Patchbays...

[Teacher]

what are some good ones but not super expensive ones...

lemme see if i have the use for them correct...

this is where u can patch efx boxes to mixers easier because all the wires are in the front instead of going behind a mixer and changing things is that right?

[jake-owa]

Yes Teacher, that's a simple explanation.

There's also normaling which means that instead of having the console outs plugged into the recorder inputs it can be "normalled" in the Pbay itself. So you can typically choose between three configurations.

1.normalled; where the top plug flows to the bottom plug jack and plugging something into the top row will cut the flow to the bottom jack but plugging into the bottom won't change the flow.
2.half normalled; same as normalled but plugging into either top or bottom will cut the flow to the other.
3.non-normalled; which is the type of patchbay you're talking about where the plugs are "floating" and out of a curcuit untill you make a patch.

Most good Pbays will have adjustments for these settings inside.

The best bang for the buck is the Behrringer type that have normal switching on top. I haven't used them but a lot of people like em.

[jrosenstein]

those switches on the behringer are cool, but watch out -- all of those plugs are unbalanced TS.

i have a Neutrik NYS-SPP-L, no problems with it. you switch normalling patterns by removing a front panel and rotating each channel's PCB. don't have to unrack it. they go frequently for $50-60 on ebay.

[regebro]

Lot's of discussions about this before. The search should turn something up.

However, here is a good generic one:

http://www.furmansound.com/pro/pb/pb1.htm

Balanced, TRS jacks front and back, can be switched between half-normalled and un-normalled without unracking or soldering.

[Teacher]

thanks fellas...i'm watching a furman now on ebay...