RESEND: [sdiy] Multi-pair audio cable & pcb connector?

[Scott K Warren]

I apologize if you've seen this message before -- my mail server's log 
suggests this didn't make it to the list on the first attempt, and 
since I got no responses I am trying once more. If it's just that 
nobody had any advice for me, then please excuse the clutter in your 
inbox.

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I'm going to use some Belden BL-1512C multi-pair snake cable (8 pairs 
individually shielded) to carry a bunch of line-level audio signals 
between a custom synth module I'm building and the back of the synth 
cabinet. Each conductor is 24 AWG. The cable run will be about six 
feet. Is this a bad idea for any reason? (I found a source selling this 
cable by the foot, so I don't have to buy a thousand dollar spool.)

If it's a reasonable idea, then what kind of connector should I use 
between the cable and the module's pcb? Is there a best way to assign 
conductors to connector pins (e.g. alternating signals and grounds like 
we do in digital ribbon cables)? What should I do with all the shields?

At the back of the cabinet will be audio jacks with a few more feet of 
cable plugged into them, terminating at various ordinary audio devices. 
Do I need to take any special precautions driving all this cable, or 
will a simple voltage follower per signal be ok?

Thanks,

skw