They are typically used in recording studios and PA systems, where you might need to make it easy to route various audio sources to any available signal processing devices. This is a huge space-saver. For instance, console channel outputs 1-8 connect to the patch bay using a single cable, instead of 8 separate TRS cables. Patchbay Layout This allows you to “mult” a signal by plugging a cable into the top row and route it to another input. The original signal continues to the original input, as well as the “multed” input, creating a duplicate signal. Non-Normal Now let’s take a look at some patch bays that we recommend. Remember to read the Final thoughts section for the final verdict.

This hybrid patchbay is well-received by users for opening up many analog routing possibilities. The ease of saving, editing, and recalling these routes also pleases many users. The ideal user for the Switchcraft StudioPatch 9625 is a studio owner with plenty of outboard processing gear. TT patch bays are more common in commercial studios than home studios because they are more expensive. However, if price is not a factor, this is one of the best patch bays on the market. Signal only passes when a cable is connected. Often used when the top row and bottom row are unrelated.DB25 or DSUB—DB25 connectors look like the kind that connect to an old school desktop computer—because they are. The Samson S-Patch Plus, ART P48, Neutrik NYS-SPP-L1, Switchcraft StudioPatch 9625, and ART P16 are all audio patch bays. Each patch bay offers unique features and caters to a variety of users. Be sure to consider the technical specifications, pros, and cons of each before making your decision. The right equipment can enhance your music production workflow, making the investment to upgrade to a patch bay studio well worth it. Signal passes from the outputs to the inputs, without the need for a cable. The signal is only broken when a cable is plugged into the bottom row. The Samson S-Patch Plus is well-built and features a unique normalling switch that lets you change connection type on the fly. Neutrik NYS-SPP-L1 Normalling comes in three different forms. Essentially, it controls how the patchbay reacts when a cable is plugged in. Full-Normal

That may sound confusing but most patchbays can be configured in either style, so you don’t worry if you’re not ready to decide upfront. How to use a patchbay In terms of performance, functionality, and capability, the Samson S-Patch Plus is still our top choice. We clearly considers this to be the best patchbay for home studio owners. With its normal, half-normal, and thru options–and the ability to easily switch between them from the front panel–this is one patch bay that beginners will undoubtedly find useful in their quest for greater patch bay knowledge. Nevertheless, it provides enough functionality for even more experienced users to get plenty of use out of it as well.Solder-type patchbays are sometimes less expensive, but can be tough to install—even if you’re handy with a soldering iron. Normalled vs. half-normalled patchbays Sometimes spelled “ patch bay” or “patch panel ,” (Wiki links) it’s an electronic device that allows you to rout incoming audio signals to any one of several physical outputs. Digital audio converters connect to the DAW using USB, Thunderbolt, etc. The inputs are digitally assigned to DAW inputs. Connectors are more than a matter of aesthetics. RCAs might seem like a good idea, but keep in mind that they are not capable of passing balanced signals. You will then be unable to incorporate equipment with balanced inputs such as a mic pre or a mixer. Most RCA-equipped patch bays are also closed configuration devices, reducing your connectivity options.

A patchbay is a piece of gear that houses all the input and output connections for the essential gear in your studio. These bays are typically used to move single XLR connections to a more convenient location for direct patching. Most users are impressed with the ART TPatch’s functionality given its price point and its size. Since eight connection points are typically enough for a small home set-up, something as small and compact as the ART TPatch would not make anybody’s home studio space significantly more crowded.And before someone writes in to ‘correct’ me, yes, I know it’s possible to patch mics on standard patchbays, and that there are countless examples of studios where that is done. But it is only a safe practice if phantom power is turned off at the time, or if other technical arrangements are made to isolate phantom power completely from the patchbay. The problems are that the latter is prohibitively expensive and potentially degrades the mic signal quality, while the former is a tragedy waiting to happen; sooner or later someone will inevitably forget to switch phantom off before patching. DB-25 (or D-sub) cables are multi-pin connectors that can carry 8 analog audio signals simultaneously. One end of the D-sub cable has a single DB-25 connector. The other has an 8-channel “whip” of XLR or 1/4” TRS connectors. The StudioPatch 9625 has all the functionalities that most users will need. For instance, users who needed the DB25 rear connections interface were pleased to know that it works for DSUB cables. Neutrik’s NYS-SPP-L1 is an affordably-priced “modular patch panel” with 48 points. Housed in a rugged metal chassis, it’s robust enough to hold up to live use, although its feature set suggests that its true potential lies in a studio setting. Like the company’s famous connectors found in audio equipment the world over, the NYS-SPP-L1 combines rugged reliability with the ease of use of a well thought out piece of equipment. Specs and useful features Nonetheless, some users might find the placement of the mode selection switches on the unit's rear inconvenient. It's difficult to toggle the switches once you've plugged in all your music production gear.

The efficiency, flexibility and organization they offer is why most pro studios are built around a robust system of patchbays. XLR—XLR patch bays are often simple, single point systems with a front panel female input connected directly to a male rear panel output.But when used for audio, these connectors can carry up to 8 balanced signals each. They’re often used on TT patchbays to get the maximum number of connections in the smallest space. Patchbays are actually pretty simple. They’re used to connect one piece of equipment to another. As long as you understand how they work, there’s nothing to panic about. When choosing a patch bay, the most important consideration is the number of inputs and outputs available. Even if you only have a handful of equipment that you want to patch in, it’s a good idea to invest in a patch bay that has more I/O than you need right now. Normalled and half-normalled configurations provide a signal link between the top and bottom rows of the patchbay without the need for additional cabling. Many of these patchbays are pretty good. But as you may need to choose one, we’ll figure out which is best for our final analysis. Top Choice: Samson S-Patch Plus