Funcky Patchbay Connectors

[DDev]

I'm trying to find out a part number for some plugs for a Switchcraft patchbay that has a funky connector that is almost a 1/4" but slightly smaller in diameter and has a different style of tip on it than the usual TRS plug. Anyone know what I'm talking about and can point me to a source of plugs?

Thanks,
Darryl.....

 

[DonF]

Could it be a bantam? CLICK HERE Been a while since I've seen one of those.

DonF

 

[Recording Engineer]

Yeah, you're either talking "Tiny Telephone" bantam or 1/4" long-frame... But you're probably talking about the former if the diameter is smaller than 1/4".

 

[Track Rat]

Those would be TTL connectors (Tiny telephone).

 

[DDev]

I messed up in my question (unknowingly). This morning I stopped at the church and grabbed one of the patch cables that came with our newly installed patchbay (20 rack spaces full of patchbays!!). The diameter is 1/4" but it has the same tip profile that was on the link DonF provided for item 2.

I had gone through some of the Switchcraft site last night, but there were so many types of plugs that were close to what I remembered that it got me confused. TT, MT (0.206), MT (0.25), Bantam, etc. I've never been exposed to anything other than the standard 1/4" TRS, so when we realized we needed more cables I quickly volunteered to build some up, and now I've got to find a source for these babies.

Thanks for your replies.

Darryl.....

 

[sloop]

Here is a source

Full Compass Systems.
www.fullcompass.com

They have the TTY connectors, but hold on to your shirt. They are expensive! They also sell patchcords already made up. They aren't much more than just buying the plugs.

 

[Recording Engineer]

I figured you might have possibly been talking about a 1/4" long-frame...

Switchcraft brand:
http://www.switchcraft.com/products/jack-123.html

Neutrik brand:
http://www.neutrik.com/content/Products/products_group.asp?id=204_29951

I find Neutrik to be cheaper and the cheapest place I've found is: http://www.haveinc.com

 

[DDev]

Thanks again for all the notes. We found a source to supply pre-built cables for $12-18 apiece depending on cable length, so the powers that be decided to go that route. I did find that Full Compass has the connectors for about $4 in quantities of 10 or more, so we'll also keep that in mind, also.

Darryl.....

 

[TexRoadkill]

Those prices aren't very good. You should be able to get TT's for about $8 ea and less for 1/4".

 

[DDev]

Tex,

These are longframe 1/4" (can you say "MIL-SPEC"?), and while I agree that I could build them cheaper, the cheapest I could do is going to be about $10 per cable ($8-9 for 2 longframe plugs, plus cable cost), so with a little bit of labor cost and a little bit of profit, I guess it comes out acceptable to someone. I guess the limited market for longframe connectors really drives the cost up. I could build standard 1/4" TRS patch cables for a couple of bucks or so.

Here's the real kicker: The contractor who installed our system wanted $50 apiece for additional cables. That's when I offered to build some myself. I'm thinking maybe I should get into the cable business at these rates (kinda like the guy on the other forum who's putting together those nice wood racks).

Anyway, I don't make the decisions as I'm only a volunteer at the church. I do what I can and grin and bear the rest.

Darryl.....