 90° if unavoidable.

  • Avoid high-traffic areas.

  • Use cable paths consistently across systems.

  • Keep FOH and stage runs organized.

Clean routing improves reliability.

Strain Relief

  • Provide strain relief at consoles, stage boxes, and mics.

  • Avoid tension on connectors.

  • Secure cables to stands or structures when appropriate.

Strain causes intermittent failures.

Labeling & Identification

  • Label both ends of critical cables.

  • Use channel numbers or signal names where appropriate.

  • Maintain consistent labeling conventions.

Clear labeling speeds troubleshooting.

Stage Boxes & Snakes

  • Verify snake integrity before deployment.

  • Label inputs and outputs clearly.

  • Secure fanouts to prevent stress.

  • Avoid sharp bends near breakouts.

Snakes are high-value signal paths.

Speaker Signal Cabling

  • Use correct gauge for speaker loads.

  • Match connector types and pinouts.

  • Verify polarity.

  • Avoid running speaker cables parallel to audio signal lines.

Speaker cabling errors affect system performance.

Digital Audio Cabling

  • Use approved cable types for AES, Dante, AVB, etc.

  • Observe length limits.

  • Avoid tight bends.

  • Verify clocking and network configuration.

Digital audio is sensitive to cable quality.

On-Site Monitoring

  • Periodically check cable runs.

  • Listen for: - Noise - Crackling - Dropouts

  • Address issues immediately.

  • Replace suspect cables promptly.

Cable issues often worsen during shows.

Strike & Reset

  • Disconnect cables by connector bodies.

  • Inspect cables during strike.

  • Coil neatly and consistently.

  • Separate damaged cables immediately.

  • Return cables to proper storage.

Strike is the final inspection opportunity.

Handling & Storage

  • Do not drag cables.

  • Avoid kinks and tight coils.

  • Store by type and length.

  • Keep cables clean and dry.

  • Maintain organized storage locations.

Good handling extends cable lifespan.

Roles & Responsibilities

Audio Technicians

  • Deploy and handle cables properly.

  • Maintain clean routing.

  • Report cable issues immediately.

Audio Leads / A1

  • Approve cable layouts.

  • Enforce cabling standards.

Warehouse Staff

  • Inspect, test, and reset cables.

  • Maintain labeling and organization.

  • Remove unsafe cables from service.

Project Managers

  • Support safe and organized cable layouts.

Quality Control

  • No damaged or intermittent cables in use.

  • Proper cable types used.

  • Routing is clean and safe.

  • Issues documented post-show.

Audio cabling quality affects every signal.