Patchbays

Patchbays

A patchbay allows to patch the audio signals of most components in your studio from a central point and send them to other units, which makes the entire cabling better structured and is indispensable for professional work. If you want to use your studio as effectively as possible then it is preferable to use a complete patchbay wiring scheme, but even less sophisticated patchbay solutions will benefit smaller studio configurations. Current, I use three patchbays.

Image: Patchbays in action

Explanation of modes

Some patchbays can be configured for different modes of routing: parallel, (half-)normalised, and open.  Some pathbays have even more options.

Behringer Ultra Patch Pro PX2000

This is a 48-point patchbay with 1/4″ TS jacks from Behringer.
Format: 19″ / 1 U

Specifications

• Professional patchbay eliminates cable clutter in your studio, adding order and clarity
• 4 modes, easily selectable per channel via top-side switches
• Each channel can be switched to Parallel, Half-normalled, Normalled and Open function for ultimate flexibility
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
• Connectors ¼ ” unbuffered socket

Millenium PB16 XLR In/Out

This is a 16-Channel Patchbay with balanced XLR inputs and outputs: 8x female and 8x male on the front, 8x male and 8x female on the rear.
Format: 19″ / 1 U

I mainly use this patchbay to route microphones to the Behringer X32 or Golden Age Premier PRE-73 preamp.

ART TPatch

The ART TPatch is a compact 8-point balanced patchbay that organizes your cables into a convenient central location on your studio desktop. Designed for maximum flexibility, the TPatch has 1/4-inch TRS  connectors user selectable normal and half-normal modes.

I use this patchbay for route the effects that I used with my Fender Rhodes.  See [here] for the details on the routing.

Setup in my Studio

Videos

The next video provides a basic introduction to pathbays.