I’m 15 years old and recently started producing, I recently bought some rack effects so I have just bought a patch bay as it is supposed to be the best way to use the effects, and this is the best tutorial I have seen, thanks for the help
@@LeChapeauMusicYou don’t need to own it to learn to use it bro If you work anywhere you’ll need these basics Patch bays are inexpensive Also learn ProTools even if it is not you DAW of choice It is still the “Industry Standard” Regardless of what other may say Pro shops and mixing houses are not going to change what they know and have been using for years because another DAW has some new tricks or novelty workflow
I appreciate the breakdown in a commercial setting. Already setup a few patchbays in a few studios but actually seeing how most modern commercial grade studios are thinking about the patch sets and what is useful is great. Not to mention seeing the common way people are color coding their patchs is extremely helpful.
Hi Matthew Martin Wow! Fantastic! Glad to be able to help! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Great video! I'm picking up where I left off 8 years ago, getting back into my home recording projects. I tried the "in the box method, and decided it wasn't for me. Nothing against it, I'm just a 1990's kid who got into the hardware component workflow, and can't let it go. Up until the past few years everything I used was pretty much consumer based stuff. I taught myself, and picked up what I could from other guys along the way. Now I'm upping my game, and collecting/piecing together semi-pro, and pro level gear from the late 80's up until the early 2000's... a hybrid mix of analog, and hard disk/digital components. I've thought about setting up a patch bay for years, but the way I'm doing things now, it has become a necessity. Especially since I'm opening up my studio to a few friends, and select local bands/musicians. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the basic idea, and functionality, but this vid has confirmed what I (thought) I knew, as well as cleared up any questions I may have had. Excellent tutorial. Very concise, and easy to understand. Between yourself, Glenn from Spectre Sound (F**K YOU, GLENN!!!), and Steve Albini, I've learned a lot. If only there was affordable gear, internet, and the wealth of knowledge that you all so generously offer, back in 96 or so... Either way, great work, and thanks for sharing all the info!
Thank you for your very detailed and precise explanation on patching on a console! Your passion for recording and helping others really comes through with this video!!
All this free education! Thanks for the knowledge you're sharing. I have a patch bay but never really had it set up the way that makes the most sense. Now I know the easiest way to hook all my outboard gear up through my patchbay. I'm self taught when it comes to recording. Learned everything I know by reading, trial and error, and now through youtube. I've learned a lot, have picked up a few skills here and there, but always have more to learn.
Just yesterday I bought my first patch bay rack! what a great timing. I wanted to get all connections of my gear from the back of the rack to the front so I can change if required easily rather than accessing the back of my desk for access. Most likely set as normalized. Great to have explanation of different modes of patch bay like open and normalized etc, and what type of equipment in/out would use those modes. Maybe the next video? Thanks again.
Hi RecordingStudio9.com Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Yes I'm sure I will be doing in depth videos very soon! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I learned years ago that the waterfall idea was how patch bays worked and that is how I setup mine. All outputs are on the top of each unit and inputs are on the bottom. So I am scratching my head a little on this but Im sure there are exceptions to any rule.
Absolutely the best description of how to set up patch bays in an efficient and functional way. The first one where I haven't been left scratching my head. Thankyou sir, you are marvellous :)
Just bounced over here from the show you did on the Working Class Audio Podcast. I gotta say you are one righteous dude, really enjoyed what you had to say. Thanks so much for all that you give!
Hi Jj Jones Aw shucks Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Matt at Working Class Audio Rules!! I had a great time on his show!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren, I am currently in my second month at CRAS - there is so much to learn, but it is made far less daunting knowing that in addition to the awesome instructors I have, I also have you as a resource and it really is a blessing! Thank you sir for all you do for the Audio community!
Thanks for the video! Patch bays always give me a giant headache, although I'm getting used to the 4000 at the studio I go to school at, and this helped a lot for learning it
+Produce Like A Pro Peace. i recently got a old soundcraft Ghost and Im puzzled on ho to connect the channel inserts to the patchbay ie what cables and what patchbay mode?
Been watching your videos and other SSL console videos...SSL console is the top of my list now after I buy a new project car. Never thought patch bays would get me all lit up and ready to work
I feel grateful for the time you've dedicated to your videos. I only regret you didn't address the issue of phantom power potentially going through TRS/patchbays and that could easily damage gear (and also a comparasion with XLR patchbays would have been interesting). It's a topic that has been widely comented on Gearslutz but I can't really make up my mind on how is it dangerous and how to prevent any problem. Thanks again.
I was wondering the same thing. In this setup, are the microphones going directly into the patchbay, and then normalized to go into the console's preamps? And then you break that if you want to use an outboard pre?
I've been wanting a video on this forever! THANK YOU! Always happy to see anything on signal path and workflow. Would love to see a video on how people use outboard gear with their DAW being that I never see people messing with cables, just clicking around in protools.
Thank you Warren for the affirmation that I have my patchbay wired, at least somewhat "normal"!! lol Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. I always enjoy your videos. Joel, Studio 52
This is splendid. At the RSC Theatre Sound Department, Barbican, London, we wired in several 'Mults' , but called them 'Parallel'..... essentially : passive splitting and (a bit naughty 😋) passive summing. We had a 40 into 16 into 24 custom E-Type Cadac. On the patch bays we specified a buffered PFL bus output and PFL bus input. Thanks again for this video. 😊😊😊
Great job Warren. You just clarified a couple things I was trying to get my head around for my studio build this fall. Thanks a bunch! Keep up the great work!
Hi Warren, this is helping me straight away from the get go so thank you. I want to share a work flow route I'm taking as I'm worried I may cause damage due to my lack of knowledge after watching you route the microphone at the start of this video. I have the following setup for my vocalist's microphone in my band: 1. Dynamic mic cable into mic in on channel 1 of Soundcraft Spirit Studio 16-8-2 2. Y insert cable into channel 1 insert 3. Insert Send and return into back of patchbay and normalised A1 and B1 with balanced TRS patch leads on a balanced patchbay. I believe this is so far so good as if no additional equipment plugged into front of A1 and B1, it returns to the channel path unaltered. 4. Patching from the front, I run into a vacuum tube pre amp then a compressor. My question is, why do you take you mic lines though your external processing equipment but then back into Line In on the channel rather than Mic In? I wouldn't know to do this. Is it wrong to plug a microphone directly into patchbay, patch through external effects and processors and pre amps then patch back into the mic in on the mixer? Would this cause damage to the pre amps if an external pre amp is already lifting the signal? I want to avoid breaking anything but I seem to have more control over mic inputs in the channel path than I have for line inputs. Also should I go through the gate/Limiter/Compressor unit before the valve tube pre amp or after, how does it affect things and does it matter? Thanks and hopefully you can set me on the correct path. Chris
Great Lesson, this is a very important piece of gear for a recording studio, and learning the correct way to implement it can be confusing. But your detailed teaching helped. THANKS.
Thanks Warren, for another great video. Very informative and I wish I had seen something like this 16 years ago before I used a patchbay for the first time. Never actually used a mult though, so that was new to me (and a cleaver feature). Still use a patchbay (6,35mm/ 1/4" TRS) in my humble home studio, (though I don't have a big nice SSL console , well no console at all) since it's such a great thing to not have to plug/unplug back in my rack. :)
Watching for a second time after making a diagram for my patchbay and you do such an incredible explaining! In particular I was getting tripped up as some say to always have outputs be on top. That makes sense for interface I/o but not for compressors and EQs. Going to reconfigure my diagram with hardware inputs on top and outputs on the bottom. Makes so much more sense! Thank you again!
Yo Warren! Plz can you do a comparison of Digital plugin- brick wall limiters vs Analogue outboard brick limiters. I believe it's important, because many bedroom producers will not be able to afford high end outboard limiters and it will be nice to hear the difference in loudness , clarity and distortion between these 2 platforms, Luv ur videos. Concise, educational and informative. Keep up the good work!
A big thanks Warrren ! Your content is so interesting and valuable. It enables people that never have the chance to work in a big studio to learn from all this great knowledge and skills ! Personally, I really love your attitude and your caring ! Thanks, man ! :-)
Warren, I've got an idea for a future episode. Patchbay use ... part II. I really appreciated the one episode you did at an educational facility, where you talked about "the waterfall" kind of relationship of the patchbays. Very helpful, and thank you. But it would be great to get some implementation practices from you. EXAMLE: When phantom power crosses a preamp patch ... it's it safe to connect/disconnect via patch cable. I get different opinions about that. Channel muting ... does that matter. Can you harm a mic who's channel is wired to a pb and then to a preamp that is powered? Can you harm a preamp who's i/o are wired to a pb ... can connect/disconnect? When is a pb helpful? 1/4 or TT? db25 or connection of choice? I'd also like to hear what you've blown-up w/ a pb ... those stories are always fun : ) Really appreciate all you do for the world wide recording community Warren. All the best friend. Ron Flack Canton, Ohio
I was thinking to myself sometimes "how do they wire the old school studios with tons of gear in the chain" and guessed it must be some routing board. Today I learned it is called a patchbay :-) Man, I like your style and energy very much. Subscribeb, cheers
wow !! i think its scary how you all guys using big consoles . and i only use my midi keyboard and a daw + audio interface ... im a student right now . so when i work . i will build my own studio . and you are helping me to learn some new stuff ! Thank you for your hard work making videos and tutorials !!!!!
Hi MK.PRODUCTIONS Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! I do at least 50% of my work or more on my lap top these days! I use Logic to play keys parts and do programming for instance! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
The best way to describe patch bays i learnt from my teacher was just like a 'waterfall' output to input, the water flows down the stream and lands to another input, but instead of water, its just signal. It's funny cause we have an SSL duality aswell, but we have a separate patch bay on the racks instead of connected to the console. means lots of turning around and checking phantom and neck twisting to see if you're getting signal
Hi Warren! Thanks so much for these videos. Couldn't possibly pay you enough for this great wisdom!! I'm going to ask a noobish question: do patchbays negatively affect sound? If so, what patchbays should a studio purchase? Are there brands to go to or to avoid? Thanks again! Mycroft
Great video Warren from a fellow Northern Englishman lol. Also wanted to echo some of the points below about how one connects a patch bay to ones interface and equipment etc. It would me mega useful my brother, ktf, Jay
Hi Jason Chinnian Haha Of course! Long live Carlisle!!! Yes I think doing a video on connecting equipment will be really useful!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hey Warren :). In regards to this video, I was wondering how you got phantom power to the mics? I'm assuming through the patch to the pre amp? if so, which is the proper way to connect and feed the mic? I was under the impression you couldn't run 48v through a patch bay.
@@Gerkozielman In a perfect world, but there's still a high risk correct protocol won't always be followed, especially in the middle of a busy season and humans will always make mistakes. I'm not a pro in a studio but I've just read that a TRS mic patchbay runs a high risk of breaking your precious expensive ribbon mic or pre amp.
@@plummetplum you are correct, TRS will short each time you plug/unplug. Bantam connectors on pro Patchbays do not however. One reason pro level Patchbays cost five times more than your behringer ultrapatch! If you run phantom through a TRS bay, just be regimental with your phantom power on/off status. And also don’t accidentally patch it to your vintage synth outputs!
hola Warren, esta super el video, funciona igual con Bay Patch de Plug? es lo mismo? o es de mejor calidad la de ese estudio por el tipo de conectores??
Hi El Cuartito Feo, Muy buena pregunta ! bahías de conexión de alta calidad sin duda le dará los mejores resultados ! Tener un registro de tiempos maravillosa , muchas gracias Warren
Great video, Warren. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I'm going to have to watch it again to get more of the tips and tricks. I loved the added bonus of the vocal parallel compression. What kind of settings would you use for the softer passages? Thanks and keep up the great work.
Hi Jed Wunderli Great question! I would treat both the softer and harder sounding vocals with the same settings only one hits compression only on the soft side and one on the harder side. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Could you please explain how the channel inserts are set up in the back of a patch bay? I’m guessing you would just come out of the channel direct insert with a TRS Y cable to the different point of the patch bay, would greatly appreciate an answer, thanks Warren really love learning from your videos, you are awesome!
Another great vid, I love that patchbay...just a question, do all those connections introduce any measureable electrical noise? It seems like the patch leads you were using were just the standard non balanced mono leads so I could only assume that the connectors and leads are of a quality that at least, minimizes any interference or noise. Cheers mate.... Andrew
Hi Oz Macca the cables I used were balanced TT Cables. I'm wondering if the video didn't properly show that? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Produce Like A Pro What mic and pre would you recommend for a Kazoo soloist, or should I just DI the kazoo? Just joking, mate. Great video, fantastic info.
What an Absolutely Awesome introduction series, you have given me SO Many "Ah HA" moments, I'm going to be lost for days playing :-) I'm So Glad I subscribed & Truly want to thank you for sharing your wisdom & knowledge. Your a Legend! :-) Looking forward to all your other tutorials & vids
That was very useful thanks. I'm into my 4th watching.Now that I have a Firewire connection to my Mackie 'ONYX1220' so much more of what you say makes sense to me - all 12 channels go into the Tracktion DAW at the same time and I can start getting "..... crazy ....." with my tracks & plugins. Brilliant. Now you have introduced the patch-bay maybe I can get some use out of the Lex the Ali & the Beh assortment of hardware which doesn't get used currently. Would you be posting some more stems to practice with anytime soon?
Hi Richard Mellersh Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Yes there is session available for you to mix if you sign up for www.producelikeapro.com Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
One thing I'd like a deeper understanding about is how to hook them up in the back. I've never used a patch bay, mostly because I'm a 100% software based studio that has no outboard gear except for monitors a Focusrite 2i2 and an M-Audio Oxygen 49. It just kind of confuses me how patch bays work with nothing patched in the front. when you have stuff plugged in the back to the patch bay, when you say normalized, does that mean it automatically flows from the top part of the patch bay through the bottom part of the patch bay? I don't know how to explain my question.
Hi Studio 7-22 Yes that is exactly! Right! The input at the top goes directly to the output at the bottom when it is Normalled! If you plug in either at the top or bottom you 'break' the normal! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I've never needed more than 24 channels simultaneously, but my monitoring set up could get pretty complicated with a 5 + or more piece band , with everyone needing their own headphone mix.
Hello Warren, does the fact that you're using quarter inch cables affect the quality of the signal rather than going directly into the interface with xlr etc.? What patch bays do you recommend? Also, can you do an interview with Jon Fausty, Ignacio Molino, Carlos Mas, Rolando Alejandro, Juan Carlos Salas Polanco or and especially Sergio George about mixing and producing Salsa (Afro-Cuban) music? In particular modern Timba music from Cuba. I have contact info for some of them if you need it. Many of them especially the first two I mentioned (Jon Fausty and Ignacio Molino) speak perfect English so that most people could still follow. In fact Jon Fausty is an American but one of the most prolific Salsa engineers ever. I've only found a few tutorials on Salsa but not from the higher end engineers and I'm mixing a Salsa project of mine but it's a pain in the ass! Harder to mix than ANYTHING I've ever done. Any input you have on this would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, thank you for the great video. So helpful! Specially since Duality is popular AND it represents most of the features you might see on the similar consoles. Let me please clarify just one things and it's about MULTS 29:59 Form my understanding there are 2 MULTS. 1st one takes 1 signal and splits it in to 2 equivalents. And the 2nd MULT does the opposite - takes 1 signal and merges it to just one. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thank you!
Great show again. I have external hardware effects that I am using with my Daw (studio 1-3). I was discussing with my tech about the best way to use them and he set up an SSL X-Patch system for me instead of a patch bay. I'm now wondering if that was the best way to do this, or perhaps it was the only way as I don't have a console with the exception of a presonus StudioLive CS18. I just find with the X-Patch my effects (eventide H700 Reverbs and the likes) isn't coming through as clear as it should through my DAW. At the end of the day Was the SSL X-Patch the best solution for me to access my hardware or do you have a better solution? I might just need to tinker around with my Eventides global setting. I want to be certain if the X-Patch was the way to go though. Hope I have explained this properly to you.
Hi +Jak Leyton That's unusual, I would honestly have thought the SSL would be fantastic at patching, might be worth checking forums to see what people think about that. I'm surprised it's creating issues. Either that or a patch bay should work great, the SSL allows a little more flexibility and I would hope that it would sound fantastic! Let me know what you find out! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Great explanation of patch bays- as I would expect from you - fantastic ! I'd love to properly go through the ins and outs of my small setup to see if it could be made easier with a patch bay - I only have 4 ins and outs (Akai EIE Pro) but I've managed to simplify some things using inserts so that CH 1 and 2 are permanently hooked up to a 2 channel compressor (DBX 266xs) which can be bypassed on either channel. I have couple of channel strips (Aphex Project Channel) and (Presonus Studio Channel) which are run as XLR /line straight into the unit then XLR out to whichever input I decide and a late 17th century Alesis Quadraveb glaring at me from the corner - it would be great to be able to just mix and match at will - is this enough gear to warrant a patch bay and also control monitoring and cue from a Presonus Monitor Station ? Mates rates on consultancy fees ! If any of Warren's other disciples have ideas I'd love to hear them too - pint on me if local to Reading ! Do you know of any other good resources on this subject ?
Hi Craig Dove Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! A small patch bay could be useful, however you are at the cusp of definitely needing one, are you thinking of expanding your equipment more? If you are definitely expanding your gear then I would recommend getting a patch bay. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Where in the chain does Phantom Power get added for mics that need it? Also, thanks for the video. Helps a lot with understanding the patchbay connection modes.
Very instructive. Thanks. I'm considering buying or building one. What do you think of first prices equiments, like Behringer, Art, Millenium. Does it worth it? Because the gap is quite important between the most expensive "entry-level" (159€) and first price in Neutrik (654€). Also do we have to make ourselves the mults? Is it a simple electrical split?
Thanks for the video. It's very informative. I'm doing my homework before I dive into my own patchbay. I have a question concerning the bay with the outboard gear. Is that set up in what would be called "de-normaled"? Are the connection just straight through on that? Thanks!
Now, even when it's not a NEW PLAP day, it can be a historical PLAP day! all the goodness of PLAP, but from the past! whoop! I've just wired a patchbay at a mate's studio... it was hectic.
To much information!! a lot to learn!! I don't figure it how the connections are to work perfectly with the console and pro tools but i'll research it!! Thanks for this lesson!! it's awesome!! lml
Hi ManiaK VargaS so happy to be able to help!! Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren, marvellous video! Would you kindly explain how the external mic pres are connected in this set up? How is phantom power handled with the TT setup? Cheers, Benny.
I see the traditional patchbay quite intuative and I didn't know about a normalized fuction which is helpful... Although I could easily find a recall session a absolute overwhelling night mare... Do you think this channel could do a review of the Flock Patch XT? as this would make that process such a breeze
That was great Warren, I always wondered what the deal was with patchbays, Correct me if I am wrong, but they bring all the ins and outs to where the action is. So all the pre-amp inputs "for example" are really only accessible through the patchbay? Because the outputs/inputs to that preAmp already lead to the patchbay? Originally starting out with having a "one track at a time" recording approach has left me with little need for much gear and I also use an audio project chart, that floats around in the room on casters, for all my rack stuff - it makes for pretty easy access. I can see why you choose that studio, the control room was very nice and the patchbay properly laid out and labeled. Thanks for the lessons, I really appreciate your channel.
Hi Warren, Great video! Wondering if there are still shots available of the labeling on the SSL console in the video... it's a bit hard to read at times. Thanks!
Hi Martin Thiermann Thanks very much for your great question I really appreciate it! I would suggest you always have phantom turned off until you have the patch completed and also don't go into record or keep the track muted. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hands down THE best patch bay tutorial I have come across. You sir are gifted at the art of imparting knowledge. Thank you.
Hi william wilson Wow you are far too kind!!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I’m 15 years old and recently started producing, I recently bought some rack effects so I have just bought a patch bay as it is supposed to be the best way to use the effects, and this is the best tutorial I have seen, thanks for the help
I'm 15 years old right now and I'm never going to be able to afford such a thing 😂😂😂
@@LeChapeauMusicYou don’t need to own it to learn to use it bro
If you work anywhere you’ll need these basics
Patch bays are inexpensive
Also learn ProTools even if it is not you DAW of choice
It is still the
“Industry Standard”
Regardless of what other may say
Pro shops and mixing houses are not going to change what they know and have been using for years because another DAW has some new tricks or novelty workflow
This video was my introduction to Produce Like a Pro shortly after its release. It’s *still* the best patch bay tutorial on UA-cam.
I appreciate the breakdown in a commercial setting. Already setup a few patchbays in a few studios but actually seeing how most modern commercial grade studios are thinking about the patch sets and what is useful is great. Not to mention seeing the common way people are color coding their patchs is extremely helpful.
Hi Matthew Martin Wow! Fantastic! Glad to be able to help! Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Great video! I'm picking up where I left off 8 years ago, getting back into my home recording projects. I tried the "in the box method, and decided it wasn't for me. Nothing against it, I'm just a 1990's kid who got into the hardware component workflow, and can't let it go. Up until the past few years everything I used was pretty much consumer based stuff. I taught myself, and picked up what I could from other guys along the way. Now I'm upping my game, and collecting/piecing together semi-pro, and pro level gear from the late 80's up until the early 2000's... a hybrid mix of analog, and hard disk/digital components. I've thought about setting up a patch bay for years, but the way I'm doing things now, it has become a necessity. Especially since I'm opening up my studio to a few friends, and select local bands/musicians. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the basic idea, and functionality, but this vid has confirmed what I (thought) I knew, as well as cleared up any questions I may have had. Excellent tutorial. Very concise, and easy to understand. Between yourself, Glenn from Spectre Sound (F**K YOU, GLENN!!!), and Steve Albini, I've learned a lot. If only there was affordable gear, internet, and the wealth of knowledge that you all so generously offer, back in 96 or so... Either way, great work, and thanks for sharing all the info!
Thank you for your very detailed and precise explanation on patching on a console! Your passion for recording and helping others really comes through with this video!!
Wow! Thanks ever so much! That means a lot
All this free education! Thanks for the knowledge you're sharing. I have a patch bay but never really had it set up the way that makes the most sense. Now I know the easiest way to hook all my outboard gear up through my patchbay. I'm self taught when it comes to recording. Learned everything I know by reading, trial and error, and now through youtube.
I've learned a lot, have picked up a few skills here and there, but always have more to learn.
Just yesterday I bought my first patch bay rack! what a great timing. I wanted to get all connections of my gear from the back of the rack to the front so I can change if required easily rather than accessing the back of my desk for access. Most likely set as normalized.
Great to have explanation of different modes of patch bay like open and normalized etc, and what type of equipment in/out would use those modes. Maybe the next video?
Thanks again.
Hi RecordingStudio9.com Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Yes I'm sure I will be doing in depth videos very soon! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
This is an incredibly useful video. Exactly what we need to know, clear explanations, no BS. Thank you so much Warren.
I learned years ago that the waterfall idea was how patch bays worked and that is how I setup mine. All outputs are on the top of each unit and inputs are on the bottom. So I am scratching my head a little on this but Im sure there are exceptions to any rule.
Absolutely the best description of how to set up patch bays in an efficient and functional way. The first one where I haven't been left scratching my head. Thankyou sir, you are marvellous :)
Just bounced over here from the show you did on the Working Class Audio Podcast. I gotta say you are one righteous dude, really enjoyed what you had to say. Thanks so much for all that you give!
Hi Jj Jones Aw shucks Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Matt at Working Class Audio Rules!! I had a great time on his show!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren, I am currently in my second month at CRAS - there is so much to learn, but it is made far less daunting knowing that in addition to the awesome instructors I have, I also have you as a resource and it really is a blessing! Thank you sir for all you do for the Audio community!
Thanks Warren another cracking video. Always wanted to know more about this stuff as have only worked on audio interface and PC systems.
Thanks for the video! Patch bays always give me a giant headache, although I'm getting used to the 4000 at the studio I go to school at, and this helped a lot for learning it
Respect Warren! I love the way you teach, very knowledgeable and humble. Cheers!
Hi +Trak Lite Aw shucks! You Rock!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro Peace. i recently got a old soundcraft Ghost and Im puzzled on ho to connect the channel inserts to the patchbay ie what cables and what patchbay mode?
I needed this video a few years ago! I was only dealing with 16 channels but my confusion was complete
Been watching your videos and other SSL console videos...SSL console is the top of my list now after I buy a new project car. Never thought patch bays would get me all lit up and ready to work
That’s great to hear! Thanks ever so much for sharing
I feel grateful for the time you've dedicated to your videos.
I only regret you didn't address the issue of phantom power potentially going through TRS/patchbays and that could easily damage gear (and also a comparasion with XLR patchbays would have been interesting). It's a topic that has been widely comented on Gearslutz but I can't really make up my mind on how is it dangerous and how to prevent any problem.
Thanks again.
I was wondering the same thing. In this setup, are the microphones going directly into the patchbay, and then normalized to go into the console's preamps? And then you break that if you want to use an outboard pre?
I've been wanting a video on this forever! THANK YOU! Always happy to see anything on signal path and workflow. Would love to see a video on how people use outboard gear with their DAW being that I never see people messing with cables, just clicking around in protools.
Perfect! I've been watching videos all day and none explained this clearly. Thank you so much!
Warren you are THE BEST! Thanks mate, my students and I benefit greatly from your videos. Cheers!
Wow! Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it
Thank you Warren for the affirmation that I have my patchbay wired, at least somewhat "normal"!! lol
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. I always enjoy your videos.
Joel, Studio 52
Hi Joel Glaser Glad to be able to help!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
This is splendid. At the RSC Theatre Sound Department, Barbican, London, we wired in several 'Mults' , but called them 'Parallel'..... essentially : passive splitting and (a bit naughty 😋) passive summing. We had a 40 into 16 into 24 custom E-Type Cadac. On the patch bays we specified a buffered PFL bus output and PFL bus input. Thanks again for this video. 😊😊😊
Warren… you rock. I am gonna join your membership because all of your videos are fantastic. Thank you
Great job Warren. You just clarified a couple things I was trying to get my head around for my studio build this fall. Thanks a bunch! Keep up the great work!
Hi Danny MacNevin So glad to be able to help!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren, this is helping me straight away from the get go so thank you.
I want to share a work flow route I'm taking as I'm worried I may cause damage due to my lack of knowledge after watching you route the microphone at the start of this video.
I have the following setup for my vocalist's microphone in my band:
1. Dynamic mic cable into mic in on channel 1 of Soundcraft Spirit Studio 16-8-2
2. Y insert cable into channel 1 insert
3. Insert Send and return into back of patchbay and normalised A1 and B1 with balanced TRS patch leads on a balanced patchbay. I believe this is so far so good as if no additional equipment plugged into front of A1 and B1, it returns to the channel path unaltered.
4. Patching from the front, I run into a vacuum tube pre amp then a compressor.
My question is, why do you take you mic lines though your external processing equipment but then back into Line In on the channel rather than Mic In?
I wouldn't know to do this. Is it wrong to plug a microphone directly into patchbay, patch through external effects and processors and pre amps then patch back into the mic in on the mixer?
Would this cause damage to the pre amps if an external pre amp is already lifting the signal?
I want to avoid breaking anything but I seem to have more control over mic inputs in the channel path than I have for line inputs.
Also should I go through the gate/Limiter/Compressor unit before the valve tube pre amp or after, how does it affect things and does it matter?
Thanks and hopefully you can set me on the correct path.
Chris
Great Lesson, this is a very important piece of gear for a recording studio, and learning the correct way to implement it can be confusing. But your detailed teaching helped. THANKS.
That whas great! Thanks from a comercial studio in Brazil Warren ;)
Big fan here!
Hi Emil Shayeb Aw shucks!! Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thanks Warren! Just came into an Ssl Console and this was super helpful.
Glad it helped!
Thanks Warren, for another great video. Very informative and I wish I had seen something like this 16 years ago before I used a patchbay for the first time. Never actually used a mult though, so that was new to me (and a cleaver feature).
Still use a patchbay (6,35mm/ 1/4" TRS) in my humble home studio, (though I don't have a big nice SSL console , well no console at all) since it's such a great thing to not have to plug/unplug back in my rack. :)
Hi ***** So glad to be able to help!! I love 1/4" TRS Patchbays! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Watching for a second time after making a diagram for my patchbay and you do such an incredible explaining!
In particular I was getting tripped up as some say to always have outputs be on top. That makes sense for interface I/o but not for compressors and EQs.
Going to reconfigure my diagram with hardware inputs on top and outputs on the bottom. Makes so much more sense!
Thank you again!
we used the same duality board in school.. pretty amazing board, gives us the opportunity to work with a full analog mix an as digital(daw) controller
Hi +Zaki El Horan Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
So grateful for this man to exist
Really great to see some info on advanced patching of a pro setup. Thanks Warren!
Patchbays are the reason i love just doing pretty much everything in the Box
Great video, just got me a patchbay and you confirmed that I'm doing things right.
Thanks for another great video!
Hi TRIPLE Great!! Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Yo Warren!
Plz can you do a comparison of Digital plugin- brick wall limiters vs Analogue outboard brick limiters.
I believe it's important, because many bedroom producers will not be able to afford high end outboard limiters and it will be nice to hear the difference in loudness , clarity and distortion between these 2 platforms,
Luv ur videos. Concise, educational and informative.
Keep up the good work!
Great video, answered a lot questions about patch bays. Thanks again Warren.
Hi +Dennis Brunet So glad to be able to help! Thanks very much I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
A big thanks Warrren ! Your content is so interesting and valuable. It enables people that never have the chance to work in a big studio to learn from all this great knowledge and skills ! Personally, I really love your attitude and your caring ! Thanks, man ! :-)
Another great video to learn! I was lookin' for something like that and bum - Waren came out to the rescue ;) Cheers from Poland!
I am going to school for Sound Production and your videos are helping tremendously!
The best explanation about using patch bays! Thanks Warren!!!! I finally get it!
Warren,
I've got an idea for a future episode. Patchbay use ... part II.
I really appreciated the one episode you did at an educational facility, where you talked about "the waterfall" kind of relationship of the patchbays. Very helpful, and thank you.
But it would be great to get some implementation practices from you.
EXAMLE:
When phantom power crosses a preamp patch ... it's it safe to connect/disconnect via patch cable. I get different opinions about that.
Channel muting ... does that matter.
Can you harm a mic who's channel is wired to a pb and then to a preamp that is powered?
Can you harm a preamp who's i/o are wired to a pb ... can connect/disconnect?
When is a pb helpful?
1/4 or TT?
db25 or connection of choice?
I'd also like to hear what you've blown-up w/ a pb ... those stories are always fun : )
Really appreciate all you do for the world wide recording community Warren. All the best friend.
Ron Flack
Canton, Ohio
I was thinking to myself sometimes "how do they wire the old school studios with tons of gear in the chain" and guessed it must be some routing board. Today I learned it is called a patchbay :-) Man, I like your style and energy very much. Subscribeb, cheers
Wow! What a great video! Thank you for taking the time to do this. I really learned a lot from it. I found my new studio love - mults....
Hi +GargoilNation Thaks very much!! I really appreciate it!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Excellent video. so useful as I am planning setup multiple patch bays to get my console rocking! Thanks Warren
Complication made simple. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I know really know what all this is all about. Warren the Rock star. Thanks again
Thank you for introducing me to the concept of mults Warren 25:49 !! Such a handy and versatile option.
3 minutes into this video and I've already learned a thing, even with over 20 years of experience with recording gear
wow !! i think its scary how you all guys using big consoles . and i only use my midi keyboard and a daw + audio interface ... im a student right now . so when i work . i will build my own studio . and you are helping me to learn some new stuff ! Thank you for your hard work making videos and tutorials !!!!!
Hi MK.PRODUCTIONS Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! I do at least 50% of my work or more on my lap top these days! I use Logic to play keys parts and do programming for instance! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Awesome! A little bit confusing for me cause some of the patchbays ins were located above the outs of the same rack. Learned a lot anyway
Thank you. This is internet's best lesson so far
The best way to describe patch bays i learnt from my teacher was just like a 'waterfall' output to input, the water flows down the stream and lands to another input, but instead of water, its just signal. It's funny cause we have an SSL duality aswell, but we have a separate patch bay on the racks instead of connected to the console. means lots of turning around and checking phantom and neck twisting to see if you're getting signal
Hi +Vearus08 Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Best patch bay tutorial. I've seen. Awesome!!!!
Thanks ever so much!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
oh man, this is the lesson i have been waiting for forever, warren ur a maaaarveelous freakin' legend
Aw shucks thanks Ehsan!! You rock! Glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
THANKS ALOT I JUST FINISHED THE LESSON I LEARNED ALOT I JUST STARTED MY JOURNEY SO ILL KEEP GOING AND GOING
Hi Warren! Thanks so much for these videos. Couldn't possibly pay you enough for this great wisdom!!
I'm going to ask a noobish question: do patchbays negatively affect sound? If so, what patchbays should a studio purchase? Are there brands to go to or to avoid?
Thanks again!
Mycroft
Hi Warren I'm very grateful of this videos, I have learn so much.
What about the remaining four lessons?
Greetings!
Hi Christian!! Haha yes busted!! I need to find time to complete them!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
+Produce Like A Pro Haha its ok, Im enjoying the other videos. Many thanks
Great video Warren from a fellow Northern Englishman lol. Also wanted to echo some of the points below about how one connects a patch bay to ones interface and equipment etc. It would me mega useful my brother, ktf, Jay
Hi Jason Chinnian Haha Of course! Long live Carlisle!!! Yes I think doing a video on connecting equipment will be really useful!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren +Produce Like A Pro. Thanks for the reply. Keep making great inspirational videos!
Thanks very much +Jason Chinnian Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Great video Warren! Can you do an in depth video where you explain how you hooked up your console to your DAW, especially the hardware aspect?
I love this episode... definitely helped me with my patchbay setup! Thx a zillion Warren!!
Thanks for a good lesson, as i am mostly doing sound in church it is good to know.
Hi +Andreas Lindholm Thank you very much! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hey Warren :). In regards to this video, I was wondering how you got phantom power to the mics? I'm assuming through the patch to the pre amp? if so, which is the proper way to connect and feed the mic? I was under the impression you couldn't run 48v through a patch bay.
Hi +michael emm Thanks for the great question! I run Phantom through my patch bay with no issues. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
@@Producelikeapro Hi Warren, so you have no issues when the TRS is unplugged with the phantom power being shorted?
@@plummetplum phantom power doesn't have to shorted when you leave it off
until you are done patching right ;-)
@@Gerkozielman In a perfect world, but there's still a high risk correct protocol won't always be followed, especially in the middle of a busy season and humans will always make mistakes. I'm not a pro in a studio but I've just read that a TRS mic patchbay runs a high risk of breaking your precious expensive ribbon mic or pre amp.
@@plummetplum you are correct, TRS will short each time you plug/unplug. Bantam connectors on pro Patchbays do not however. One reason pro level Patchbays cost five times more than your behringer ultrapatch! If you run phantom through a TRS bay, just be regimental with your phantom power on/off status. And also don’t accidentally patch it to your vintage synth outputs!
hola Warren, esta super el video, funciona igual con Bay Patch de Plug? es lo mismo? o es de mejor calidad la de ese estudio por el tipo de conectores??
Hi El Cuartito Feo, Muy buena pregunta ! bahías de conexión de alta calidad sin duda le dará los mejores resultados ! Tener un registro de tiempos maravillosa , muchas gracias Warren
Thank you, you gave me years worth of ideas in 20 minutes
Excellent lesson. And mad english swag. How come these types of engineers always sound way cooler than I do when I talk about this stuff?
Tragic Star cos we english 😂 everyone love our accents and swagger
LARS! Wonder if Lon still works their,.great engineer and teacher. Thanks for the video
Hi +Jazzyman I didn't meet Lon, but maybe they were there? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Great video, Warren. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I'm going to have to watch it again to get more of the tips and tricks. I loved the added bonus of the vocal parallel compression. What kind of settings would you use for the softer passages? Thanks and keep up the great work.
Hi Jed Wunderli Great question! I would treat both the softer and harder sounding vocals with the same settings only one hits compression only on the soft side and one on the harder side. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Eyy I go to school here :D I'm starting my Intro to Pro Tools class in a few days.
Did you become the next Sylvia Massey?
@@conorm2524 Even better: I graduated AND work at the school now :)
@@FoxWood That's amazing!
Buzzing for you living the dream.
Could you please explain how the channel inserts are set up in the back of a patch bay? I’m guessing you would just come out of the channel direct insert with a TRS Y cable to the different point of the patch bay, would greatly appreciate an answer, thanks Warren really love learning from your videos, you are awesome!
Another great vid, I love that patchbay...just a question, do all those connections introduce any measureable electrical noise? It seems like the patch leads you were using were just the standard non balanced mono leads so I could only assume that the connectors and leads are of a quality that at least, minimizes any interference or noise.
Cheers mate.... Andrew
Hi Oz Macca the cables I used were balanced TT Cables. I'm wondering if the video didn't properly show that? Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Warren, have you seen the video Patchbay Basics Part 2 by @SLCAUDIO the format is gold. So easy to understand. It compliments your video well.
Produce Like A Pro What mic and pre would you recommend for a Kazoo soloist, or should I just DI the kazoo? Just joking, mate. Great video, fantastic info.
Haha Howard Hedger Of course an original AKG C12 or Telefunken 251, nothing less for the Kazoo! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Greatest video of all time.
Aw shucks thanks very much Dylan!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Great video Warren, thanks again
Glad you enjoyed it
What an Absolutely Awesome introduction series, you have given me SO Many "Ah HA" moments, I'm going to be lost for days playing :-)
I'm So Glad I subscribed & Truly want to thank you for sharing your wisdom & knowledge. Your a Legend! :-)
Looking forward to all your other tutorials & vids
HI +Rui Dos Santos Aw shucks! Fantastic! So glad to be able to help!! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
That was very useful thanks. I'm into my 4th watching.Now that I have a Firewire connection to my Mackie 'ONYX1220' so much more of what you say makes sense to me - all 12 channels go into the Tracktion DAW at the same time and I can start getting "..... crazy ....." with my tracks & plugins. Brilliant. Now you have introduced the patch-bay maybe I can get some use out of the Lex the Ali & the Beh assortment of hardware which doesn't get used currently.
Would you be posting some more stems to practice with anytime soon?
Hi Richard Mellersh Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! Yes there is session available for you to mix if you sign up for www.producelikeapro.com Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
One thing I'd like a deeper understanding about is how to hook them up in the back. I've never used a patch bay, mostly because I'm a 100% software based studio that has no outboard gear except for monitors a Focusrite 2i2 and an M-Audio Oxygen 49. It just kind of confuses me how patch bays work with nothing patched in the front. when you have stuff plugged in the back to the patch bay, when you say normalized, does that mean it automatically flows from the top part of the patch bay through the bottom part of the patch bay? I don't know how to explain my question.
Hi Studio 7-22 Yes that is exactly! Right! The input at the top goes directly to the output at the bottom when it is Normalled! If you plug in either at the top or bottom you 'break' the normal! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
I've never needed more than 24 channels simultaneously, but my monitoring set up could get pretty complicated with a 5 + or more piece band , with everyone needing their own headphone mix.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much for your time and this jobb you do.
Hi +Afshin Saran Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Hello Warren, does the fact that you're using quarter inch cables affect the quality of the signal rather than going directly into the interface with xlr etc.?
What patch bays do you recommend?
Also, can you do an interview with Jon Fausty, Ignacio Molino, Carlos Mas, Rolando Alejandro, Juan Carlos Salas Polanco or and especially Sergio George about mixing and producing Salsa (Afro-Cuban) music? In particular modern Timba music from Cuba.
I have contact info for some of them if you need it. Many of them especially the first two I mentioned (Jon Fausty and Ignacio Molino) speak perfect English so that most people could still follow. In fact Jon Fausty is an American but one of the most prolific Salsa engineers ever.
I've only found a few tutorials on Salsa but not from the higher end engineers and I'm mixing a Salsa project of mine but it's a pain in the ass! Harder to mix than ANYTHING I've ever done.
Any input you have on this would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, thank you for the great video. So helpful! Specially since Duality is popular AND it represents most of the features you might see on the similar consoles. Let me please clarify just one things and it's about MULTS 29:59 Form my understanding there are 2 MULTS. 1st one takes 1 signal and splits it in to 2 equivalents. And the 2nd MULT does the opposite - takes 1 signal and merges it to just one. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thank you!
Great show again. I have external hardware effects that I am using with my Daw (studio 1-3). I was discussing with my tech about the best way to use them and he set up an SSL X-Patch system for me instead of a patch bay. I'm now wondering if that was the best way to do this, or perhaps it was the only way as I don't have a console with the exception of a presonus StudioLive CS18. I just find with the X-Patch my effects (eventide H700 Reverbs and the likes) isn't coming through as clear as it should through my DAW. At the end of the day Was the SSL X-Patch the best solution for me to access my hardware or do you have a better solution? I might just need to tinker around with my Eventides global setting. I want to be certain if the X-Patch was the way to go though. Hope I have explained this properly to you.
Hi +Jak Leyton That's unusual, I would honestly have thought the SSL would be fantastic at patching, might be worth checking forums to see what people think about that. I'm surprised it's creating issues. Either that or a patch bay should work great, the SSL allows a little more flexibility and I would hope that it would sound fantastic! Let me know what you find out! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Stunning video. I've learned so much. Cheers.
Great explanation of patch bays- as I would expect from you - fantastic !
I'd love to properly go through the ins and outs of my small setup to see if it could be made easier with a patch bay - I only have 4 ins and outs (Akai EIE Pro) but I've managed to simplify some things using inserts so that CH 1 and 2 are permanently hooked up to a 2 channel compressor (DBX 266xs) which can be bypassed on either channel. I have couple of channel strips (Aphex Project Channel) and (Presonus Studio Channel) which are run as XLR /line straight into the unit then XLR out to whichever input I decide and a late 17th century Alesis Quadraveb glaring at me from the corner - it would be great to be able to just mix and match at will - is this enough gear to warrant a patch bay and also control monitoring and cue from a Presonus Monitor Station ?
Mates rates on consultancy fees !
If any of Warren's other disciples have ideas I'd love to hear them too - pint on me if local to Reading !
Do you know of any other good resources on this subject ?
Hi Craig Dove Thanks very much for your great comment I really appreciate it! A small patch bay could be useful, however you are at the cusp of definitely needing one, are you thinking of expanding your equipment more? If you are definitely expanding your gear then I would recommend getting a patch bay. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Brilliantly clear thank you Warren.
Where in the chain does Phantom Power get added for mics that need it? Also, thanks for the video. Helps a lot with understanding the patchbay connection modes.
Very instructive. Thanks.
I'm considering buying or building one. What do you think of first prices equiments, like Behringer, Art, Millenium. Does it worth it? Because the gap is quite important between the most expensive "entry-level" (159€) and first price in Neutrik (654€).
Also do we have to make ourselves the mults? Is it a simple electrical split?
Hi Warren! Do you have plans to do a video about Pro Tools HD I/O systems and how your DAW coexist with your Console back and forht? Thanks!
Hi Alex Floyd Torhov yes that's a great topic and I will cover it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thanks for the video. It's very informative. I'm doing my homework before I dive into my own patchbay. I have a question concerning the bay with the outboard gear. Is that set up in what would be called "de-normaled"? Are the connection just straight through on that?
Thanks!
Now, even when it's not a NEW PLAP day, it can be a historical PLAP day! all the goodness of PLAP, but from the past! whoop! I've just wired a patchbay at a mate's studio... it was hectic.
To much information!! a lot to learn!! I don't figure it how the connections are to work perfectly with the console and pro tools but i'll research it!! Thanks for this lesson!! it's awesome!! lml
Hi ManiaK VargaS so happy to be able to help!! Thanks very much for your kind words I really appreciate it! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren
Thank you for this information, it helped me in school
Hi Warren, marvellous video! Would you kindly explain how the external mic pres are connected in this set up? How is phantom power handled with the TT setup? Cheers, Benny.
I see the traditional patchbay quite intuative and I didn't know about a normalized fuction which is helpful...
Although I could easily find a recall session a absolute overwhelling night mare...
Do you think this channel could do a review of the Flock Patch XT? as this would make that process such a breeze
How many cascading connections can you make before signal degradation becomes audible?
That was great Warren, I always wondered what the deal was with patchbays, Correct me if I am wrong, but they bring all the ins and outs to where the action is. So all the pre-amp inputs "for example" are really only accessible through the patchbay? Because the outputs/inputs to that preAmp already lead to the patchbay?
Originally starting out with having a "one track at a time" recording approach has left me with little need for much gear and I also use an audio project chart, that floats around in the room on casters, for all my rack stuff - it makes for pretty easy access. I can see why you choose that studio, the control room was very nice and the patchbay properly laid out and labeled.
Thanks for the lessons, I really appreciate your channel.
Hi Warren, Great video! Wondering if there are still shots available of the labeling on the SSL console in the video... it's a bit hard to read at times. Thanks!
Really nice video! How do you handle phantom power on the patchbay? Doesn’t cause an unplugging under phantom power a short circuit?
Hi Martin Thiermann Thanks very much for your great question I really appreciate it! I would suggest you always have phantom turned off until you have the patch completed and also don't go into record or keep the track muted. Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren