Information about labeling sound equipment with console tape
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”.
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.
Instead of using console tape for creating mixer labels, some sound people prefer using magetic labels, one per input channel.
These are expensive, but, over time, may be a good value, since they can be used over and over again.
Before considering this purchase, make sure that the mixer(s) you intend to use them on actually have metal faces. More and more electronic equipment is being built from plastic, aluminum or composite materials. Once it has the channel information screened on to it, it may look like metal, but the magnetic labels will not stick.
The “repositionable” adhesive on Shurtape 724 is primarily prized because it can be removed from a mixing console without leaving any residue. Just like it comes off the console, it will also come off of itself.
That means that you can create labels for multiple acts or sets and lay them right on top of each other.
Since multiple act bills usually sound check in reverse order (first act sound checks last) you can place each acts label on top of the one prior to it.
Once that act has finished performing, you can just peel away their label and the console is ready to go for the next act.
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.
One sign that a singer has “made it” is a custom bejeweled microphone that is theirs and theirs alone. Snoop Dog to Beyonce to Diddy. They all have mics that are customized for just them.
Now the man at the mix position can have a little bling of his own. Instead of just a regular Sharpie Marker, how about a shiny stainless steel marker?
The Sharpie Stainless Steel marker has the same fine point design that most mixers prefer when marking a console, but it comes with a stainless steel barrel and is refillable, using the same waterproof, smear proof and fade resistant ink.
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Deejays and rave performers will love a new line of paper label tapes that glow under black light.
Neon artists tapes from Pro Tapes and Specialties have the ability to glow when exposed to ultraviolet light, adding a new feature to those who do sound in environments where black light is used.
These tapes still use the high quality adhesive that is designed to remove cleanly and leave no residue and they can be written on with Sharpie Markers with no print through or bleed.
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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.
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