Over the past couple of years, I have been upgrading my DAW, mics, preamps, etc. I did a lot of research, and through trial and error, have learned how to do more advanced recording. Logistically, the physical configuration of the hardware had become unwieldy - cables, patch cords, power supplies...junk everywhere!
So, I got a burr up my a$$, and decided to get a patch bay. It will simplify my life, right? Oy, vey. I was in for a huge learning curve.
The theory is simple. Route everything - mics, preamps, audio interface, outboard effects, recorders - through a centrally located switch box. Then, if you want to run your Røde 121 through an ISA One preamp then into a compressor and into your recording interface, all you have to do is link them together with a few patch cords on the front of the patch bay. Yes, it works, but getting all this gear routed properly was an exercise of epic proportions. The front of my work station looks pretty clean, but behind the desk are more cords and cables than Carter has liver pills! My biggest challenge was getting my preamps staged so I could run them through an outboard compressor/EQ. The patch bay makes this possible, but it requires visualization and lots of cables.
All-in-all, it took about a month to put it together.
Here's a few shots of the project which I just finished tonight.
So, I got a burr up my a$$, and decided to get a patch bay. It will simplify my life, right? Oy, vey. I was in for a huge learning curve.
The theory is simple. Route everything - mics, preamps, audio interface, outboard effects, recorders - through a centrally located switch box. Then, if you want to run your Røde 121 through an ISA One preamp then into a compressor and into your recording interface, all you have to do is link them together with a few patch cords on the front of the patch bay. Yes, it works, but getting all this gear routed properly was an exercise of epic proportions. The front of my work station looks pretty clean, but behind the desk are more cords and cables than Carter has liver pills! My biggest challenge was getting my preamps staged so I could run them through an outboard compressor/EQ. The patch bay makes this possible, but it requires visualization and lots of cables.
All-in-all, it took about a month to put it together.
Here's a few shots of the project which I just finished tonight.
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