Patchbay Phantom Power -
All Bittree audio patchbays are capable of passing phantom power. The key is to understanding how ones ground structure in particular regarding the channel that phantom power is wanted to be present on.
So, keeping that in mind for a full normal circuit a buss; looped (vertical strap) or switched ground setting on our patch bays will all pass the ground required. A non-normal circuit at the patchbay does not apply to this concept since inserting a patch cord is required to complete this circuit and ground will then be provided. A half normal circuit is not recommended for phantom power applications.
A basic principle of phantom power is that it always requires a ground connection to complete the circuit. Also, with active phantom power, it is a best practice to turn the input gain down when patching into any phantom power patch point and never apply phantom power to a ribbon microphone.
In summary, again, all Bittree patchbays are capable of passing Phantom Power. Switched ground bays in particular offer the satisfaction of a ground follows patch rule which can be very useful for isolating ground technical issues, notably in systems with many performance, playback rooms, or locations.
What is a Patch
What is a patch is a question usually asked in the world of pro audio, and generally refers to a particular aspect of signal flow. In commercial and home recording studios, patch panels, also known as patch bays, are the epicenter of hardware and routing for different types of audio and multi effect devices.
With the growing trend of home recording becoming more popular, options of quality hardware and effects units are more commonly found in bedroom studios across the country. The best way to utilize the options these devices present is through the use of a patch panel or patch bay. In this application, all of your hardware devices and multi effects are “patched” together at the patch bay, creating versatility in signal flow and also eliminating the need to plug / unplug your devices each time you want to utilize a specific hardware device. This can help prolong the life of your gear, protecting the input and output jacks from overuse.
What is a patch panel without high quality patch cords? This is an often overlooked aspect of audio production, and is fundamental in good signal reproduction and proper equipment function. Bittree specialize in offering the highest quality patch cords for audio, video, and data, and are the manufacturers of the highest quality patch bays and patch panels for commercial and residential studio installations.
In audio recording, a patch is often associated with software synthesizers, whose sounds can be arranged in virtually endless ways. These sounds can later be recalled and saved as a “patch” for use. This is a huge timesaver in the studio, as certain commonly used sounds can be instantly recalled for immediate application and further sound manipulation.
If you want to discuss how the use of a patch can improve your workflow in your studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk signal flow!
Types of Fiber Optic Cable
Types of fiber optic cable consist of many different options depending on their implementation and use. Specifically designed for the transmission of data and the connecting of computer networks, fiber optic cables allow the communication of many different computers by the use of patch panels or patch bays if connecting multiple devices, but can also be used to connect single computers directly to a modem.
Television and radio broadcasting, home recording studios, and telecommunications all use different types of fiber optic cable in their respective applications. Made up of one or more individual optical fibers, communications are allowed by the transferring of light instead of electrical currents, allowing much faster connections and bandwidth.
Optical fiber elements are individually coated, typically with plastic layers, and are housed in a durable tubing made specifically for the environment where the cable will be used. Different kinds of cable are used in different applications, providing high-speed data connection between different parts of a building, or in long distance telephone connections.
The following are just a few of the different fiber optic cable types:
OFC - Optical fiber, conductive
OFN - Optical fiber, nonconductive
OFCG - Optical fiber, conductive, general use
OFNG - Optical fiber, nonconductive, general use
OFCP - Optical fiber, conductive, plenum
OFNP - Optical fiber, nonconductive, plenum
OFCR - Optical fiber, conductive, riser
The implementation of patch panels allows the connecting of different types of fiber optic cable, found in many commercial and residential settings. Patch panels allow the flow of data and information to be shared by multiple computers and hardware devices.
If you want to discuss different types of fiber optic cable and how they can improve your workflow in your studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk signal flow!
Cat5 e vs cat 6 is a very common question asked by many in computer networking communities. There is understandable confusion about each, and their applications and differences, and which one is better and why. There are even arguments between installers often, each taking their stance as to which is better suited for networking tasks and applications.
Lets start with the main similarity between Cat 5 e and cat 6 cables. The end jack that both of these cables use is called an RJ-45, an industry standard used for many years. The RJ-45 is an ethernet jack that connects directly to a computer, or by the use of a patch panel. The RJ-45 also can connect directly to a modem or router, depending upon the type of installation required. A specialist can help determine which of these options is better suited for your needs.
The cost difference between using Cat 5 e vs cat 6 is roughly anywhere from 10 to 20% higher if you decide to go with a cat 6, even reaching upwards of 30% depending on the type of install performed. In a more industrialized setting, cat 6 is recommended due to its increased durability and rigidity, able to withstand greater pressure from environmental elements and possible rodent interference.
Cat 5 e vs cat 6 cables share similarities in build and construction, both typically using 4 twisted pairs in each cable, incorporating copper wires. Cat 6 cables have reduced crosstalk and system noise. Cat5 cables provide speeds only up to 100 MHz, while Cat 6 cables provide performance speeds up to 250MHz. Cat 5 e cables have a tendency to contain a greater delay and skew than Cat 6 cable. Cat 5 e and Cat 6 cables can both operate 1 Gigabit networks, but Cat 5 e may have an extended delay for the signal to get from one side to the other, giving the appearance that it runs slower.
If you want to discuss the difference between cat 5 e vs cat 6 cables, and how they can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk signal flow!
Difference between Cat5 and Cat6
The difference between cat5 and cat6 cables are a direct reflection of the advancement of computer networking and technological advancement in recent years. They are both used for a wide variety of purposes, but are mainly used as network cables, connecting servers to their respective modems and ISP’s. Like everything in recent years, cables advance in performance and application as dictated by the technology they serve. The main difference between cat5 and cat6 cables is reduced “crosstalk” and faster speeds in the transferring of data and connection.
The electromagnetic signals that emanate from cat cables can cause “crosstalk” when multiple cables are close to one another within a computer networking hub. The interference caused by cables being too close to each other can slow speeds and also slow the quality of connection. Increased errors can result from crosstalk, as well as lost pockets of connection capability. Through the incorporation of a new twisted cable design and improved shielding, the difference between cat5 and cat6 is an example of technology developing with computer capabilities.
The difference between cat5 and cat6 cables lie in the methods used to manufacture them and in their capabilities. Cat5 and cat6 cables both share the same end piece, the plug that connects them to their end destination, being a patch panel or a modem. The end piece that both of these cables share is known throughout the industry as an RJ-45. These plugs can connect directly to a computer ethernet jack or router, and have been an industry standard for years.
The speed of a cat5 cable can handle up to 10/100 Mbps (megabytes per second) at 100 Mhz bandwidth, a speed that was quite efficient in earlier applications of the cat5. Cat5E cables were introduced about 15 years ago, and could handle up to 10 times the speed and bandwidth of its predecessor, the cat5. Cat6 cables have been around only a few years less than cat5e cables, and are more robust and thick. Cat6 cables support more industrialized installations and can withstand harsher conditions and also further reduce crosstalk.
If you want to discuss the difference between cat5 and cat6 cables, and how they can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk patch panels!
Patch Cord
Patch cord, also called a patch cable, is the standard electrical and optical cord used in connecting electrical and optical devices together for the purpose of routing signal from one unit to another. Often found in computer networks, television and film broadcasting and commercial and home recording studios, the patch cord is the way it all comes together.
Manufactured in a wide variety of styles from ¼” mono instrument cords, color coded patch cord pairs, XLR microphone cords to headphone extension lines, patch cords are often made of coaxial cables, with signal carried through a shielded core, with the earthed ground connected through a wire mesh surrounding the core. The end of each cord is attached to a connector, allowing the devices to be plugged into one another. The type of connector can vary widely, with different types of adaptors and sizes.
A patch cord can vary in length, ranging anywhere from straight end to end connections used to merge guitar multi-effects together, to upwards of 100’ in length for connecting power amps to their respective speaker outputs in large concert settings. A patch cord is the ability by which sound travels from an electric guitar to an amplifier, or from a drum machine to a patch bay, connecting multiple signal routing options together in one centralized hub.
The ability to make your own patch cord is very convenient and cost effective, and can add to the customization of your home studio setup. Being able to create custom lengths of patch cords can aid in the wiring of custom guitar effects pedalboards, keeping connections tidy. This is also a huge benefit in creating the perfect patch bay, with matching cord colors aiding in the organization of hardware setup and signal flow.
Patch cords can also be grouped together to create what is referred to as a “snake” in studio terms. A snake is a group of patch cords bundled together in one complete hose-like cord, with patch bays connected at either end to facilitate the connecting of devices.
If you want to discuss how good patch cords can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk patch panels!
Patch Cords, or patch cables as they are also known, are electrical or optical cables used to connect or patch together one or more electrical or optical units for routing signal. There are a multitude of electrical or optical components that utilize patch cords for connection - a switch connected to a computer, a switch connected to a router, or a vast array of musical instruments and accessories all get their signal flow from the use of patch cords.
Patch cords come in a number of different lengths, colors, and connections. In an audio studio setting, patch cords usually are found as color-coordinated pairs, implemented by the use of a patch bay or patch panel, to route signal to and from hardware devices and analog instruments. Different types of patch cords include microphone cords, headphone extension cords, XLR cords, TTL (tiny telephone lines), RCA, and ¼” TRS phone cords. Patch cords however, are typically referred to only in context of using the cords with a patch bay or patch panel.
Patch cords come in different lengths, varying from being connected end to end for instrumental multi-effect connections, or cords up to 100’ used in audio and theatrical productions to transfer sound from power amps to their respective speaker sets. In audio productions, analog ¼” patch cords are used to connect electric guitars, basses, drum machines, and synthesizers to patch bays for signal routing, or for connecting directly to a DAW for audio recording.
The ability to make custom patch cords is a huge benefit to the home studio enthusiast. With a little time and patience, it is very easy to create your own cords, and one can end up saving a significant amount of money in the long run. In creating your own patch cords, you have the benefit of creating a cleaner studio environment, because you can customize your lengths so that there is no excess cord taking up floor space or cluttering up your racks.
If you want to discuss how good patch cords can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk patchbays!