Patch Bay and Outboard Gear

What is the Patch Bay?

The patch bay in the control room lets you manage and route analog audio signals between different hardware and cable connections in the studio. It is organized with outputs on the top row and inputs on the bottom row of each bay, which allows easy re-routing of signals using patch cables.

Using the Patch Bay

Patch Bay Layout Overview

Outputs: Top row (e.g. preamp outputs).
Inputs: Bottom row (e.g. studio tie lines).
Normalled Connections:
- Outputs on the top row are normalled (automatically connected) to the inputs directly below them.
- Without a patch cable, the signal will automatically flow from the output to the input below.
Example: columns 17 and 18 on the top strip show that the outputs from the Grace preamps are connected to the MOTU 828 Inputs 3 and 4. This means that when you record using the Grace preamps, the signal will automatically go to your DAW through inputs 3&4.

Using Patch Cables to Reroute Signals

Patching from an Output:
- When you connect a patch cable from an output, this action duplicates the signal. The original connection remains intact, allowing the signal to flow to its default destination while also sending a copy to the new location.
- Example: if you plug in patch cables into Grace Outputs, the signal will still be sent to MOTU828 Inputs 3 and 4, whilst still allowing you to send duplicated signal elsewhere.
Patching into an Input:
- If you connect a patch cable to an input, this breaks the normalled connection. The original output that was routed to this input will no longer send its signal there.
- Example: if you connect patch cables from some output to the MOTU 828 Inputs 3 and 4, the normal connection from the Grace Outputs to the MOTU 828 Inputs 3 and 4 will be interrupted. Instead, the output signal from whatever you plugged in will now be routed to MOTU 828 Inputs 3 and 4.

Patch cables are stored in the far-right corner of the control room, next to the tall rack. Remember to return them after use to keep the workspace organized.

Key Patch Bay Connections

Microphone Preamp Outputs (3-10):
- These are normalled to the MOTU828 Inputs 3-10.
- You can use patch cables to route these signals to other destinations before they enter the MOTU 828, or you can direct them to different inputs instead of the MOTU 828.
MOTU828 Interface Inputs/Outputs:
- Inputs: Can accept signal from various sources, such as preamps, outboard gear, or other audio equipment.
  - MOTU828 Inputs 3-10 correspond to software inputs 3-10.
- Outputs: Route software audio (from your DAW) to various destinations.
  - MOTU Outputs 1 and 2 (correspond to software outputs 1 and 2) are normalled to the Monitor Control ST1, which feeds the Genelec speakers in the control room.
  - MOTU828 Outputs 7 and 8 are normalled to Monitor Control ST2, typically used for headphone mixes.
Studio Tie Lines:
- These connections send audio to Studio Tie Lines in the tracking room.
- Commonly used for setting up headphones mixes from the control room.

For detailed information on setting up headphone mixes, visit the headphone mixes help page.

Patch Bay Example: Rerouting a Mic Preamp

If you'd like to send a mic preamp signal (e.g., Grace 1) into outboard gear instead of its normalled MOTU input:

Patch from the Grace Preamp Output (top row) to your outboard gear’s input.
Patch from the outboard gear’s output to the desired MOTU input (bottom row).

This breaks the normalled connection and reroutes the signal through your chosen path.

Using Outboard Gear

Outboard gear refers to external hardware like compressors and EQs that can be used to process audio during recording or mixing. In Steinert Studio, only the UREI LA-4 compressor/limiter and the JoeMeek twinQcs are currently connected to the patch bay.

UREI LA-4 Compressor/Limiter

The LA-4 is a powerful hardware compressor/limiter, - the signal is quite "hot", so it’s important to run your signal quite low into it.

To use during recording:

Patch from the Microphone Preamp Output (e.g., Grace 1 on column 17) into UREI LA-4 Input 1 or 2 (columns 11/12).
Patch from UREI LA-4 Output 1 or 2 (column 15/16, top row) into the MOTU 828 Analog Input 3 (column 17).
- The signal will now flow from the mic through the preamp into the LA-4 compressor, then into the MOTU and your DAW (software input 3).

For more details, you can reference the LA-4 manual.

JoeMeek twinQcs

The JoeMeek twinQcs units can function as either preamps or as outboard compressors/EQs. By default, they’re set up as preamps, but you can patch them for use as outboard gear.

Using the JoeMeek twinQcs as Outboard Gear:

Switch to Line Mode: Press the ‘Line’ button on the unit (bottom left) to enable line input, changing the impedance to accept a signal from the patch bay.
Patch from JoeMeek Line In 1/2 (columns 9/10 – inputs) and from JoeMeek 1/2 (columns 23/24 – outputs) under Microphone Preamps 3-10 Outputs.

Make sure to turn off the Line switch after use so the next user can switch back to preamp mode.

For further details, check the JoeMeek twinQcs manual.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Signal in DAW:

- Check Connections: Ensure all patch cables are securely connected and not damaged.
- Verify Normalled Connections: If you have plugged a cable into an input, remember that this breaks the normalled connection. Ensure that the desired output is correctly routed.
- Check Input Settings: Make sure the correct inputs are selected in your DAW.

Weak or Distorted Signal:

- Adjust Gain Levels: Check the gain settings on your microphone preamp and any outboard gear. Ensure they are set appropriately for the incoming signal.
- Inspect Patch Cables: Look for any damaged or faulty patch cables, which can cause signal degradation.

Outboard Gear Not Responding:

- Power and Settings: Confirm that the outboard gear is powered on and properly set up. Refer to the equipment manual for specific setup instructions.
- Check Routing: Ensure that the signal is correctly patched through the outboard gear by tracing the signal path in the patch bay.

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