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What is this called and where can I get one?

Rockin Mike

Rockin Mike

May 27, 2011
2,772
424
#1
A plate with connectors that I can mount on the back of my rack, the connectors on the plate go to plugs permanently plugged in to the connectors on my rack devices.

The purpose is to plug and unplug things to the back of my rack devices without having to reach inside the rack. Like trying to make the back plate of the devices available on the back of the rack instead of deep inside the rack.

What is that called?
Who makes them?
Where can parts be obtained for someone moderately handy with a soldering iron to DIY?

Thanks...
 
#3
OK I found a bunch of them googling for "patch bay".
They all seem to be boxes with connectors on the front and back, so you need:
instrument->cable->patchbay->short cable->rack device

I was hoping for something more lightweight, just a plate (not a box) with short cables hardwired to it so:
instrument->cable-patchplate->rack device
looks like that is a DIY kind of thing.

Anyway, thanks for the terminology.
 
#4
Depends on what you want connected.. I have one that is real simple on the back of my PA amp rack... two XLR's (left/right inputs from mixer) and TWO Speakon's (L/R outputs to speakers). The Speakon are 4-way to support bi-amped cabinets. I built that myself [and the one below] from components sourced at parts-express (https://www.parts-express.com/cat/rack-panels/619).

I have another panel mounted at the top that has FOUR 1/4" inputs and FOUR 1/4" outputs. These are wired on the back to L/R inputs on my two monitor amps and the 4 outs correspond to the 4 inputs. Plug 'n play.

You can get panels pre-punched, add in the connectors, but will need to do your own wiring, etc.
Or.. you can get them custom built but will pay a premium.
I have one I bought from here, that I have in my AxeFx guitar rig (Link Removed)

I think this is the one I had built...
Link Removed
 
#6
Cool, that's what I need...

"Connector Panels" [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
and
"Panel Jacks" [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
and
"Bulk Cable" [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
and
"Cord Ends" [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

and a soldering iron and a free Saturday.

The hard part is the free Saturday.
 
#7
http://www.parts-express.com/middle-atlantic-uni-1-universal-connector-rack-panel-1u--262-575

PatchBayFront-1.jpg


This is what I use. You can configure it any way you'd like. As you can see, I used mine to create any easily accessible array of Speakon connectors. It can be easily reconfigured "behind the scenes" for just about anything including bi-amp.

Riis
 
#8
I built all of the rack panels for my employer's amp racks, FX racks, and processing racks, including some with Ramlatch multi-pin connectors where there are many devices in one rack.

Unless you have a need for a custom configuration, by all means, buy the pre-punched panels. It's really cheaper in the long run, unless you have a LOT of free time on your hands. And less aggravating...
 
#10
If your rack also includes power amps and crossovers... My power racks output via an 8 way speakon. 1 cable to each stack for my triamped system with a pair left over. It is a serious time saver... 1 cable to roll vs three. When I double up and run all 4 subs and tops, I jump top box to top box, sub to sub with shorties. When it comes to cable systems, Cleanliness is godliness.

I got the cable and connectors from Audiopile, say Hi to Liz for me. I had them build the 8 way cables as it was too cheap for me to pass up...
 

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