Patchbays and outboard gear

[ptdude]

I'm running PT12 with 8 recording inputs (003R) and want to incorporate some outboard gear (preamps, compressors, etc) and eliminate getting behind the desk to hook up different mic cables, etc.

My thought is that I should pick up a 24 XLR female to male patch bay and run a balanced cable to every input/output on my gear. Then use short female to female XLR cables to patch - and plug in mic cables.

If that's a reasonable solution and I want to get quality gear, what's a good way to go?

Or, is there a better solution?

Thanks.

[mesaone]

Is there any particular reason you want to use XLR instead of TT or 6.35mm TRS?

Keep in mind the major drawback of phono-type patchbays is possible damage to microphones when you hot-patch mic preamps with phantom engaged. But it's always good to get in the habit of disengaging phantom power before patching, no matter what kind of connections you use.

[ptdude]

Thanks for the response.

I was not familiar with TT - just did some reading, so I see the concept. I'd sure rather use 6.35 TRS vs. XLR. I was just thinking dual purpose.

It sounds like my better choice would be to have an XLR bay but to do my patching via TRS?

When you say "phono type" are you referring to all 3 connectors?

As an aside, is there a better (more appropriate for my level of question) place I could go for reference versus clogging up this pro mixing forum? (Maybe "Getting Started?" or another forum/website?)

[mesaone]

Phono type meaning 3-pole connectors on a single protrusion, like TT and TRS. TRS patchbays aren't as durable as TT but they are more affordable. And you should consider what connections you want normaled, half-normaled, etc.

It might be in your interest to check out the TRS patchbays with normaling switches on the front (Samson makes one, I think Switchcraft does too)

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

[Drew Mazurek]

this

+

this

= problem solved.

[ptdude]

Thanks Drew!

Getting it figured out...

[ptdude]

Redco 96pt patchbay with cables ready for installation...

A couple of questions if someone could help:

1) Should grounding be set to ground buss, regardless of full vs. non-normalled?

2) How should switches be set for mults?

Any chance someone who has experience with this patchbay might assist?

Thanks!

[albee1952]

1-try the stock configuration. If it hums and buzzes, try the next setting(IOW, it depends on other things).

2- for multi, un-normal and creat the multi by custom wiring a db25 plug.

3-I just installed the same Redco bay and it works great. Only thing
I had to was break the normals for the insertable hardware(compressors an EQ's)

[ptdude]

Thanks Albee!

1 - got the patchbay used, so don't know what the default settings were. Having said that, ground buss seems to work fine.

2 - I have a couple of mult db25 plugs - so will just set to non-normalled as you suggest.

[albee1952]

Pretty sure the default was half-normal on everything But the last owner may have done something else