cables and patchbays

  • Thread starter Thread starter detuned6
  • Start date Start date
D

detuned6

Metal dude
i just hooked up my patch bay(behringer) and bought a shit load of cabels (monster studiolink 500 is $$$- shit!!) I noticed that some cabels(1/4") had 2 black bands and others had only one (like a standard instrument cable) whats the differance???
is the 2 band balanced and the 1 band unbalanced?? if thats the case and my patch bay is unbalanced it wouldent matter which one i use ,correct?
 
If I understand you correctly, when you're looking at the 1/4" connector, some have one division seperating the tip of the connector from the shaft portion and some have two divisions, the tip, a small ring and the main shaft. The ones with two divisions are balanced and the others are unbalanced. If your patchbay is unbalanced it won't hurt anything using either patch cable.
 
I've noticed some unblanced connectors dont like balanced cables though. You have to plug them in half way to get them to work and some jacks wont hold the cable very well that way.
 
I think you guys got it wrong

My understanding of it is a one band 1/4" is a mono plug and a two band is a stereo plug. Generally you're going to want mono cables. I don't remember exactly what good stereo plugs are for, (possibly stereo effects inserts). Many mixers will only accept mono plugs for instrument inputs (my alesis does this).

If you stick the stereo plug in half way, like TexRoadKill said, you are in essence making it a mono plug (and so will work in a mixer in a half way position). I wouldn't recommend this however, especially since it's not very stable.

-Sal
 
er, Sal... they are absolutely correct - it's you who's a bit confused.

"Stereo" doesn't mean anything when talking about cables -- what you're really talking about is 2-conductor cable. And when you say "mono", that's a single conductor cable....

The terms balanced and unbalanced are quite clear --- balanced lines require 2-conductor cable to pass a mono signal, whereas unbalanced require only a single conductor cable to pass a mono signal....

It is also quite common to use half-inserted connectors when you need to unbalance a signal.......
Stick around --- you can learn many new things here!

Bruce
 
What about Insert cables and cables for footswitches and headphone cables...Looks the same to me, but not exactly the samethings. You Gotta keep em separated!
Remember to label your cable :0)


Peace,
Dennis
 
If you are using the Ultrapatch for signal processing effects
into a specific track, you can use unbalanced cables but remember to adjust the patchbay to the "normalled" position by incorporating the switches located on the top for the corresponding patchbay channel in use. This position is also excellent for hooking up mono devices such as sound-modules also.
 
question

Ive never used a patchbay and I currently am running my effects in and out of my board with 14 gauge speaker cables (I dont know if this is right or not, but it works). I have a couple of questions:

When using a patch bay (or rack units, etc), What gauge cables should one be using? Or does this matter? Any cable company recomendations? and whats the advantages/disadvanatages of a balanced/unbalanced patch bay?

Thanks,
Todd
 
what i have gathered

gage doesn't matter, you can use regular insrtument cable, i use the Monster studio link 500 its made specifically for audio interconnections, then theres balanced patch bay cables(which you should only use if all your gear and patchbay is balanced), you will need some insert cables also. You can get away using standard 1/4 cables. Prepare for a mega cable spree if you need some!!!!!
 
looking for a link...........

...that addresses how to properly connect rack gear. Proper order, proper ins/outs, to the mixer, etc.

trying to learn w/o flooding this forum with my simple questions,

rpe
 
fuck it, brother

flood the forum, thats what where all here for, learn or inform.(and to hang out, besides working)
 
speaking of being at work........

I can't believe I've stooped to sneaking to this forum periodically throughout my workday! I mean I get big bucks for what I do (advisor to R&D executive in DoD). I'm 49 years old and acting like a kid! Reason: I love music and am addicted to this forum.
 
Welcome to the world of "TOTALLY ADDICTED GEAR SLUTS ANONYMOUS" rpe!!:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top