• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Patch Bay concept, a little overwhelming

tothemax

tothemax

Nov 1, 2013
1,463
1,701
Annapolis Area
#1
In my home studio is pretty basic Tascam 16x08 USB interface to my PC, a Nektar LX-25 control surface, with a semi integrated mixer (Behringer x2222). From the mixer I have 6 XLR channels inserts from the connected to 6 non-XLR inputs on the Tascam USB so I can easily record practices directly from the mixer. The Pre's on the Tascam are better than the ones on the mixer board so for quality recordings I go direct. The Patch Bay question came up because I have two drum machines that I use depending on the music (one is quick and easy, the other sounds much better). Currently I have one drum machine connected to the mixer and when I use it for recording I have an aux send going to one of the Tascam line channels. Will probably add the second drum machine the same way.

This is my basic setup and I'm not really planning on adding any other outboard equipment anytime soon. I was watching a few YouTubes on Patch Bays and my question is: "Would there be a good reason to integrate a patch bay into a system like this?"

I'm getting ready to reorganize my workspace area and in the planning stages now.
 
#3
A patchbay is just a tool. Like any tool, it can be useful or not depending on if it is the right tool for the job. They can be complex at first and costly. I like mine a lot. My rack mounted interface has most of its inputs on the back. I use the patchbay to bring inputs to the front of my rack.
IMG_1470.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: TOOL460002, seamonkey and tothemax
#5
Basslice said:
View attachment 4812151
Click to expand...

Thread Drift: The recording studio where I learned my craft circa 1977-81 had a rack containing three of those Hewlett-Packard oscillators (like the one you've got) along with seven or eight GenRad oscillators all feeding a custom passive mixer...it was essentially a gigantic additive synthesizer. Fun times! But I don't think I've seen one since, so thanks for triggering the fond memories!
 
  • Like
Reactions: seamonkey and Basslice
#6
Take a look at your needs and determine if you want a patch bay or a snake. I find more often than not that people without analog hardware that they're trying to move between channels as-needed are better served with a snake. If you've got, say a compressor or an EQ that you want to try on different channels to build different signal chains than a patch bay is the way to go. If you just need easier places to connect cables than a snake or something simple like the Hosa PDR-369 or ART PT-16 are often more than enough for most people.
 
#7
Funny you would mention a snake, I have a 12 channel XLR snake with a couple of 1/4 TRS jacks, I was seriously thinking this might be an quick and dirty solution. Then I thought about disconnecting everything should a gig come up and I need it for the PA. Really appreciate the feedback... definitely have a few options to look at. Just scored a small rack, so things are moving forward.
 
#9
If you think a snake is something that would work for you, consider getting something like the ART P16. Although ART calls it a patch bay, it doesn't have capability of a true patch bay. But what it does do is give you 16 XLR ins/out in a 1U rack mountable box that allows you to quickly connect of disconnect any source to any channel on your mixer (assuming you have 16 channels). This works for me since I only use a couple of outboard processors/effects and have them on specific channels. So if I need a compressor or reverb, I plug into channel X or Y. If your mixer has onboard effects/processors or you mostly mix in the box with your DAW, it's a good thing to have.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back