Art Pro Audio P16 - XLR Balanced Patch Bay

Product Information

TT/Bantam—Bantam or tiny telephone cables are a compact format that allow a single patchbay to house up to 96 individual connection points. The DBX PB-48 is a 48-point patch bay that offers half-normalled and de-normalled operation. It has a simple and straightforward design, this budget-priced patch bay is reminiscent of classic DBX pieces that have been studio mainstays for years. However, although the generally acceptable performance places it in the category of other patch bays costing many times as much, some corners have obviously been cut in the design and construction of the PB-48, as we will explain below. Specs and useful features The top-side switches are also a nice touch as it means not having to thumb through the rear panel when changing modes. Bottom-line To connect to gear with ¼” TRS or XLR inputs you’ll need DB25 snakes with the correct connector ends.

For instance, there’s no point in connecting every studio mic line output to every channel mic input. You could normal these connections, so the signal flows without having to make a patch. But when used for audio, these connectors can carry up to 8 balanced signals each. They’re often used on TT patchbays to get the maximum number of connections in the smallest space.

Overview

The fact that it makes the use of cables obsolete is also welcomed by users who prefer not to be bothered by cable problems. Bottom-line Even hybrid studios with only a few pieces of outboard gear can benefit from a patchbay. It’s all about reducing the amount of time you spend setting up, and increasing the amount of time you spend making music. If you have a studio with analog equipment, you’ll benefit from a using a patchbay. Just be prepared to spend 10-20% of your gear investment for all the cabling you’ll need. Patchbay Design If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered

The front panel connections are where you route signals with patch cords and connect additional inputs. This allows you to “mult” a signal by plugging a cable into the top row and route it to another input. The original signal continues to the original input, as well as the “multed” input, creating a duplicate signal. Non-Normal Digital audio converters connect to the DAW using USB, Thunderbolt, etc. The inputs are digitally assigned to DAW inputs.

Signal Flow

Solder-type patchbays are sometimes less expensive, but can be tough to install—even if you’re handy with a soldering iron. Normalled vs. half-normalled patchbays Hot tip: While it may sound tempting, running different microphones on an ¼” patch bay before they reach your mic preamp isn’t recommended. The 48v phantom power that’s required to run some microphone types can cause dangerous side effects when ¼” cables are accidentally removed. Avoid it altogether by using an XLR patchbay or skipping the patchbay for your mics. XLR—XLR patch bays are often simple, single point systems with a front panel female input connected directly to a male rear panel output. Typically, studio mic lines and channel mic inputs are normalled. You’re always going to plug a mic into a preamp, and there’s little need to mult it at this stage.