Audio Patchbays | Digital Audio Patchbays

Notes: NANOPATCH X is a tiny patch bay with the primary function of connecting to guitar pedals and other effects processors. It can be used in conjunction with NANOPATCH M or standalone, for a variety of purposes.

It also works with CV, so can be used as a breakout box for semi-modular synths with outputs in hard-to-reach places (e.g. Moog Grandmother) and devices that output CV over TRS sockets (e.g. MPC ONE).

Dimensions: 76 mm x 70 mm x 22 mm (not including sockets and feet)

How It Works

Each 1/4" TRS socket on the back corresponds to two mono TS mini jacks on the top panel.

By using insert cables (TRS to dual TS), connect up to four pedals to a single NANOPATCH X.

The inputs and outputs of the pedals are then easily accessible via the top panel, using standard eurorack or TRS cables.

Patching can be done directly from instrument to mixer or via a NANOPATCH M.

Notes: NANOPATCH M is a tiny and incredibly versatile patch bay, with mini jacks sockets on both the rear and the top panel. It is ideal for connecting to instruments and a mixer when used in conjunction with NANOPATCH X.

It also works with CV, so can be used as a breakout box for semi-modular synths with outputs in hard-to-reach places (e.g. Moog Grandmother) and devices that output CV over TRS sockets (e.g. MPC ONE).

Dimensions: 76 mm x 70 mm x 22 mm (not including sockets and feet)

Mini jack sockets on the back panel makes it easy to connect to eurorack systems and small instruments such as Korg Volcas.

3.5 mm to 6.35 mm cables can be used when connecting to equipment with 1/4" sockets.

Using standard eurorack cables, easily patch signals from a NANOPATCH M through effects connected to a NANOPATCH X (and back again).

How It Works

Rear sockets labelled 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 can be used for either mono or stereo signals. For example, if a TRS cable is plugged into rear socket 1/2, the left and right channels will break out to sockets 1 and 2 on the top panel. If another cable is plugged into rear socket 2, rear sockets 1 and 2 will correspond to sockets 1 and 2 on the top panel, both in mono.

Normalling

Channels 1-4 can be full-normalled to channels 5-8 using DIP switches located on the side of the NANOPATCH M.

This allows a signal to pass through from instrument to mixer without the need for any patching. When a patch cable is inserted into either socket of a normalled pair, the connection is broken, allowing for custom routing of the signal.

Typical Setup

A typical setup would be to have four instruments connected to channels 1-4 and four mixer channels connected to channels 5-8.

Connections to the mixer could either be made with four separate mono cables (utilizing the sockets on the side) or with two insert cables (as in the diagram).

Notes: Armed with gold plated quarter-inch TRS jacks and built-in Bluetooth, Black Lion's PBR TRS BT is a future-proof patch bay built for the next technological frontier.

Black Lion's TRS BT model from their PBR range is a 46-point patch back with 94 audiophile-grade 6.35mm gold-plated TRS connectors. TRS BT features to operating modes (normal and half-normal) which can easily be toggled using a switch situated on the ruggedly anodised front panel.

For patching in modern devices at lightning speed and with zero-cabling, the TRS BT also features built-in Bluetooth connectivity. In true Black Lion fashion, every BLA-installed Bluetooth module is modded to support full lossless audio for listening and sampling at optimum resolution.

Specifications

Number of Points: 46
Front Connectors: 23x TRS Jack
Rear Connectors: 23x TRS Jack, 2x TRS Jack (BT out), USB-C
Dimensions: 534 x 102 x 51mm, 1.4kg

Notes: An absolute essential for any studio juggling outboard, effects processors, consoles or multiple synths, Black Lion's PBR TRS is an organised audio engineer's best friend.

From Black Lion's PBR range of patchbays, the bestselling PBR TRS runs 96 audiophile-grade gold-plated TRS connectors with normal/half-normal switches for each stereo set.

PBR TRS is built to be just at home on the road as in the studio, and features an incredibly hard-wearing black-anodised face plate, armed with white labelling tags for each channel for users to mark their own inputs.

Specifications

Number of Points 48
Front Connectors 48x 1/4" TRS
Rear Connectors 48x 1/4" TRS
Dimensions 534 x 102 x 51mm, 1.4kg (boxed)

Notes: A versatile alternative to conventional rack-mounted patch bays, the Minibay 1/4-inch connections round the back, which can be patched on the front panel via 1/8-inch cables. Compact and effective.

Supplier's Notes:
MINIBAY is a compact 40-point audio patch bay, designed to integrate neatly into a studio desktop space. It utilises 1/4" stereo sockets to connect with external gear and 1/8" mono (Eurorack) sockets for routing signals. There are also two built-in passive mixers with dedicated patch-points located on the main panel.

Intuitive

While the ins and outs can be configured to suit your needs, the general idea is to have instruments on Row A, mixer channels on Row B, and effects hooked into the FX rows.

Reach up to the effects; reach down to the mixer.

Convenient

MINIBAY can be neatly positioned next to a mixer (or just about anywhere) for quick and easy access and reference while working.

Patch-points are spaced to allow for comfortable grip and leverage when handling cables (even for fat fingers :)

Connecting to Gear

Insert Cables

In most cases, connections to instruments, effects and the mixer are made with standard insert cables (1xTRS to 2xTS).

This system allows two mono connections for each 1/4" socket on the back panel, and is how MINIBAY is able to pack so much for its size.

TRS Cables

TRS cables can be used to make stereo or balanced connections. When this is done, each channel or polarity is patched separately on the front panel.

Rows A and B

For Rows A and B, each 1/4" socket on the back panel is wired to two adjacent 1/8" sockets on the main panel.

FX Rows

Each 1/4" FX socket on the back panel is wired to the two corresponding 1/8" FX sockets on the main panel. One insert cable can therefore be used to connect to the input and output on an effects unit (or two cables for a stereo unit).

Normalling

Connections between patch points on Rows A and B can be individually normalled using the dip switches located on the interior of the main patch panel. Simply take out the screws on MINIBAY's steel enclosure to open it up and access these.

A normalled connection is one where the signal flows without the need for patch cables. In a fully normalled connection (as used in MINIBAY), the connection is broken if a cable is inserted at any point in the signal flow.

Notes: The PDR-369 XLR Patch Bay by Hosa Technology is designed to provide 12 channels of balanced audio throughput for any situation. It is ideal for making rear-panel microphone mixer inputs easier to reach. Features include:

- Rolled-steel chassis for rugged durability and ease of repair
- Gold-plated contacts for corrosion resistance and superior signal transfer
- Shielded, Oxygen-Free Copper conductors for enhanced signal clarity

Connectors: XLR3F to XLR3M

Notes: The MHB-350 Patch Bay Module by Hosa Technology provides 8 channels of balanced phone throughput for any situation. It is ideal for routing balanced signals to and from mixers, recorders, and outboard gear. Features include:

- Rolled-steel chassis for rugged durability and ease of repair
- Nickel-plated jacks for efficient signal transfer
- Reversible channel modules for half-normalled or de-normalled operation

Hosa's Modular Patch Bays are designed for use as either stand-alone units or mounted in a PPP-000 Patch Bay Module Rack Frame as a component of a multi-function patch bay. The PPP-000 (sold separately) holds up to 4 modules and fits any 19-inch rack.

Connectors: 1/4 in TRS to Same

Notes: Well, it's not very glamorous, but everybody needs a patchbay. And as for the PB-48, it is a patchbay that just works, all the time, every time. It comes in 2 flavors: half-normalled or de-normalled, with 48 1/4" points on the front panel, connected to 48 1/4" points on the rear.

The PB-48 is a rugged, noise-free, versatile patchbay designed to serve all your patchbay needs, from providing clear and easy access to your mixer and other studio gear, to reducing the wear and tear on their jacks, to facilitating quick and precise rerouting of devices within your studio setup. See, not glamorous, but it works great.

The specifications:

Chassis dimensions (H x W x D): 44mm x 482mm x 68mm
Module dimensions (H x W x D): 40mm x 18mm x 68mm
Shipping weight: 1.06kg
Jacks: 1/4" phone, balanced or unbalanced.