So I am a little confused....1/4 vs XLR, preamp to patchbay...?

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chadsxe

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My gear as built up to the point were a patch bay would be a logical next step. First let me ask this, is a XLR connection better then a 1/4 trs? Reason why I ask is because I have been using XLR 2 XLR connections form my mics to my pres. With a patchbay I would have to change this to XLR to 1/4 trs in order to connect my mics to the patchbay. Am I overthinking this or is this how it is typically done?
 
Best to avoid mic connections on the patch bay (phantom power). Route your line level signals through the patch... connect your mics direct to the preamp.

There have been threads here discussing XLR patch bays, but for XLR line level signals I'd just use a TRS/XLR cable to the bay
 
ahhh I forgot about phantom power, but wait why can't you just switch on the phantom power when needed.....patchbays can't handle phantom power?....so what options do people use when connecting there pres when they are racked....seeing that most pres have there connections in the back I can't imagine people are climbing behind the racks everytime they want to make a new connection........I am most likely overlooking something simple.....
 
There is nothing to stop you from running phantom power through a 1/4" TRS connector, except for the fact that it's a disaster waiting to happen. Just picture what will happen to your lovely microphone as you accidentally plug in the TRS connector with phantom power on. *Pffffffffffffft!* The XLR connector is designed to avoid the problem.

You could use something like this: http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=PBXLR-1&off=12

Don
 
DonF said:
There is nothing to stop you from running phantom power through a 1/4" TRS connector, except for the fact that it's a disaster waiting to happen. Just picture what will happen to your lovely microphone as you accidentally plug in the TRS connector with phantom power on. *Pffffffffffffft!* The XLR connector is designed to avoid the problem.

You could use something like this: http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=PBXLR-1&off=12

Don
Click to expand...

Well to be honest I never new pluging in a mic with a TRS while Phantom power is would cause damage......what is actually happening to cause the damage.....which still leaves my question unanswered....why do studios typically do when switching between pre amps....
 
What is actually happening: when the 1/4" connector is inserted part-way into the jack, +48v is going to one side of the capsule, while the other side is grounded. Normally equal voltage is going to both sides of the capsule, so no current flows. (The voltage effectively "vanishes", hence the name "phantom" power.) With only one side connected, current flows, which fries the capsule.

The XLR connector is designed so that the ground connection (X, pin 1) is made first, and the two signal connections (L and R, pins 2 and 3) are made simultaneously, after the ground connection is made. It's still not a great idea to make the connection with phantom power turned on, but it's much less likely to result in damage.

As to what studios typically do, the last "pro" studio I was in had all preamp inputs routed to XLR connectors in floor boxes in the live room. I'll leave it to others to say what the current practice is.
 
to keep it simple,
i assume u got inserts on all your channels of your mixing desc,
get yourself a TRS (=balanced just like XLR) SNAKE, 8 channels will do for a while i think

this way you connect all (or just 8 if u only use 8 cables of course) your mixer channels to the patchbay, no matter u got a mic or line connected to that channel.

you plug the TRS (with a "stereo" jack...auch, sorry to say that) in the mixer inserts, the other end of the snake has two TS ("mono") jacks,
they go in the back of the patchbay, sends on top, receive on the bottom (thats how i do it, u can change it if u want)

this means that you can now put compressors or EQs on your mixer channels via the front of your patchbay,
connect your compressors the same way to the patchbay, to the back, compressor outputs to the top, inputs to the bottom

now u can use patchcables to connect a compressor to an insert of your mixer, its very easy to change from compressor to compressor....

guess you got the point, this means you don't "ever" have to change the cables on the back of your machines, good if you got a bad back like i do..

i hope i kinda explained it right, otherwise, take an airplane, come over and take a look at my configuration

:o
 
earworm said:
...i assume u got inserts on all your channels ...
Click to expand...
Your information is accurate, but the original question was about connecting MICROPHONES to PREAMP INPUTS and had nothing to do with inserts.
 
It's also a little known fact that... a current (phantom voltage) running through dissimilar metals causes electrolysis. This slowly builds up a fine film of corrosion on the two mating contacts creating a tuned R/C (reactive/capacitive) circuit that can actual affect the frequency response of the signal travelling through it...

No... really...
 
But by the time that film of corrosion has built up to the point where it causes a significant effect on your signal, analog will have made its big comeback... :rolleyes:
 
Well then I guess what I am looking for is a way to rack mount a snack :). Anyone ever done it?
 
Put all of your preamps in a rack that is easily accessible to the front and the rear.
 
Take a blank rack spacer and drill panel mount XLR connectors onto it.
 
There is nothing wrong with putting mics with phantom power in a patchbay it is done in every recording studio I have ever seen or installed.

How do you think you connect 90 mic inputs of a SSL, plug them in directly??? that would be really practical.

Thats what people have done for 30 plus years.

Just be careful. And don't put one end of the patch cord in your mouth and patch into a pre in with the power on!!

You souldn't even really be patching with Phantom on any way, just so you don't hurt your mics. when you turn it on it comes on gradual if you patch it it gives you a full on voltage and over time could do some damage
 
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