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
We love to talk patchbays and patch panels!
How to use a jack
How to use a jack in audio production depends on your end objective. On linux (a computer operating system that manages hardware resources), jack is the standard software used for controlling audio. Jack stands for “Jack audio connection kit”, and is a sound server that handles the demands of audio production assignments. Controlling the routing of audio and midi signals in audio recording, jack also controls sample rate, hardware buffer settings, and latency controls. A jack is also simply the end metal tip of an audio cable that connects to a port in a hardware device.
How to use a jack In audio recording - latency is an extremely important factor in capturing instrumental and vocal performances. The less latency you have, the more accurate a performance can be. Jack allows you to achieve low latency settings in audio and midi recording, and also allows you to select whatever hardware device you want to use for your recording session. Jack also allows you to use various programs together, syncing them so that they can share information and commands.
There are various types of jacks used in audio production. ¼”, ⅛”, XLR, Ethernet, and TTl’s (tiny telephone lines) connect hardware together. A jack plug forms the connection between hardware devices and multi effects units, allowing for a wide variety of sound creation options. A jack can be worn out from overuse in time, needing to be replaced. The use of a patch panel or a patch bay can extend the life of a jack, allowing devices to be connected for long periods of uninterrupted work flow. Devices can be plugged and unplugged at the patch bay or patch panel instead of having to be connected and disconnected at the inputs and outputs of hardware, thus prolonging the lifespan and functionality of your gear.
And for all of you other folks that made it this far into the post, I’m assuming you are not looking for the way a car jack is used. But if so, make sure you park on a solid surface to begin. Next, set your parking brake. Third, use wheel jocks if you got ‘em. Finally, make sure you check your jack to confirm that it is in working order. If all else fails, it may be a good time to call AAA (disclaimer - I am in no way am affiliated with AAA).
If you need a bit of TLC in understanding how to use a jack, or If you want to discuss how a jack software system 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! Now get out there and plug em’ in.
What is a TRS cable?
What is a TRS cable? A TRS cable is made up of two conductors and a ground shield. A conductor is a type of material or object that allows the flow of electrical current in one or more directions, and a ground shield is composed of one or more insulated conductors surrounded by a common conductive cover. The shield is used to reduce noise affecting the signal flow, and also to decrease electromagnetic radiation that can affect other electrical devices. TRS cables are used mainly to affix balanced equipment or combining both left and right mono channels in stereo headphones.
A TRS cable is composed of three conductors: a tip (T), ring (R), and a sleeve (S). These are all connected by different conductors within the cable. A standard guitar cable consists of a Tip and Sleeve only. The jack plug at the top of the cable is a TS cable. The pointed metal end is (wait for it) the tip, and the sleeve is the metal shaft running down about two inches from the top of the cable. There is a small black band between these two parts that keep the tip and the sleeve from shorting out against each other. These TS cables are typically used for carrying mono signals from electric guitars and basses to their respective amplifiers.
There is another type of TRS cable, which combines all elements of the stereo field. This is a TRRS cable, which has two rings and four conductors. These chords are often used in stereo headsets that contain a built-in microphone, a left and right channel respectively, and a ground. The TS cable and the TRS cable come in different jack sizes. The most common is the ¼”, also known as the telephone jack, as these were the first type of plugs to be used in telephone switching operations. The diameter at the sleeve is ¼”, which is where the name comes from. The ⅛” or 3.5mm jack are commonly used with computers and handheld devices.
TRS cables can be found in many different applications, from connecting electric guitars and patch bays, to the routing of various hardware and multi effects units together in commercial and home studios. There are differences in the quality of TRS cables, and can have a significant effect on the sound captured in audio recording and signal flow in a variety of live sound applications. TRS cables are also used in home security systems, providing protection from radio frequency interference and power surges.
If you want to discuss how TRS 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!
What is a patch cable?
What is a patch cable - A patch cable, also known as a patch cord or patch lead, is an electrical or optical cable that connects devices together for signal routing purposes. Devices such as computers are connected to routing devices (modems) by the use of patch cables allowing the communication of data from one device to another. There are different types of patch cables and patch cords, and are often produced in different colors to aid in organization of signal-flow. Microphone cables, instrument cables, XLR, ethernet, headphone extension cables, and TTL (tiny telephone lines) are all considered patch cables, carrying audio or video signals.
Differences in patch cables vary depending on their applications. Computer cables such as CAT5 and CAT6 are used in supporting network duties, with CAT5 being an older version with a more limited bandwidth capability, supporting networks up to around 100MB. CAT6 support network connections upwards of 1GB. The difference in the cable is the amount of twists that exist between the pairs of wires that are inside of the cables.
Patch cables are of varying lengths. Shorter patch cables can be used within rack mounted hardware setups, connecting hardware devices and effects units from one to another. Patch cables are also used in connecting various stompbox style pedals used in guitar applications. Some varieties are literally ¼” to ¼” plugs with no wire between them whatsoever. Typically, the shorter the cable, the better the connection. Patch cables are more flexible than standard copper cables, as copper cables are used in more permanent applications such as building infrastructure.
Different types of patch cables are often found in home and commercial recording studios, and are the cornerstone of any audio and recording setup. Microphones (typically using three pin XLR connectors) are routed to PA systems and mixing consoles, but can also make a stop at your favorite mic pre or effects device before input to impart different textures and sounds.
A wide range of electronic instruments use ¼” mono patch cables in connecting instruments to amplifiers such as electric guitars, electric basses, keyboards, drum machines, samplers, electric pianos, etc. Longer patch cables extending from 10’ to 20’ are used in connecting instruments to amplifiers and mixing consoles, with shorter patch cables (2” to 12”) connecting effects devices and stompbox style effects.
The importance of patch cables are often overlooked, until one goes bad. Understanding proper signal flow can maximize your recording experiences, but your experience can only be as good as your connections allow. Don’t get caught up in the downfall of bad cables! If you want to discuss how 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 does a patch panel work - A patch panel is a passive networking hub that bundles multiple ports together connecting incoming and outgoing lines. If you want to set up a wired network including multiple wall ports in various locations in a residence or commercial setting, a patch panel is the way to go. With wireless internet connections becoming more popular, the use of a patch panel can actually maximize internet speed. A wired network can deliver a faster and more consistent signal flow, achieving maximized bandwidth capabilities.
Also known as a patch bay or patch field, a patch panel is a simple, organized and easily managed solution used in connecting multiple computers, telecommunications devices, and external hardware to one another. Each port connects by means of an ethernet or patch cable, and sends data to an outgoing port location. Patch panels can be set up to be a part of a Localized Area Network (LAN), connecting computers to one another and to outside lines in larger area networks enabling internet access. Arranging circuits in a patch panel is as easy as plugging and unplugging the appropriate patch cords.
Patch panels are used frequently in home and commercial audio studio setups, and in industries that require extensive audio applications. The ability to have hardware and external effects units plugged into the same hub enables an array of routing options, limited only by the type of hardware used. Problems in signal flow can be more easily identified, and patch panels can virtually eliminate unwanted grounding issues often associated with using multiple hardware devices.
Wiring a patch panel is as easy as wiring an ethernet jack. The sequence must simply be repeated as many times as necessary to connect all inputs. For most home networks, a patch panel with 8 ports is usually enough to get the job done - but expansion is available as needed. 24, 48, 96, and as many as 336 patch panels formats are available to handle any and all situations.
With the ability to label individual inputs and outputs in a patch panel (for example, a desk or computer number), organization and troubleshooting network connections are much easier to isolate and correct. If you want to discuss how a 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
We love to talk signal flow!
What does a patch panel do?
What does a patch panel do - A patch panel takes the guesswork out of computer network routing, allowing all connections to live in one centralized location. This enables a cleaner, more efficient way of identifying each network input at the patch panel, and where data is passed from one point to another. Patch panels act as a signal flow catalyst, sending data from one place to another.
Patch panels, also known as patch bays and patch fields, are found in commercial and home recording studios, computer and telecommunications networks, stage and theatrical productions, and radio and television broadcasting. The ability to share a common input location helps streamline setup and routing of hardware and networking devices.
A patch panel holds system ports together inside media transmission storage rooms that interface approaching and local area neighborhood (LAN) lines or other correspondence and electrical frameworks. Patch panels inside LANs interface and arrange computer networks to each other and to outside lines, empowering the LANs to associate with the Internet or other wide area networks (WANs). Patch panels offer a more stable means of network installation, housing all connection points in one central hub.
The benefits of utilizing a patch panel or patch bay in commercial and home recording studios allows you to have a variety of routing options at your disposal. With all hardware and external effects devices living in the same place, the ability to mix and match sounds is much more easily done than having to plug and unplug your individual units. This is a much more effective way of getting different sounds and effects combinations, and creates a much more stable signal path, helping to eliminate unwanted ground hum.
Troubleshooting signal flow by the use of a patch panel aids in identifying issues with audio interference and electrical current inconsistencies. With all connections centralized in one patch panel, audio signals are traveling in much shorter distances through their respective signal chains by the benefit of shorter chord runs, resulting in stronger and faster signal flow.
If you want to discuss how a 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
We love to talk signal flow!
What is a patch panel used for?
What is a patch panel used for - A patch panel is used for cable management in various types of computer networking and telecommunications installations, recording studios, and television and radio production. A variety of cables are fed to a LAN (Local Area Network) to a mounted hardware port. The ability to label individual cable runs in a patch panel creates a cleaner and more organized way of identifying signal flow, and troubleshooting technical problems becomes an easier chore. Patch panels are also referred to as patch bays, jack fields, or patch fields, and are the core foundational flow of collecting data and directing it where it needs to be.
A patch panel alone has no “brain” so to speak - it simply facilitates the moving of signal flow to a server or switch connection of a network. A patch panel is used for protection of plugging and unplugging cables directly into a server, which can damage the connection through wear and tear. The ability to terminate cables into one localized location keeps things tidy. A switch has the ability to transmit data between its ports, enabling internet connections and the sharing of information. A switch works out how to direct incoming data and where to send it.
A patch panel is used by telecommunications and cable companies in strategic locations in their coverage areas. Technicians can easily access the patch panels to connect and disconnect services to homes without having to go into actual locations, increasing efficiency and workflow. Patch panels are also used in stage and theatrical productions, connecting audio and visual elements in presentation and performances.
The life of your gear can be extended by the use of a patch panel, reducing the amount of plugging and unplugging done to hardware used in recording studios. By not having to connect and disconnect units, wear and tear on equipment is reduced. Routing flexibility enables you to be more creative with signal flow, and a patch panel can help identify and eliminate grounding problems.
With home studios becoming increasingly popular and practical, a patch panel is a great addition in getting the most out of your studio space and equipment. With the added convenience of all hardware living in the same hub, studio sessions become more efficient. Experience the flexibility of routing options you may have never considered previously by the simple implementation of a patch panel.
If you want to discuss how a 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
We love to talk signal flow!
