While it's not as much fun when the studio is empty, we do find ways to amuse ourselves. After a recent session of the "clean the console" game, we decided to create a better way to label the channels on analog consoles than sticking masking tape on it. Masking tape, of course, is not easy to change if we reroute channels, change instrumentation, or whatever, but it does give the interns something to do.

So we have a better way for sound folks, either in the studio or live, to label their channel strips, and we used some of the creative, highly imaginative talent at our disposal to come up with the nifty name: "Instant Console Labels".

If you remember the "poetry magnets" that used to be so popular on refrigerators, you have the gist of our solution. We have created different sets of up to 75 magnets, 1" wide, that stick to most consoles (Soundcraft, Allen & Heath, Trident, Mackie, etc). They come in strips, and when you get them, all you have to do is cut them apart with scissors, and stick them on your console as needed. If you have a blank metal spacer panel in your rack, that makes a nice little storage space, too.

It sounds so simple. The first time one of the producers we work with saw them, he started laughing. Until we flicked one onto the console, and it stuck. His jaw dropped, and his first words were, "Dude, I want those." Ah, how legends are born.

Sets have been specifically designed for Studio, Live, Band/Orchestra, Percussion, and Effects.

The Studio Set: For the discerning professional studio engineer, we bring you the Studio Set. Labels include: Vocal 1-5, Bass 1-4, Ac Gtr 1-6, El Gtr 1-8, Piano 1-3, Keybd 1-4, Kick (x2), Snare (x2), HiHat (x2), Crash 1-4, Ride 1-4, Overhd 1-4, Tom 1-3, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Direct (x4), Lead (x4), Rhythm (x4), Backup (x3), Harmony (x2), Blank (x5).

The Live Set: For the rocking professional live sound reinforcement engineer, we bring you the Live Set. Labels include: Mains L-R, Mon 1-6, CD 1-2, Tape, PC, Mac, a Star (really - it make it easy when you've got a roady running cables, and the engineer wanting to find the mic for the lead in a hurry), Vocal 1-4, Bass 1-2, Ac Gtr 1-4, El Gtr 1-4, 12 Str, Piano 1-2, Keybd 1-3, Organ, Kick (x2), Snare (x2), HiHat (x2), Crash 1-4, Ride 1-3, Overhd 1-2, Tom 1-3, Hi Tom, Lo Tom, Harp, Fiddle, Steel, Direct (x4), Lead (x2), Rhythm (x2), Backup (x2), Harmony (x2), Blank (x5).

The Band/Orchestra Set: When you're working Carnegie Hall, make sure you're prepared. Labels include: Trumpet 1-4, Bone 1-4, Bari 1-2, Tuba 1-2, F Horn 1-4, T Sax 1-2, A Sax 1-2, B Sax 1-2, Oboe, Bassoon, Piccolo, Flute 1-4, Clar 1-4, Piano 1-2, Violin 1-4, Viola 1-4, Cello 1-2, Bass 1-2, Blank (x3).

The Percussion Set: Once you've got a start, you want to be able to handle anything the band throws at you. Labels include: Cowbell, Conga 1-2, Bongo 1-2, Djembe 1-2, Timp 1-3, Triangle, Chimes, Shaker, Vibes 1-2, Bells 1-2, Glock 1-2, Tamb, Block 1-2, Agogo, Gong.

The Effects Set: Finally, make it easy to know where all that outboard gear is plugged in. Labels include: Reverb 1-6, Delay 1-4, Comp 1-8, Gate 1-4, Tuner, Exp 1-2, EQ 1-8. There are also 10 half-width labels (see the picture), for using up by the aux send knobs - FX (x2), Verb (x4), Dly (x4), and full-width Blanks (x7).

And you know what? We want you to have some, too. You can use the table below and Paypal to start the process immediately. First Class shipping in the USA is included, though folks here in Texas will owe us an extra 8.25% for sales tax. If you are outside the continental US, or want to pay by check or money order (sorry, no cashier's checks due to internet scams), drop us an email and we can roll with that, too.

If you don't have a Paypal account, go ahead and follow the link. You no longer need to have an account to pay by credit card, or you can sign up. It's quick, it's easy, and it's loads of fun.

Note - these magnets are just strong enough to stick to the surface - they are not so strong that you can't slide them around, and they should not interfere with any automation or other circuitry in the console. Maybe if you bought about 28 sets, and stacked them up, and built up the magnetic field, in which case we disclaim any and all damage to your equipment. The bag is resealable, which means it's great for dropping into any little case to take with you. You must make sure your console label area is metal prior to ordering. Most intermediate and Professional consoles have metal label areas. No more looking for Sharpies!

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