How to wire patch bay

If you have connections on your patchbay that are semi-permanent, normalling allows the signal to pass through without using a cable. You could normal these connections, so the signal flows without having to make a patch. Normalling comes in three different forms. Essentially, it controls how the patchbay reacts when a cable is plugged in. Signal passes from the outputs to the inputs, without the need for a cable.

The signal is broken when a cable is plugged into either the top or bottom row. The signal is only broken when a cable is plugged into the bottom row. Signal only passes when a cable is connected. Often used when the top row and bottom row are unrelated. Typically, studio mic lines and channel mic inputs are normalled. If you spend more than seconds trying to connect a piece of equipment in your studio, then you could probably benefit from a patchbay.

Train Your Ears Become a Member. Search for:. Articles Mixing Recording Producing Mastering. Share Tweet. He currently owns and operates Punchy Kick, a professional mixing and mastering studio that specializes in pop punk, emo, punk, grunge, and alternative music. He has been helping artists connect with fans through emotionally resonant mixes, cohesive masters, and insightful guidance for over 10 years. Check out his website PunchyKick. Log in or register to post comments 11 views. Curran, Its difficult to say for sure without being there but it sounds to me like you have a ground loop problem.

This occurs when you have two sources to ground, tied together. Or you can drive a stake 9 feet into the earth and tie all the grounds for all your gear to it. This is called "star grounding". Have a qualified electrician help you with this. The best way to find the source is to disconnect all your gear from the patchbay and then start hooking it up one piece at a time, starting with the mixer and the monitor system.

It will be good for you to design your own layout. So you need to think about how you work MOST of the time because this will determine what you "half normal" into what. A patchbay is a central audio connection area for all the gear in a studio that allows any connection to or from equipment to be made in one location with a standardized cable and connector. Patchbays not only save time and headaches, they allow you to easily perform a number of mix tricks that would take serious head-scratching otherwise.

I've attached a diagram of a 96pt TT patchbay setup that I think is going to work well for me and my gear. The Basics of Patchbays: Patchbay Basics by Tom Eaton If you're tired of climbing behind your racks, and finding the right cable every time you want to use a piece of outboard gear or a console insert point, it may be time to find yourself a patchbay.