#21

I’ve got a large mix of balanced and unbalanced gear in my patchbay and haven’t had that as a source of noise issue (tape machine, old unbalanced console, balanced interface). I’m curious if it might be a ground loop somewhere? Do you have things in different outlets around the room by chance?

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#22

Actually, the first thing I noticed was a ground loop but I tracked that down and fixed it already. I’m having a bigger problem with levels and distortion now.

#23

It might help to know more about your setup. Are any of the connections normalled? What patchbay? In the spirit of troubleshooting, did any settings change on the interface during the setup process? Are you using TRS connections from the interface? Are you sure all cables are fully seated?

This might be better suited for the Questions category.

As another data point, I’m using a patchbay with multiple audio interfaces, a half-dozen synths, modular, and outboard and have never had level/distortion issues. All issues were usually traced to a cable coming loose or rarely, just a bad cable.

#24

check this doc:
https://www.ranecommercial.com/kb_article.php?article=2107
you’ll probably need cables of type #14 for going from unbalanced gear to the patchbay, and type #11 (maybe #9b depending on your mixer or audio interface) for the other way around. it’s what I use (balanced analogue mixer, two patchbays, unbalanced tape gear and old FX boxes, balanced audio interface).

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#25

maybe a D.I. can resolve your problems… like a Radial ones…

#26

Here’s a powerpoint walkthrough from a college class on patchbays:

8 Likes
#27

Sound on Sound published a piece recently that some may find helpful: https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/patchbays-modern-studio

#28

I mostly use Patchbays to give front panel access to normally rear-accessiible jacks, like outputs and inputs on my audio interface, or to hook up FX loops. My one issue is the relatively small number of outputs I have from my interface. I could probably set things up to make better use of them though mind you. Maybe I’ll do that over the holidays…