Patchbays explained - Part 3
In part 1 and part 2 we explored what patchbays are and the different ways in which they can be configured. In this final instalment we are going to look at the ways various items of equipment can be integrated into a patchbay.
As discussed in part 2, patchbays can be configured to automatically send the signal from the top row to the bottom row. This is so the patchbay can be set up to route commonly linked equipment to each other so you don’t need to manually patch them in together. This means that you have to plan your patchbay so that the outputs are on the top row and the inputs are on the bottom. A good way to remember this is TOS and RIB:
TOS = Top, Output, Send.
RIB = Return In Bottom.
Insert Points
Insert points are usually located in one continuous block on a patchbay. The send for each channel is located immediately above the return of the same channel. As insert points are essentially an extended loop for each channel, they must be normalled or half-normalled. If they are left open the loop will be broken and the channel will no longer work.
Compressors and Gates
For convenience, compressors and gates are usually located in blocks with the outputs above the inputs. This makes it relatively easy to pick out each unit in the patchbay but they must be open. If they are normalled the compressor or gate will feed back into themselves which if left undetected, can damage them.
Effects Units and Auxiliaries
Effects units are usually paired with the auxes that are used to send and return their signals. The sends are located above the effects unit inputs and the effects outputs are above the aux returns. They are usually normalled or half normalled.
Synths and other instruments
Synths, drum machines, sound modules etc. are normally set out with their outputs above the desks line inputs. They are normalled/half-normalled.
Planning
You should always sketch out a plan of a patchbay before you start wiring it up and annotate it to show which sections should be normalled or left open. This will help to avoid problems such as feedback, broken channels and running out of space for all the connections you want on the patchbay.
Most patchbays follow the convention of having the signal flow starting from the top left and finishing at the bottom right. This way all the sound sources (synths etc.) and line inputs are at the top and the main mix outputs and 2 track inputs at the bottom left.
Jon Maskrey
1 March 06
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