How I Use Patchbays in My Synth Studio - The PERFECT Home Studio Ep. 3

[@BoBeats]

Looking to build a hardware synth setup? Here’s some gear I recommend and if you buy something using my links I get a small % of every sale at no cost to you. GOOD STARTER SYNTHS Korg Minilogue XD (my nr 1 choice for a beginner!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72 US: bit.ly/43pwF77 UK: tidd.ly/3zRzrV7 HydraSynth Explorer (battery powered!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/527778?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/jrr64P US: bit.ly/HSexplorerPC UK: tidd.ly/4158nxy Arturia Minifreak (it's really good) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/553604?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/QyyddY US: bit.ly/PCxMinifreak UK: tidd.ly/3A1teGh Cobalt8 (virtual analog poly synth) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X US: bit.ly/cobalt8PC UK: tidd.ly/3MM6OAi DRUM MACHINES Roland TR8S (very versatile!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/434284?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/PLJoR Drumbrute Impact (analog and affordable) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/444377?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/LJod3 Korg Drumlogue (a good starter drum machine) MIXERS (all of these can record multiple channels at once) Bluebox Mixer (standalone, super small) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/504944?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/b4ELm US: bit.ly/PS-1010 UK: tidd.ly/3KU8FSr Soundcraft MTK 22 (USB mixer, hook up to a computer) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/359305?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/6a2GG US: bit.ly/40XBH9c UK: tidd.ly/418Nthi Tascam Model 12 (super affordable!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483453?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Vro4E US: bit.ly/401XVpl UK: tidd.ly/417whZl Presonus 16 channel (solid digital mixer with USB recording capability) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/423722?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/RxJRb UK: tidd.ly/4117Bln MIDI THRU BOXES (midi splitters) Kenton Thru-5 (split a midi output into 5 midi outputs) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/220156?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/LvenY US: bit.ly/3zRPyC1 UK: tidd.ly/407Opkl iConnectivity MioXL (there's a smaller one too!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/476770?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/xxAy1 US: bit.ly/3o9xVLi UK: tidd.ly/3GCaEYN SYNTH STAND Jaspers: thmn.to/thoprod/443021?offid=1&affid=623 GOOD FX Blackhole (solid reverb) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/503207?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/jExYb US: bit.ly/3MHZc1X UK: tidd.ly/3GCr4Rg Tricerachorus (I really like it on the Korg Minilogue) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/529760?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/MXJDDK US: bit.ly/41gNgYI UK: tidd.ly/4106r9r SEQUENCERS Arturia Keystep Pro (it got everything you need to get started) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/483153?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/M4G7Y US: bit.ly/PC-keystep UK: tidd.ly/3zTbKvK GROOVEBOXES / SAMPLERS Novation Circuit Tracks (4 track Sequencer & Synth) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/512775?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/0kgRJ US: bit.ly/circuittracksPC UK: tidd.ly/4078BD4 Elektron Digitakt (8 track sampler, 8 track sequencer) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/DKKeg5 US: imp.i114863.net/yDJYB UK: tidd.ly/43uOzWe NI Maschine+ (standalone sequencer/sampler) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/501389?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/m69Yy US: bit.ly/MaschinePlusPC UK: tidd.ly/408VMbv Polyend Play (8 track sample & midi sequencer) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/543481?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZZK5R US: sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZZK5R UK: tidd.ly/43zAfLO SPEAKERS: IK MTM (great for small bedrooms!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457892?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/XxbL25

[@SanjayC]

I love researching something and accidentally stumbling upon one of Bo's videos.

[@looneyburgmusic]

Not too long ago I added a new patchbay to my synth rig, and after staring for hours at page after page that I had drawn up of possible ways of routing everything I realized the simplest way was the best for my needs - most of the bay stacks work as straight thru-points; top connects back to front are all outputs, coming from my audio interface, one of my synths, guitar, or outboard effects returns, the bottom connects front to back are all inputs - to the audio interface, or outboard effects. Wired this way I have access to all 8 inputs of my interface and my outboard effects gear simultaneously, and I can quickly see on the front panel what is going where, without having to worry about any normalized or half-normal stacks.

[@psypher19111911]

Hi Bo! Two things: 1. From around 14:25 you made it almost sound like the patchbay couldn't be half-normalized or in isolated mode, but of course it can and it would do the trick for you, but I guess that the problem was that it could be difficult to change after the patchbay is installed, right? 2. I have upgraded two of the same Neutrik patchbays with a thin line of bicycle tube, so that the (quite loose) printed circuit board inside the patchbay is tightly secured. It was a 10 minute operation and it fixes the unit, so it feels and acts as one unit and eliminates the "backlash". The cables are then much easier to get in and out, because the PCB dosn't move back and forth anymore. It also feels much better and more relible. Kind regards.

[@erezschlosser4673]

spent hours searching for a good video on patchbays, best one I've found so far. Great for people who come from an all synth background

[@ChicoEastridge]

Couldn't agree more. So many videos talk about this stuff as if you already know everything about it. This video gave me a very well paced, easily digestible overview of patchbays and I really appreciate it.

[@BoBeats]

This is the patchbay I use: redir.love/FA9FzgSp (affiliate)

[@VoodooSage]

Your video is one of several patchbay resources that I found as I considered what to order. The main knock against panel switches that I saw (alleged) was decreased reliability from introducing the switches. The Neutrik with its "inconvenient" cards was mentioned as an example of better durability in at least one article. I'm just putting my studio together so I don't yet have personal experience on this. You may want to do some searches though and see what you can dig up.

[@rogerriedel7146]

Hi Bo, best description ever, very cool way to explain how to chain and connect everything. The Patchbay will be my next tool in my homesoundbox. At the moment my Studio gear is still growing and that causes problems for the future. Your Studio Setup makes sense also in my mind, and many of your components are the same as mine, so I feel familiar with that Explanation. Also the non controllable novation sl mk3 aftertouch 😅. To connect 8 items with the slmk3 and another 8 with the digitact is also clever but I think the digitact isn’t mine. The next Superbooth i will come to Berlin and give a beer for your fabulous work. Thanks for spending so much energy in your channel, and keep on rolling… Greetings from the south of Munich, Roger

[@SonyTrinitron]

You have become my favorite channel here on the 'Tube. Your work is stellar and your videos are so fun to watch.

[@Boomstick17]

Do you use balanced or unbalanced cables to connect synths/gear to the back of the patchbay?

[@manmaas]

Three old I know but since no one has answered… from my own question on this and doing the research whilst it generally can go either way balanced cables mean you’re covered for any likely issues whereas unbalanced can give you problems with particular gear and no, I don’t what gear but decided that I’d prefer to avoid any complication in the future so have played safe and stuck with balanced. Balanced cables tend to be pricier but eBay is your friend.

[@danielgharmann]

Hands down the best patchbay video out there. And I've watched A LOT.

[@christianwheeler8386]

A terribly unexciting topic but soooo helpful! Thanks so much.

[@benmironmd]

This is super helpful! You mentioned splitting audio though at the beginning - I was going to ask how to do that but I think I figured it out by watching again. You use half normal it seems...

[@stujay]

This is a fantastic series, thank you! Very helpful. I’d love to see a video about the different types of cables. Balance, unbalanced, etc. Pros and cons. Thanks!

[@craig_z]

Hey Bo, I'd be interested in hearing what you do for power cables and management. My own situation has gotten to the point where I need to switch on about 8 separate power switches, as well as physically plugging in the cords for a couple pieces of gear that do not have power switches on their exteriors. The power boards do have switches on them, but they live on the floor... I think putting them on the desk would create absolute cable mess...

[@TheunstopableMrlove]

Hi @BoBeats, I don't know if anyone as said this already but i hope it helps anyways... on the neutrik patchbays if you remove the faceplate you can flip each patch module and depending on the position you can have it as a half normalized, split or thru. This works per patch so you can still have half normalized patches at the same time of the slipt or thru ones on the same patchbay. If i didn't make myself clear feel free to contact me and I'de be glad to help! :)

[@BoBeats]

Hey! Yeah I know this. I do not think it is very convenient however. I really dislike taking things apart and this is why I prefer something with a switch. Thank you for your offer tho!

[@TheunstopableMrlove]

No problem! I think It's switchcraft that makes some with a front panel switch( maybe also samson) I have experience with those (wich are way more expensive) apersonally i prefer the neutrik, they last as long as the more expensive switchcrafts but when a patch fails the repair is +-3€, compared to the switchcraft's wich is more around 8-10€ per patch... Also on another note, for keeping track of what's connected to what insted of spreadsheets, personally, I prefere to use some white tape under the patch, whenever i change something i just cut a piece of that tape and replace with whatever is connected... Anyways keep up the great work!

[@BoBeats]

Thanks mate! Solid tips

[@odnilniloc]

Great tips brother 🤘🏼

[@halojones2559]

Great explanation of patchbays. Really made sense.

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

Always difficult to imagine the « perfect » setup and routing, thx Bo , you made this more obvious

[@2112jonr]

Excellent explanation of how different patchbays work. Very clear, thank you :)

[@ventimigliajack]

You can easily make those connections isolated by flipping the cards around. The patchbay itself tells you how to orient it on top!

[@stevekenny1912]

Thanks Bo, not the easiest of topics, especially as the outs at the top flowing into the bottom ins seemed counter intuitive until somebody says imagine its the back of the device.

[@HOOKSnKISSES]

BoBeats, If your patch point is set to half normalled and you want to re-route a signal without the signal split you can just terminate the split by inserting a dummy plug (I use headphone adapters) into the input (lower jack port).

[@damondarkwalker]

You saved me a ton of time. Thank you! I have the same problem. I was software-based for so long, then I kept adding more and more hardware synths/drum machines/modules and I just don't want to spend $$$ on a new mixer.

[@NicleT]

Very good video. I didn’t saw this one before. What a huge step you made since then!!! Love your channel / work.

[@williamlittlejohn5929]

Hi Bo!Very useful for noob like me!Many thanks for your time and patience!Very clear and comprehensible! Cheers!

[@BoBeats]

Thank you William!

[@localtechnique]

Watched this one (again) last night when I was looking into patchbays. Thanks for the clear explanation of the different modes. I watched another video before this but it was poorly explained. The Samson patchbay you mentioned looks good. The Behringer one I found before this has switches on top so a little better than the Neutrik but if you rack it then they're out of reach.

[@yusefbey6811]

good point, I had to pull one to set it to half norm..was a bit of a pain the switches on the front are a plus

[@macronencer]

I have a Samson S-Patch Plus and I think the only disadvantage of the switches is that it makes everything a little more cramped, so there is less room for labels. There are white areas top and bottom and I've used a fine-tipped black pen to write labels on those, which is good enough to work OK, but space is definitely tight!

[@EVILJAMARR]

The words inputs and outputs are used so often to describe signal flow, they lose all meaning. Especially since the idea is flipped when talking about the patch bay, itself. I keep wondering how you do stereo. It's never mentioned explicitly. Let's say you have a Syntakt which is stereo out. Do you simply plug left and right from Syntakt into ports 1 and 2 of your patchbay and those are plugged into inputs 1 and 2 on the back of the Clarett? If so, then what is the second bay below it used for? The expansion? Couldn't that Syntakt have it's R and L plugged into any of those inputs to get the same outcome? I want to use a PB to simplify my setup but it looks like it just adds more headache?

[@christophercorgan630]

this is the best video for normal/half normal on youtube

[@fredmanteghian5913]

Absolutely. BoBeets and Loopop rule!!

[@CuongNguyen-xj8ig]

Great video, Great job. Great explanation , thank you Bobeats

[@waltmodul7948]

Hey Bo ! Chancing Direktion of one part is really easy . You can remove the front plate by unscrewing two screws , and simply flip the thing inside. Try it and tell me if it’d worthl 50

[@w-h-y-]

Wondering if anyone can answer this but how do you manage stereo signals in the patch bay being patched into mono effects? Just pick the left signal to patch in?

[@salvadoruni]

Super informative. Thank you!

[@garethmillers5453]

Thank you for explaining Normalised, Half Normalised and Thru...it always seemed like a mystery.

[@lez-gelm4561]

A a very good tutorial. Thanx, I learned something.

[@KWHCoaster]

I was curious how you integrated the patch bays into your setup. Yeah, planning patch bays are "fun". I have mine mounted on a small desktop 8U rack and still thinking about, or over thinking, the normal-ing settings and the gear routing. The patch bays I have are switched. One has switches on the rear that allows full and 1/2 normal. And the other has switches on top that allows full, 1/2 and thru. Nice, but still difficult to get at was all wired up. Having the switches on the front panel would be a nice alternative. Funny you mention about yours having to change the normal-ing internally. I have this memory about doing such a thing with a patch bay, but I can't recall it it was just on a unit in the shop or if I actually bought it and it is buried in the closet somewhere. :-)

[@christoroppolo8742]

Actually I have worked in lots of post and pre production as a sound design dude for films. But never once on a serious project was there only one person who did all the stuff you’re doing in your own studio BELIVE it or not so my work flow and rig is very focused on what I do in any given situation so being inside the box in the studio and working with stuff I did BEFORE we go into the soundstage is the most efficient way to work IF you have that luxury. Personally it interrupts my composition/design thing so its a boat anchor I don’t want or need to worry about. Just sharing! Peace 🎶👽✌🏻🛸👍🏻Christo

[@BoBeats]

+Christo Roppolo I do agree: having a home studio that focus on every aspect is probably not efficient. Better to use a mixing studio for mixing, mastering studio for mastering etc

[@andreas8972]

Great video! I have a question about the cables you use from the patchbay to your 8200, where can you buy cables like that? for the most part I can just find standard long TRS instruments cables and not short ones like this. I have seen cables for guitar pedals that are similar, do they work with a setup like this or is it some other cable you use?

[@stanislavg.3543]

Would love to know the same :)

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Late reply but they are patchbay cables

[@my2sons8791]

Thank you for this video very helpful. My biggest problem is figuring out how to use the patchbay in my setup. With multiple keyboards, running everything in stereo and including some outboard processing gear, interface, then including my mixer I am struggling to figure out the best way to route everything.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

It's not AS easy as a switch, but I'm pretty sure those thumbs crews allow you to take the front panel off to flip cards without removing the unit from your rack.

[@zazoomatt]

Starting at 61 ......You made the MYSTERY NOT ! Just getting into this syth thing before I die.Normal if NOT then Half-NORMAL else THRU. The Source output runs IN the TOP BACK and flows down back to the lower Back in a 1/2 Normal with a tap in front top. Got IT. Hooking up my new DR-8S (excellent video) by the way. Using a Behringer everything ie: audio Interface 1616, Analog 1204 USB Mixer, TD-3SR, CrossOver-Pro,Limiter-Compressor. Desktop PC. I got the Roland TR-8S barely cracked the manual..........just your Videos.

[@neodental7312]

Great job. Great explanation. Thank you! Steve.

[@robertbrown6874]

Hi:I picked up a balanced ART 48 point patchbay, I would think half normalized but new to patchbays, my intention was to set up for a project (midi), a good example would be two stereo output synths and two mono synths outputting to the patchbay and all signals outputting stereo to an effects unit and from there to stereo power amp or DAW. Really would appreciate the help? Thanks

[@noelghallager4672]

For the purpose of this video, it would've been great if you'd labeled the patch-bay. Helps understand where things are and where they're going. It also wouldn't hurt with helping you remember where things are at. Good video though, thanks!

[@raysharpe8644]

Check out Behringer,they have a very affordable patchbay with easy switchable options on it.

[@wotzefak1983]

Nice Video again! looking forward to see the next episode :)

[@mano123456]

Great video, thank you. It helps me a ton as I'm thinking about routing, and also inspired me to want to document some studio ideas the same way :)

[@nth7485]

Finally, someone properly explaining the patchbay signal flow, the key being describing the entire flow, from back to front. I've seen many videos missing this critical point. I agree that a switch on the front would be convenient, but I read reviews of the Samson patchbay being prone to noise and faults... The Neutriks are sturdy and noise free (I have the same). Though the jacks are super strong. If you trust Junkie XL kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmrHYqiNZd1koKcm16s, always use good quality cables.

[@gravemember]

I have 2 of the Samson patchbays. I have not experienced any noise out of them yet. But 1 of the channel switches is not working correctly. But other than that it still works very well. I will say having the switches on the front have been extremely helpful. But Sweetwater sent me a replacement to fix that issue.

[@Scalesofatriplebeam]

Very helpful

[@MotorHolmes]

It looks like you used a TS snake (rather than a TRS) snake? Is your patchbay TRS? I'm struggling with gear being mostly TS and and the patchbay being TRS. Using TRS cables is causing a significant signal drop due to the (I assume, phase loss). Is the solution to just use all TS cables and snakes?

[@andrewkealaher4688]

Most excellent dude!

[@mrfett]

Thanks for this video, it was extremely helpful!

[@pintfetzer3461]

Puh for me as a beginner in producing its hard to understand. I have a komplete audio 6 and soon I want to buy my first synth. I think it won't be the last, how is the best way to connect more than one synth with a soundcart who has just one midi in/out. A mixer? And if possible, what do your behringer tool in the vid. Thx and nice day

[@fabishakenbake1971]

Thank you for this !

[@paulchambers2403]

Best thing I ever done was getting a patch bay 🎉 no more cable anxiety 😂

[@THR-zf6ti]

Hi Bo, very helpful - I just ran into the problem that I ran out of chaneels on my Presonus 16.0.2 - I just bought the Behringer PX3000 and intend to set it up. This Patchbay has switches on the upper case side. Your explanation of the modes especially half normalized was really enlightening! Do you thin I can put my Main Out of the mixer (with all FX) as an Input of the Patchbay and Out to my amplifier for monitoring and in Half Normalized mode could grasp the Audio in front to record it? Just for quick session capturing? Thanks ... Thomas

[@stanislavg.3543]

Cool video! thank you for all the knowledge, I wanted to ask you, what is the company name of those fat patch cables which are connected from the patchbay front OUT'S to your interface? they look very solid, and are they TS or TRS? thank you :)

[@fuckinzell]

I watched this video over two years ago never thinking I would be at the point where I would need a patch bay… here I am now in the position to actually need one 🤣🤣🤣

[@aristotlekumpis7095]

Hey Bo. Great video. Do you have any issues with low levels from your synths? I'm thinking about ditching my rack mixer and using a patchbay, but I like that I can increase the gain if I need it. Thanks.

[@donsmith7979]

Samson s plus is great,switch on front.

[@mackman6747]

THX ! Now i understand the Patchbay World xD

[@MisterRorschach90]

Imagine if someone was rich enough they could afford to have a giant modular synth or collection of giant synths with hundreds or thousands of modules, and every single patch point is connected directly to a bunch of those stupid expensive flock audio digitally controlled patch bays all hooked together. But in addition to this every single knob and fader is replaced with a motorized version and connected to a patch memory thing. This way you have complete control of every single module and it’s controls directly from your desk if you want, and you can also bypass the patch bay and use it the old fashioned way if that’s what you need. A crazy thing is you could set the thing up to a profiler like a neural dsp or a kemper and profile every thing so you could have profiles of all the sounds able to quickly play the profiled patches to choose what you want even if you are out of the studio.

[@emme3061]

Hey Bo! Long time follower of your channel. Sorry for commenting on such an old video. Wondering if you could offer advice. I have both the clarett and the ada8200 here (no patch bays) is it possible to connect the 8200 to the 8pre, then plug a synth into the 8200 and have that come out of the monitors? Hope that makes sense. Thanks so much for all your videos

[@BoBeats]

Yes, that should absolutely be possible. Connect ada8200 using adat cables (name escapes me….) and that should pretty much be it. If they dont sync properly (they should) and u experience glitched sound you can add a word clock cable between the two devices. Out from leader (8pre) to input of follower (ada8200) The ada i/o should appear as adat channels in 8pre software

[@emme3061]

@@BoBeats Amazing! I got there in the end! Thanks so much!

[@RubenSainiuc]

Useful tutorial, as always! How can I get the maschine stand you have at 1:59? Thanks!

[@michael_roth]

I’m using a similar setup as you. Recently got the ADA8200 and was wondering if I could connect the line inputs to the back of the patch bay instead. I’m still a little confused haha Also connecting pedals or a pedalboard to the patch bay... could you explain that setup? Much appreciated.

[@waltmodul7948]

Euros. Or invest 2 euro s in differs screws . Those you can open by hand instead of using a screwdriver. You have missed to mentioning the grey ring around the bottom. There you can see if it’s normalized or isolated. If you want to flip on, use a cable as a handle After removing the panel. And after flipping. Again a cable to insert . It’s so easy.

[@MakingMadBeats]

Hey Bo! I want to go dawless while making beats. I switched from Maschine MK3 to the MPC One. I have the Audiofuse 8Pre as my Audio Interface. I found no way to route it, so that I can use it like a mixer to record my hardware stuff into the MPC One and still have the Audiofuse connected to my speakers. The only way I found was to keep all my hardware in the 8pre like it was before then take the main output from my Audiofuse 8pre to the inputs of MPC One and then go from the Main Output of MPC One into my speakers. I don' t want that, I still want to use the 8Pre as my main audio interface when creating and mixing my stuff inside the MPC since I know it very well soundwise. A friend suggested a patch bay to achieve this because the Audiofuse 8pre doesn' t seem to allow the routing I' m looking for. Is that correct?

[@Robynloveshred]

Thank You Nice Job.

[@tylerwatt7697]

this guys beard. its fukcing up my day

[@BrianStreckfusClassicalGuitar]

Great video,I understand a lot better now! Can you use patch bays for extra monitor outputs? For example, say you have 3 sets of monitors and you want to check your mix on 3 different types of speakers. Same question for headphones. Would a patch bay allow you to have four simultaneous headphones to solve the problem of interfaces typically only having two?

[@kareljanda3399]

Considering it's a passive unit - it would lead to gain losses, wouldn't it? If you split a signal once it halves the output level, right? With splitting the signal four times it would cause the signal be 1/4 of the original volume. Someone correct me, if I'm wrong.

[@BrianStreckfusClassicalGuitar]

@@kareljanda3399 Makes sense. I have noticed that splitting headphones with a cheap adapter does tend to degrade the signal, either by making it quieter or making it mono.

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

17:40 They just strut, what the fuck🤩

[@genericjesus8803]

shouldn’t the cables (in the snake) be balanced TRS cables? I figure better safe than sorry, even though they’re more expensive. It makes things future proof

[@77easy77]

Hello Dude, I really enjoy your videos you have such a great way of explaining things but I am really still struggling to understand the wiring in my new EDM home studio. I have the following equipments -PC with Ableton -Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 2nd Gen -mother32 -Elektron Digitakt -external audio compressor (2 channels)+insert channel -Arturia beatstep pro -Monitors & headphones the question is how to record the master audio signal after being passed through the compressor. I believe if I only want the compression on the mother32 for example then I could simply plug it into the compressor and from compressor into my audio interface, right? some help would be deeply appreciated and I thank you in advance :)

[@BoBeats]

So I think that w/o a mixer it will be hard to use the compressor in any other way than you describe. Using the Mother 32 mono into 1 channel on the compressor into the soundcard. However I am not sure you really need the compressor in this setup for the synths

[@77easy77]

I would like to have the compressor on individual instruments as effect or as sidechaine along with kick drum etc yea it is very useful of course to have a compressor and a limiter because i want to skip the most part of mastering that way

[@odnilniloc]

In this case I would connect the master output from the sound card directly into the compressor then route the output from the compressor directly into the sound card for recording. The issue then is how do you monitor audio?? Perhaps headphones 🎧? Or the sound card allows you to setup another monitor output ? To be honest this is way easier with a mixing desk and/or a patch bay

[@alainszyller615]

I have a question: with a mixer presenting inserts inputs, is there still a need for a patchbay ?

[@BoBeats]

Yes Inserts are for eq, compressors etc and less for patching things in chains

[@alainszyller615]

@@BoBeats Thank you for your prompt answer ! i assume that for small sized studios patchbays might at some point become obsolete overtime with new devices like the Arturia fuse interface and the fact that more and more mixers have incorporated audio interface and inserts ... However patchbays are very inexpensive (even if you add the cost of duplicating your cables) while Arturia Fuse and good mixers are not cheap. Right now, since i needed multiple audio inputs and to connect one old big effect pedal (Boss GT3) I added a couple of Moukey mixers and a patchbay to my 2 input audio interface, and it doesn't sound bad... I might upgrade to a Behringer Xenyx 2442 to have one device instead of 4 small ones, but do I really need it? It would be nice to know your opinion about all those small cheap mixers (less than $50), are they ok, or are they really bad ?

[@gertzpalma]

THANKS!

[@MrParadiseHotDog]

What is that black and white unit on your desk directly to the left of your computer at the 5 second mark??

[@stefanoiula4863]

Question: this patchbay has balanced ins and outs. You are using unbalanced patch cables.. is that ok?

[@BoBeats]

Yes its ok, but i have since switched to balanced and I recommend doing so

[@stefanoiula4863]

@@BoBeats you mentioned you connect to pedals, did i get it right? Usually pedals are unbalanced though, is that right? In my case I have a lxp 5 that i would Like to connect to the bay, and it accepts unbal connections.. How would that work?

[@BoBeats]

Yeah you can connect unbalanced stuff, not really an issue

[@stefanoiula4863]

@@BoBeats using bal or unbal patch cables? :D what's the rule of thumb here?

[@MartinBaldock]

Thanks for this. Thought I'd mention that I bought a DACS MIDI patchbay ages ago and until now, have never used it. One of the reasons being I had insufficient space to have all of my gear set up, the second being that I could not find a manual for it. Now that I have a large collection of synths and other MIDI gear, plus a much larger place to set up a studio I'm considering installing it. I found this on the Sonicstate site explaining what the unit can do: www.sonicstate.com/digital/model.cfm?modelID=1419

[@thijs199]

So I want to do something not talked about here. I want two signals merged into one signal. Is this possible? Do you know of any devices below 100 bucks that can do this. Preferably switchable without significant quality loss. I got 8 inputs in an interface. And I got setup 1 and 2 both having 8 signals of XLR. so what I want is something to connect all of the signals, but switching between setup 1 and 2. Or just both connected would be fine too

[@alex_darsen]

Where did you get those wood stands for the synth modules that you move out of the way?

[@waltmodul7948]

The only problematic thing is to re adjust the panel. If you have longer screws it work’s better. Re screw one side a little more and use the cable again to adjust the parts while adjusting the other screw.

[@StefanoPapaleo-TS]

And I thought I had too many cables;) Do you use MIDI patchbays as well?

[@BoBeats]

Only 1x midi thru box and 1x usb midi host

[@jacobphilip1942]

thanks bro

[@midas1048]

Thank you for your videos! they are very helpful :)

[@yrcolombia6737]

thank you so much !

[@masonla653]

I love your vidjos Bo ;D

[@w-h-y-]

What desk is that?

[@TheHallucinati]

And this is why I never have studio tables facing the wall. If it's just as easily accessible from the rear as from the front, - you don't need patch bays. Patch bays can actually make it more confusing, but I do get it that a lot of us simply don't have space, and even though I've been especially lucky with that aspect, I'm getting so cluttered that I might get a patch bay just because I'm such a pack rat and ran out of space LOL

[@waltmodul7948]

There is a ground plug in the back. Do you know why ? Or maybe someone knows when it is needed

[@pauloreilly778]

Thoughts on using balanced patch cables ? ..Neutrik is a balanced patchbay

[@BoBeats]

Paul OReilly man I knew I forgot something!!! This was supposed to be in the video. My take on it is this: a lot of people I respect use unbalanced cables to save a few bucks and seem happy with it. I do too for most part. And I do not have any issues that I can attribute to unbalanced cables. But if you want to play it safe using balanced could theoretically eliminate noise or other issues.

[@CKT1138]

Unbalanced cables are usually trouble free unless they're very long.

[@sixxdb]

My setup involves running longer cables, so I have all my synths running into DI's first. Everything that hits my patchbay is balanced

[@athaphian]

You forgot to insert the photo of the Samson patchbay.. but we can use Google :p

[@BoBeats]

+Athaphian ahh dammit!!

[@MusicOfDreamweaver]

Hi Bo. About the Behringer... Do you use it in an ADAT configuration? Does that bypass the mic-pres? I was thinking of getting it to give me more ins and to work along side my Apollo Twin.

[@BoBeats]

I use it in adat and I use the line inputs on it

[@MusicOfDreamweaver]

@@BoBeats Thanks for the quick response. Does this mean that you're using the preamps from your clarett? Or will the Behringer colour the sound?

[@BoBeats]

uhm i don’t know how this works at all. I assume I simply use the converters of the behringer.

[@MusicOfDreamweaver]

@@BoBeats Ah. Well, I might find that answer somewhere else. Thank you for answering. Very helpfull insight.

[@DigitallyAnalogous]

does phantom power run through the patchbay in this setup?

[@BoBeats]

No

[@Anton-du-Fleur]

I like ya videos

[@waltmodul7948]

Regular DYMO old school fits perfekte vertically between two plugs.

[@bep0370]

I'm a beginner. Do you think that the op1 is good for my first synth?

[@BoBeats]

+BÉP0 could be... i would however recommend novation circuit... 1/4 the price

[@bep0370]

Thanks And the OPZ could be an alternative to the novation circuit or no ?

[@klinikat5313]

what are those wooden holders for your desktop gear ??

[@BoBeats]

+johnny krawallo google CremaCaffè Design and I got two review videos of their stands on my KZbin as well :-)

[@CURZED0011]

Hosa unbalanced 8 way .. not sure about that

[@InternalMind]

Every patch bay video makes it ten times more confusing….

[@melaniereed2264]

aujo?

[@BoBeats]

oh no, not another pronounciation joke 🤣

[@cutseencinematics]

you mean 'normalled' not 'normalised'