SSL first used the blue T&B all plastic connector for these S14E 50 way computer ribbon leads on the console about 1980 for a few years.
After that they used the more expensive 3M grey versions which had metal ends and a sticky substance on the top of the header to hold the 50 way ribbon in place before crimping.
Since then, Harting and other cheaper makes have been used by studios (but not SSL). If you use these, make sure that the chassis header connector is NOT sticking out of the console connector panel more about 1mm or so and use M3 screws and also M3 nuts and washers to space it off from the panel if that makes sense. Otherwise with a cheaper, all plastic connector being used you run the risk of the ends breaking off (at 1 and 50) and possibly ruining the connector.
If you use a cheaper connector without the sticky part, you could put some double sided tape on it and peel off the paper bit to just have the glue sticking to the upper part of the connector to hold it in place before crimping in a vice ... do that gently at either end until completely crimped and the pins will break through the thin sticky tape to make a connection with the main part of the connector.
Again, hope this makes sense and good luck. It's not complicated but takes a bit of preparation, that's all.
From a selfish point of view, I haven't had any work offered on SSL consoles since last year so, if you need any wiring done, get in contact. I used to work there from 1980 until 1987 so have a lot of history and experience, more than most people.
Based in Maidenhead, Bucks, UK.
