Label Making – Page 3 – ConsoleTape.com

Trouble Shooting Tip-Try Console Label Tape

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to trouble shoot a cabling problem, in the dark, while an event is going on.

Most audio visual system failures begin as cable failures, so it is not unusual to have to trouble shoot and fix a problem on the fly, while an event is going on. More times than not, you’ll be doing it in the dark.

Temporary labels put on critical cables for one time use can be a huge help when trying to take on these challenges.

Don’t forget to remove the label when the event is over, so that you don’t mistake an old label for a one related to a current event.

Label Tape Missing? Label It!

Tape on event sites has a tendency to grow legs and walk away. It is useful, portable and generic.

If you want to make sure you hang on to your console marking tape until the last inch is used, take your Sharpie Marker and write your name on the inside of the hub. That way, no one can say “I thought it was mine”.

Of Course, Mixing Sound Is An Art

If you’re having trouble buying console tape locally, it may be because you are asking for the wrong thing.

We call Shurtape 724 “console tape”, and it has been the tape of choice for sound pros for console marking for many years.

It is actually much more commonly known as “artist tape”. Graphic artists like it for doing layout work because it can be removed without damaging surfaces and can be re-positioned and still stick.

You can find it at art supply stores and stores that specialize in crafting supplies.

Mixing In The Dark? Use Glow Tape For “Lane Markers”

Sometimes sound mixing in specialized environments require that you work in the dark. Even a small console light is more than the event manager will allow for certain dramatic parts of a show.

When this happens, small pieces of glow tape fixed to critical controls on the console can help you grab the right knob in the dark.

Just a sliver of glow-in-the-dark tape affixed to a critical fader handle or mute switch will make sure that you hit the mark, even when the mix position is in black out mode.

It has an adhesive that is safe for expensive electronics and can be re-positioned to another point on the mixer for later use.

Too Enthusiastic With The Sharpie? This Will Clean It Up

The Sanford Sharpie Marker is the industry standard for labeling sound consoles and other electronic gear. Every well-prepared tech has one in his pocket.

When you use properly coated label tape like Shurtape P724, then Sharpie bleed through (bleeding through the tape and onto the equipment).

The problem comes when, usually in the dark, you overshoot the label tape with your labeling and get ink on the equipment. It is designed to dry quickly, so unless you wipe it almost immediately, it is there to stay.

If you want to remove it, the best solution is to rub it very gently with a soft, clean rag and some acetone (available at the hardware store).

Take extra care when working on or around screened surfaces that have text, numbers and other information printed directly on the equipment.

With a little care, you can have the equipment looking brand new.

The Way The Real Pros Do It

Got Label Tape? Here’s A Great Use For It

Labeling A Patch Bay? Half Inch P724 Is What You Need

Patch bay labeling presents some special challenges and Shurtape 724 is ready to step up.

When labeling a patch bay, you need to be able to write on it with a Sharpie and have confidence that it will remove cleanly and not damage painted surfaces, but traditional console labeling tape in 3/4 inch and one inch widths is too wide to fit between the narrow rows of connectors on most patch bays.

724 is also offered in a half inch width as a standard size, just right to fit snugly on your patch bay.

For best results, label the tape before you apply it rather than trying to write on such a narrow surface when it is already in place.

Flatback Paper-What Does That Mean To Someone Labeling A Console?

Tape specs and descriptions tend to be a little mysterious (e.g. “adhesion to steel”), and the description of Shurtape 724 includes one of those terms.

The term is “flatback”.

What this refers to is the smooth “flat” finish for the non-adhesive side of the tape. The most popular paper tape is masking tape, and it has a “creped” textured finish as opposed to being smooth.

Being “flatback” means that 724 paper tape has a smooth surface for writing or printing. This is one of the features that makes it so compatible with the Sharpie Marker every sound or lighting tech has in his pocket.

Edge Tear Resistance-What Does It Mean For Console Labeling?

One of the often overlooked features of Shurtape P724 is something called “edge tear resistance”. This little understood tape quality is one of the things that makes this such a great product for labeling your sound or lighting control console.

Tape placed on a console is constantly under pressure along its edges from the operator’s fingers as they move faders or adjust other controls. This pressure from the side makes many tapes, like masking tape, prone to tearing and bubbling as it stretches.

Edge tear resistance means that the tape has strong edges that will continue to adhere to your console surface until you are ready to remove them.

Just another reason why Shurtape 724 is the best console labeling tape you can buy.