big studio question

[cake1122]

ok when i see pictures of like really expensive studios theres a big mixing board and a computer usually mac. i figured out how they get the channels in the computer through firewire interfaces ect. now im stuck on this part...ok the wall behind the mixing board to the sound guys back is like stacked full of effects and stuff sooo i want to know how are those racks connected to anything else ( mixing board computer w.e) in the rest of the studio. and also can run stuff from the computer through those outboard racks and back into the computer after it has already been recorded?
thanks

 

[Track Rat]

With a patch bay.

 

[bubbagump]

Keep in mind, in a big studio, they are not running cables across the floor like you and I might be at home. They have a lot of the wiring built into the walls and furniture to keep things nice and neat. Then, as TrackRat mentioned, they patch it all together with patch panel. Many times you will see in pictures a TT patch panel in a rack under the mixing desk for easy patching.

 

[fraserhutch]

With a patch bay.

Well, to be accurate, LOTS of patchbays (Or is that patchbae?)

 

[Track Rat]

I'm not sure.......is the multiple of Elvis Elvi?