Need Patchbay Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter bdemenil
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bdemenil

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I'm about to take the leap and get my first patch panel. I'm hoping I can get some advice here on how to go about this.

This is my setup -
I have a Motu HD192 (12 xlr ins / 12 xlr outs).
I have a variety of preamps, some of which have XLR outs, some 1/4" all are balanced.
I have some FX - reverb, compressors and EQs - some are XLR some 1/4"

When first setting down tracks, I mostly track with no FX to get as pure a signal as possible. So I basically just need to be able to plug mics to preamps, and preamps to DAW inputs.

When mixing, I need to be able to take DAW outputs, run them through chains of FX, and then route them back to DAW inputs.

I figure this is a pretty standard setup except that I'm not using an outboard mixing board. What's the best way to go about this?

Thanks for the help,

Ben
 
Forgot to mention... DAW outs 1&2 need to go to monitors - I figure this bypasses the patch bay though.

Also, how does all this patching affect sound quality?
 
I patch my main DAW outs through the patchbay, but if you are always going to be monitoring the same way you could go direct from the DAW to the monitors. Actually, I use a Central Station, which is directly wired to the monitors, but I have a way to patch to it form the patchbay.

There should be no difference in sound between using a patchbay and not using a patchbay. The patchbay should basically just be a slight further extension of cable length.

The one thing I would avoid doing is patching mics into the preamps via the patchbay. Out of the preamps is fine, but not into. Everything else is fine. It just sounds like you will need a bunch of XLR to TRS cables, assuming you are going to be using a typical 1/4" patchbay.
 
any recommendation on patchbay? Hosa, Neutrik, Samson, something else?
 
I've used a number of different patchbays, and for the typical 1/4" patchbay I am liking the DBX PB48 the best so far. I may try out the Neutrik as well, that would be my next choice. I also own some Furman pathcbays, but they don't hold the jacks well enough for me. I also have a Rean that's okay, but I like the DBX better. So I'd recommend DBX or Neutrik for starters.
 
yeah I have a pair of Furman PB48's. the cartridges are annoying as hell when you try to put the face-plate back on. arrrgh!!!!! but the jacks are perfectly aligned with a standard excel spreadsheet so it is easy to print off labels and tape them on there.
 
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I have a basic 1/2 normalling HOSA that suits my needs just fine, all 1/4" jacks. I've noticed not decrease in sound quality.
 
I like the Re'an patchbays. I have 4 of them and just about every in & out on my gear is connected to them.
 
Falken, that might be a different version of the DBX patchbay. Mine don't have the faceplate that comes off. It's the design with individual modules that's are held in by plastic bolts in the back. My Furman's on the other hand have the removable faceplate, and it is a bit finnicky to get all the cards lined up right when securing the face plate.
 
SonicAlbert said:
The one thing I would avoid doing is patching mics into the preamps via the patchbay.
Click to expand...

I see people warning against this all of the time. I am sure there is some technical theory tha proves mic patching on 1/4" or TT jacks is wrong. However, in practice, there is rarely a problem. Almost every single commercial recording studio I have worked in has had mic patching in their TT or 1/4" patchbay.

The only thing to worry about when patching mic lines is to make sure your channel is muted. You send a pretty nasty pop through your monitors otherwise.
 
SonicAlbert said:
Falken, that might be a different version of the DBX patchbay. Mine don't have the faceplate that comes off. It's the design with individual modules that's are held in by plastic bolts in the back. My Furman's on the other hand have the removable faceplate, and it is a bit finnicky to get all the cards lined up right when securing the face plate.
Click to expand...

yeah you are right. its the furman. same model #. i changed it.
 
Raw-Tracks said:
I am sure there is some technical theory tha proves mic patching on 1/4" or TT jacks is wrong. However, in practice, there is rarely a problem.
Click to expand...

It is ok, it is recommended you use "full normal," because mic level is much weaker than the line level that comes out of a pre-amp and therefore doesn't do well with being split. ;)
 
rpd said:
It is ok, it is recommended you use "full normal," because mic level is much weaker than the line level that comes out of a pre-amp and therefore doesn't do well with being split. ;)
Click to expand...

Yup, I've only ever seen Full Normalled mic patching.
 
Just a suggestion on type. I've had the Samson S Patch Plus for a while and really like it. It's very solidly built. Jacks seem rugged and metal. I know the dbx PB48 is kinda a standard, but the Samson allows you to change the signal routing (normal,half-normal,thru) with a small switch on the front panel. You don't have to remove a module and flip it, which seems like a real pain. These are balanced patchbays and you can get one for $89 at music123.com and free ship I think.
 
rpd said:
It is ok, it is recommended you use "full normal," because mic level is much weaker than the line level that comes out of a pre-amp and therefore doesn't do well with being split. ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks for this advice, very helpful and it makes total sense.

FALKEN said:
yeah you are right. its the furman. same model #. i changed it.
Click to expand...

I have a pile of those Furman patchbays. They do not hold the connectors well at all. Even the slightest strain on the cable and the conenctor pops out. It's also very hard to do the "insert to the first click" with them, since you can barely feel the clicks and even then the connector is not held tight.

I much prefer the DBX and REAN patchbays, but haven't tried the Neutrik or that Samson one yet.
 
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