I'm currently trying to sort out my hardware rack and looking for some tips on sorting out a patchbay. I am using the Behringer PX3000 patchbay so it is all balanced and has the 3 standards settings.

However, my head is spinning from trying to organise what goes where. I have found a PX3000 socket labelling template that I have downloaded to help the process, but still having a headache working out what goes where.

I am currently using a MOTU 828 interface and have a couple of hardware synths (non-USB audio ones) and also planning to pick up a couple of bits like a Lexicon effects unit, tube warmer and channel strip.

Anybody got advice on where to start with working out what goes where?

 

That's the great thing about a patchbay.

The connections can go where you like as long as you not hard wiring it of course.

Ultrapatch pro is pretty simple in that 24 connections, like most, Top and Bottom.

3 Basic rules:-

a.) Top Jacks for outputs of say audio interface, rack gear etc
b.) Bottom Jacks go to the inputs of your interface etc
c.) Don't connect output to output or input to input on front of patchbay with patch cables.

Apart from that then just learn and set your modes and the rest is up to you

Ultrapatch pro 3 main modes

Normal Mode - two connections at the rear top and bottom connected and the disconnected when interrupted by sticking patch cable in front

Half Normal Mode - Same as normal mode except this time the connection between top and bottom not interrupted when you stick a patch cable in the front

Thru mode - Straightforward definition i.e Signal goes in rear top comes out top front and same for bottom sockets i.e straight thru.

Also use 1/4 " Balanced TRS and NEVER route a microphone thru a patchbay but thru a mixer.

The rest is up to u to be creative and do what serves your needs.

At first simply concentrate on setting up your interface and Speakers inputs & outputs and then concentrate on which effects you likely to use the most and route them close by.

Remember as the length of wire increases signal quality degrades so this is a consideration. Use small patch cables and not like huge cables or it just gong to make life difficult and messy.

Depending on your interface number of inputs & outputs will then dictate how many of the first load of connections you use up. Then simply patch in your FX as you need. Very handy for say running a signal through outboard gear and FX and seeing what it sounds like etc.

If you going to eventually hard wire a patchbay good luck and that

Have fun & be creative and try not to blow any shit up

Good luck

 

Cheers for the fab and helpful post!

However, curious whyyou don't say to send mic through patchbay. My plan was to wire in each FX unit so they run in chain that i can break by inserting patch cables in. My MOTU 828 has 2 mic preamps on the front and 2 sends on the back. My intention was to run those two sends into my FX chain part of my patchbay. Is that not a good idea then?

 

As a general rule of thumb route Mics through a mixer.

They can be put thru a patchbay but in general is NOT a good practise.

When I say run a mic I mean as in directly into patchbay.

Main reasons TRS patchbay etc are meant for line level signals only.

In general MIC's should be routed through mixer or XLR bay. Remember microphones have live voltage running thru them and in the case of TRS that voltage can damage whatever it comes into contact with. Could also be a short.

Condenser MIC with +48v phantom power or deffo wouldn't risk blowing up say a really expensive Ribbon mic.

Not worth the risk As a general rule of thumb use a TRS patchbay for line level signals.

Microphones inputs that are meant for extremely low level signals and also 48 volt phantom power just a bad idea.

Much better practise buy or use a small mixer or use XLR cables/Bay

 

You can hard wire the mics to the 828 mic pres (front) and wire sends 1 and 2 at the back of the 828 to your patchbay, that way you can patch in a compressor or whatever else and bring it back into the Motu.

 

Get as high quality cables as you can afford, as this affords your gear the highest quality and integrity of your signal chains, and as Lean previously and correctly stated, keep them cables as short as you possibly can. Having a patchbay is going to make your life sweet. Have oodles of fun.