Best Use of Patch Bay and Mixer?

[whyseye]

I just acquired a Mackie 1402 VLZ mixer, and between that and my Neutrik 48 point patch bay, I want to optimize my setup to will allow me to combine any one of my mics with any one of my preamps quickly and easily, without having to recable every time I want to swap.
Sounds simple - does it make sense? Will I lose signal quality putting everything through the patch bay? Would I then connect the outs from each preamp into a different channel on the mixer, and use the patch bay to switch mics from one pre to another? Will this cost more in cabling than it'll be worth?
I won't be recording any more than two tracks at once - just looking for the best way to access all of my sonic options on the fly for voiceover.

So here's what I was thinking....ish...a first rough draft to visualize it for myself...
...which means that the cables required would be one set of (presumably) balanced TRS cables from patch bay to each preamp channel, and another set from each preamp channel to the mixer, and at least one or two XLR to balanced TRS from the mic to the patch bay. Add a set of TRS from mixer to interface, and I'm good to mix and match everything, right?
What about phantom power?

 

[whyseye]

More reading tells me that TRS will not reliably pass phantom, and is unadvisable...

 

[Creamyapples1]

I've got a patchbay, it does pretty good keeping track of random (something to 1/4) connectors and smaller cables that I'm too lazy to put away.

The diagram makes sense, but I think the majority here (or atleast the former majority) would note that the mixer is an extra bunch of components that your signal is going through. It's up to the gods to decide whether that will actually enhance or degrade your signal. You should still be able to route four ways to Sunday if you take the board out of the mix.

 

[gcapel]

I would extend your interface I/O, Mixer insert outs, Mixer inputs, and Mixer stereo mix out all to the patch panel to make the patch panel worth using. THat is also going to require a lot of patch cables.

I would advise making cables yourself to save you some cash. I personally have made them from mogami cable and amphanol trs connectors. The amphanol connectors are priced about half of what a neutrik is and is just as good.