Audio Patch Bays Tutorial
Introduction to Audio Patch Bays
- An audio patch bay is used to interconnect studio equipment via sockets, eliminating the need to physically remove and reconnect leads.
- Benefits:
- Easier access to connections, especially if equipment is hard to reach.
- Prevents issues with lead length.
- Allows for labeling of connections.
- Maintains creative flow by not interrupting work to reconnect equipment.
Functionality
- Patch bays route mic and line level signals.
- Should not connect multiple signal types to avoid equipment damage.
- Specialist patch bays exist for digital, MIDI, and optical signals.
- Available in balanced and unbalanced configurations.
Connector Types
- Type A Jacks:
- Standard 1.25 inch jack plug.
- Not ideal for frequent repatching.
- B Gauge GPO Jacks:
- Similar to early telephone exchange connectors.
- Robust and durable.
- Bantam Jacks:
- Smaller version of Type B, suitable for dense setups.
Rear Panel Connector Types
- Solder Terminals: Reliable, cost-effective, but time-consuming to reconfigure.
- Quarter Inch A Gauge Jacks: Convenient but may require maintenance.
- D-sub 25 Pin Connectors: Useful if devices support them.
- EDACs: Common in live performances, convenient for compatible devices.
Normalisation in Patch Bays
- No Normalisation: Sockets not connected.
- Full Normalisation: Connections exist without a patch cord; broken when a cord is inserted.
- Half Normalisation: Maintains connection when a cord is inserted, with an additional signal feed.
- Parallels: Permanent connection allowing signal copies.
Best Practices
- List all necessary connections and equipment.
- Categorize rows (mixer inputs, stage box connections, etc.).
- Diagram the patch bay setup.
- Alternate between rows of outputs (above) and inputs (below).
- Ensure connections to be normalized are vertically adjacent.
Additional Resources
- Full script and screenshots available at projectstudiohandbook.com.
- Subscribe to their YouTube channel for updates on new tutorials.
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