Patch, in the world of pro audio and computer networking, is a way in which different pieces of equipment connect together and transmit data to and from one another. Whether connecting individual hardware pieces in a patch panel or patch bay, or by the way electric guitars are patched together with external effects devices, the means of patching signals creates unique sounds that may not have otherwise been thought of or realized.
A benefit of a patch in a home studio setting is that one can create textures and effects chains that can be fed into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or analog console in a multi-track recording environment. A patch can be more easily created by the use of a patch panel or patch bay, in that all hardware devices live in one centralized location, and can be chained together using different routing combinations. Your options are only limited by your imagination, so get creative!
A patch exists in the world of synthesizers as the name of a certain sound that has been created by blending and tuning oscillators. These patches can be recalled by storing them by giving each sound a custom name, or as a numerical value. Typically, keyboard players create patches close to one another or in a shared bank for ease of recall in a performance situation.
In the world of computers, a patch is a correction that can fix a functional problem in a software program. In audio recording software, a patch is often created or saved within specific plug-ins as a preset for recall of all parameters at a later time. This is quite the time saver, in that specific sounds can be instantly selected as a patch.
If you want to discuss how patching can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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Patch Panel - Patch Panel, also known as a patchbay, patch field or jack panel, is used in computer networking, radio and television broadcasting, and commercial and home recording studios. It is a centralized device or unit containing multiple types of connections, functioning as a hub for various inputs and routing for data sharing and network connections.
In television and broadcast studios, commercial and home recording studios and concert sound systems, a patch panel, or patchbay, is used to connect various types of equipment including microphones, electric guitars, basses, electronic instruments such as drum machines and synthesizers, effects processors, hardware recording devices, and broadcasting equipment. The ability for all of these connections to live in one centralized location facilitates an easier way to connect devices and allows for the ability to troubleshoot issues with signal flow.
How many times have you ever been in a recording situation and you wanted to utilize a certain effects chain but didn’t have the proper cabling or connection ability because of the way a device was set up or wired? By using a patch panel, these problems virtually disappear because every option is made easily available in that the devices all live in the same location. This not only increases productivity in the studio, but enhances workflow, and can inspire different sounds that have never been experimented with before. Patch Panels are becoming more commonly used in home theater setups as well, allowing the user a more elaborate audio setup such as surround sound, and multiple screen feeds throughout a residence.
Having a patch panel is an easier way to manage your wired network with the improved organization of connections. The ability to label all individual connections is a big asset in identifying network issues as they come up. When faulty signal flow occurs, a patch panel simplifies the process of identifying the problem, testing the connection, and making the necessary changes. Also, the life of hardware devices and multi-effects processors is extended, because there is less wear and tear from plugging / unplugging devices over time.
If you want to discuss how patch panels can improve your workflow in your studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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Redco are a premiere east coast manufacturer and distributor of custom pro audio and video cables, patchbays, connectors, custom panels, and microphone boxes. In the never-ending pursuit of customized audio solutions, Redco has offered a no compromise approach for their customers.
Take a trip to the west coast and you will find a highly specialized, refined, and experienced manufacturer of customized audio, video, and data solutions and products that have been holding it down for years. Established in 1978, Los Angeles based Bittree have been providing the highest quality custom patching systems to the entertainment and broadcast industries. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Bittree has earned an international reputation and received high critical acclaim for their work in creating product components, system design, and integration.
Redco has been a major player for years, but many east coast professional organizations have looked to Bittree for system integration. Bittree can be found in the stadium sound systems of four major sports teams based in New York - the Giants, Jets, Yankees, and Mets all share the common thread of using Bittree patching systems, as well as neighboring teams the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings. With the integration of many different businesses and advertisers tied into major league sports franchises, system reliability and function is a must. Bittree has been a highly respected and go-to for performance, reliability, and consistency.
With a highly detailed approach and commitment to the patching process, Bittree has found itself leading the way in delivering robust and dependable audio, video, and data solutions for commercial and residential applications. For meeting the most demanding or challenging situations, Bittree customer service is second to none in determining the right products and patching solutions for any customized installation. If Redco has been your first call for customized audio patching systems, let Bittree be you last.
If you want to discuss how patchbays can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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Fiber optic patch panel, also known as a cross-connect patch panel, is a gathering of port locations in a centralized hardware device merging communications between multiple users. The actual fiber optics of individual cables can be separated out and spliced to individual fibers on other cables within the patch panel, creating multiple connections and routing options. The fiber optic patch panel makes it safe to work with exposed fibers.
Fiber optic patch panels come in two different types. The first is a wall mounted unit, which in its basic configuration, can keep up to a dozen fibers separate from one another. If there are unused fibers in a cable that is being used in a patch panel, an engineer can route these fibers to another patch panel, or a patch panel designed to hold more individual fibers can be used. Wall mounted fiber optic patch panels can be built to house up to 144 fibers separately.
The second type of fiber optic patch panel is a rack mounted panel. Usually built to open like a drawer, individual fibers are held horizontally. The ability to slide the panel open exposes all of the individual connections, making modifications and updates an easy fix. Engineers often times use a fiber optic patch panel to test individual fibers within an optical cable. The ability to separate individual fibers makes it easier to pinpoint a faulty connection. Testing of connections is a much more efficient way to organize and detect signal flow issues within a network hub.
Fiber optic cables have to be split at one end to expose individual fibers. These fibers can then be sent to individual ports containing fiber optic adaptors, which can then be used to plug in different combinations of devices. Adaptors on a fiber optic patch panel can come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
If you want to discuss how a fiber optic patch panel can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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What is a patch cord?
What is a patch cord? A patch cord (also called a patch cable), is an insulated cord containing a plug at both ends, used in computer networking, audio production, television, theatrical and film production.
Patch cords are typically copper cables containing an RJ45, GG45, or TERA connector on both ends, although many different custom versions exist for varying applications. It is also common for patch cords to be tailor made to different lengths, enabling the customization of computer networking hubs, patch panels, and patch bays, which are found in audio production environments. Patch cords can also be used to connect a server or switch port to an installed cabling system.
Patch cords are found in commercial and home recording setups. These cords range in length from a few inches to as long as 100 feet in professional sound reinforcement applications and live concert settings. Patch cords of shorter lengths are used to connect floor stompbox style effects commonly used in guitar setups, enabling the user to create various types of effects together for different sound combinations. Typically, a mono instrument patch cord coming from the output of an electric guitar carries the signal flow to the effects, which is then routed by another mono patch cord to a guitar amp or recording interface. Patch cords connect drum machines, effects devices, analog synthesizers and external hardware devices together in various configurations, often facilitated by the use of a patch panel or patch bay.
Patch cords are often one of the most overlooked aspects of a home recording setup. The importance of having good audio patch cords is significant in maintaining consistent signal flow and optimizing the performance of your gear. Poor cables are single-handedly one of the biggest culprits of technical issues in studio setups, and should be tested immediately if performance of hardware, patch bays or other devices seem erratic or inconsistent
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
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How to make a patch cable
How to make a patch cable is a skill that can greatly reduce the cost of buying expensive ethernet and audio cables, as well as giving you the option of creating custom lengths for a centralized network hub, patch panel, or patch bay.. This gives much more flexibility in the planning of shared networks and can create a cleaner working environment, simplifying the process of having to make changes to your network at a later time.
Making different lengths of Cat5 cabling is easy, and can be achieved by first purchasing a box of bulk Cat5 cable and RJ 45 connectors. If Cat6 is your game, this can still be done but will set you back around 20% more in cost.
Ethernet cables are made in two different varieties, straight through or crossover. Straight through patch cable, or patch cords as they are also called, allow for longer cable runs, and are the standard type of networking patch cable. Crossover patch cables connect computers directly together without the use of a router, hub, or switch.
How to make a patch cable in audio production can offer many of the same benefits as in computer networking, but require different types of cable. A good standard choice of making patch cables for audio production is coax, or coaxial cable. These make a very neat and tidy patch cord. You can even add a color heat (a covered shrink on the ends of the cord), which can help you organize, personalize and identify signal flow.
One only need to make two connections in making an audio cable: the tip (signal), and the ground. Make these connections using a soldering gun, which are readily available at hardware stores and electrical supply outlets
The benefits of making your own patch cables have many benefits. The ability to create custom lengths for your applications can result in a cleaner signal flow and network organization, and the cost saved is worth investing the time to understand and learn the process.
If you want to discuss how a patch cables 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!
How to wire a patch panel
How to wire a patch panel is entirely dependent on the type of application you are using a patch panel for. Are you connecting a computer network together in one centralized location? Are you using it in combination with radio and television broadcasting? Is commercial or home recording your primary focus? How to wire a patch panel comes down to the kind of gear you are using, and what your intended application is. A patch panel can greatly organize your workspace and workflow, and can help in identifying issues with signal flow.
Your first step in how to wire a patch panel is to acquire one through an electrical supply store or outlet. Patch panels should contain 110 style insulation displacement connectors, and have terminations in varying numbers. Make sure to account for all incoming ethernet connections in selecting your patch panel.
Making a cable diagram map for the system administrator informing them as to which incoming cables are terminated at patch panel connectors is a good idea Labeling connections enables technicians to identify problems, creating an easy guide for future upgrades and changes within your network.
On each incoming ethernet cable, the covering jacket needs to be removed. Use wire strippers and give yourself at least two inches of length at the end of each cable. If your ethernet cables are CAT6, there will be a small internal plastic jacket under the outside cable jacket that will als need to be removed. CAT5 cables do not have this added layer, so this step is not necessary. Wire strippers are available at any hardware store or electrical supply outlet.
The next step in how to wire a patch panel is to untwist the individual cable wires within the cable and spread them all out. There will be four twisted pairs of these wires within the cable, and are color coded with 4 solid colors within each wire pair, and four identical wires with a white stripe around their counterpart. Take each of these 8 individual wires and plug them in individually to the 110 style connector within the patch panel in the outlet that has been chosen as the input destination. There is a color coded label on the patch panel that indicates where each wire is to be placed within the input location. Make sure each connection sets properly within the teeth of the insulation displacement connector.
Finally, use a patch panel push tool to secure each set of wire into the teeth of the input and output of the patch panels input displacement connector. If you want to discuss how to wire a patch panel can improve your workflow, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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