Non Normal (Isolated) Patchbays - Normalling patchbays
A non-normal, isolated grounds patchbay configuration is often used for a completely configurable patchbay setup. This layout involves absolutely no connection between patch points, which ensures that differently grounded equipment share no connection or ground. A non-normal setup allows the engineer to connect external gear to their signal-chain at any time, and in any order of their recording or mixing process. This configuration is often used for effect processors' sends and returns.
Bittree Expands ProStudio Family of Pro Audio and Musical Instrument Patchbays with New Front-Programmable PS9625F
2x48 rackmount TT model with DB-25 rear interfaces delivers professional sound quality and durability at affordable, prosumer-like pricing
Glendale, CA – November 8, 2017 – Bittree – a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and data patching systems – today announced the second product in its new ProStudio series of premium-quality yet affordable audio patchbays. Complementing the recently-introduced ProStudio 4825F compact desktop model, the front-programmable ProStudio 9625F combines robust durability with superior sound quality in a 96-jack rackmount configuration. The PS9625F will make its exhibition debut at the 2018 NAMM Show (January 25-28, 2018 in Anaheim, California), where Bittree will exhibit in booth 10614.
Enabling users to easily define and modify their audio signal flows, Bittree’s ProStudio family brings the company’s renowned patchbay quality and reliability to price points accessible to everyone from hobbyist musicians to top-tier studio engineers. The PS9625F ($1125.00 MSRP) delivers all of these benefits in a 1.5RU rackmount form factor with 96 TT (bantam) connectors in a high-density 2x48 configuration, with 12 DB-25 rear connectors for interfacing with Avid® ProTools® and Tascam® gear.
“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive response to the first model in our ProStudio series, the PS4825F, and we’re excited to introduce its ‘big brother’ for customers with larger-scale setups,” said Ari Baron, general manager at Bittree. “With the ProStudio family, people wanting to make professional-sounding music no longer need to sacrifice audio quality for affordability. The PS9625F is ideal for users who want the cleanest signal path possible, and delivers that quality in a heavy-duty design that’s built for reliability and longevity in demanding environments.”
The PS9625F features a sturdy metal front panel and durable full-frame jacks with gold cross-bar switching contacts, delivering superior durability, higher electrical current rates and lower noise than lower-end alternatives. Similarly, internal digital AES wiring ensures higher-quality audio than the flat cable typical in low-cost offerings.
Professional-grade, front-accessible shunts enable easy reconfiguration of circuit normalling, grounding and bussing, and are protected from dust, electrical interference and other elements by the PS9625F’s two removable stainless steel designation strips. The extra-large designation strips offer space for up to three lines of print for easy labelling, and combine with silk-screened numbering on the front panel to enable quick circuit identification. The fully-enclosed 1.5RU chassis measures seven inches deep, and despite its robustness weighs in at just 8.5 pounds.
The ProStudio 9625F is available immediately through dealers including Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Vintage King, Westlake Pro, Dale Pro Audio, Pro Audio LA and many more authorized resellers worldwide. For more information, please visit PS9625F
In today’s music products landscape, there’s no shortage of available accessories for the home recording enthusiast. However, there still exists a technology and price gap between consumer-grade recording products and professional-grade studio equipment. But, with the launch of the new ProStudio 4825F Patchbay from Bittree, that gap is looking narrower than ever before.
“For decades, we have manufactured the world’s best, most reliable patchbays that were out of financial reach of most of the MI market,” said Ari Baron, general manager at Bittree. “We wanted to offer our patching solutions at a more affordable price, without sacrificing the quality and precision of our legendary bays. The most efficient way to do this was to offer the same internal components as our 969 Front Programmable Patchbay, at a lighter density. The PS4825F is essentially half of a 96-point traditional TT patchbay.”
The PS4825F is the first entry in Bittree’s new ProStudio line of audio patchbays. It is intended for desktop applications in temporary or fixed installations, and its small form factor (12.5″x7″x2.5″ at 5lbs.) allows it to fit most home studio setups. The PS4825F is designed to fit portable 500 Series racks, as well as to fit comfortably underneath a desktop monitor. It also offers the foundation a hobbyist would need to create a professional-quality recording studio in his or her home.
“The PS4825F mates perfectly with any professional equipment with DB-25 connectors, or DB-25-to-XLR or TRS connectors,” said Baron. “Most DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) have DB-25 inputs and outputs, making connectivity a cinch. A great microphone, an XLR cable, a microphone preamp, a compressor, EQ and some sound treatment to tune your room is all that’s needed to start recording and mixing music in a professional-sounding way. The PS4825F ties it all together.
“Think of our patchbay as the central nervous system of the studio,” he added. “The PS4825F integrates, connects and coordinates all sonic activity within its space. Without it, you move around the studio like a jellyfish.”
A patchbay can add tremendous flexibility to any do-it-yourself recording setup by streamlining connections and allowing for easier experimentation with signal flow. Adding a patchbay also makes studio hardware much more accessible for on-the-fly adjustments to connections and patching. “You’ll never have to climb under or behind your desk again,” said Baron. “Our ProStudio patchbays provide engineers quick accessibility to any of their equipment in their studio and workflow. They can quickly add compressors and EQs to the tracking signal chain, or rapidly change a studio from tracking, to mixing, to mastering. They can patch around any problems in their signal flow to keep the session going, then troubleshoot the problem later without disrupting the workflow. All studio equipment inputs and outputs become centrally located.”
What sets the PS4825F apart from other patchbays is the professional quality of its audio jacks and connections, which are more suited for long-term use and offer more protection for sensitive system components than those found on most consumer-grade patchbays.
“Our TT audio jacks are full-frame jacks, and offer more durability and stability than plastic molded jacks and casted jacks,” explained Baron. “Our full-frame jack eliminates ‘Memory’ that can physically alter the springs and other internal jack components on a permanent basis. Our jacks are built to military specifications and must function no matter how harsh the conditions. The result is a less than 0.0001% failure rate.
“This meticulous attention to quality extends to the PS4825F’s connectors and components,” he added. “Professional-grade shunts with gold-plated spring contacts resist surface corrosion and maintain their connection for years of trouble-free service. Solid-gold switching contacts are welded and electrically bonded to the spring leaves, providing superior durability and higher electrical current ratings than competing solutions’ pressed-on foil approach. XL designation strips provide ample space for three lines of print, enabling easy labelling and quick identification.”
Since Bittree anticipates that the PS4825F will be a game-changer in the home studio market, the company plans to be aggressive in its promotion of the product. Bittree also plans to offer incentives to new dealers in an effort to expand its dealer network. “We are currently offering new dealers free shipping on six patchbays or more, and a baker’s dozen with free shipping,” said Baron. “We have a ton of marketing material, and are very interested in partnering with our dealers and participating in co-op marketing opportunities online and in print. Drop shipping is available at no extra charge.”
Bittree has also been ramping up its social media presence over the past year, and hopes its growing online following will lead to more public awareness of the PS4825F and the greater ProStudio line. “Our social media has been working overtime,” said Baron. “We started our Facebook page and Instagram page in November, and both are on the verge of passing 20,000 followers. We love giving our dealers shout-outs and running fun promotions to generate sales for them.”
“We also have dedicated customer service specialists assigned to each dealer, who are available for any questions that may come up before, during or after the sale,” he concluded. “We love to talk with our dealers on a regular basis.”
The PS4825F carries an MSRP of $625 and is available now. The ProStudio line comes with a five-year, front-to-back warranty. Bittree plans to add a one-rack-unit, internally programmable patchbay to the ProStudio line in the future. For more information on the ProStudio line, go to bittree.com.
http://msretailer.com/bittrees-prostudio-4825f-patchbay/
New product family brings professional patching robustness to prosumer-level price points, starting with industry-first 500 Series model
Glendale, CA – May 24, 2017 – Bittree – a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and data patching systems – has unveiled the new ProStudio series of audio patchbays, aimed at making the company’s renowned quality and robustness affordable to everyone from hobbyist musicians to top-tier studio engineers. The first offering in the new line, the front-programmable ProStudio 4825F, is the first-ever patchbay designed specifically for pairing with transportable 500 Series modular chassis such as the API® Lunchbox®, Rupert Neve Designs R6 and Radial® Six-Pack.
Designed to fit perfectly on portable 500 Series racks or under computer monitors in fixed or temporary installations, the desktop PS4825F ($625.00 MSRP) enables users to easily define and alter their audio signal flow between equipment or around the studio.
The PS4825F offers 48 TT (bantam) connectors in a 2x24 configuration, with DB25 rear connectors for interfacing with Avid® ProTools® and Tascam® gear. Eschewing the plastic construction typical of many low-cost patchbays, the sturdy PS4825F features a metal front panel rather than breakage-prone phenolic material. The same robust and carefully-engineered design also eliminates the noise associated with lower-end alternatives.
This meticulous attention to quality extends to the PS4825F’s connectors and components. Solid-gold switching contacts are welded and electrically bonded to the spring leaves, providing superior durability and higher electrical current ratings than competing solutions’ pressed-on foil approach.
Professional-grade shunts, protected from dust and other elements including EMI and RFI by the PS4825F’s removable front stainless steel designation strips, enable easy reconfiguration of circuit normalling, grounding and bussing. Meanwhile, the designation strips themselves provide ample space for three lines of print, enabling easy labeling and quick identification.
The PS4825F and other upcoming ProStudio models all build on Bittree’s rich history in the music industry, beginning with the extensive experience of Bittree founder and CEO Glenn Garrard. Starting out by building and maintaining speakers and tape machines for Motown Records in Detroit, he came to the west coast when Berry Gordy Jr. relocated Motown to Los Angeles in 1972. Garrard then worked in television on the Merv Griffin Show, before founding Bittree in 1978.
“The ProStudio line fills a void in the market for reliable, professional-quality patchbays at sub-$1000 pricing, and we’re excited to make Bittree’s proven product excellence accessible to a wider range of customers,” said Garrard. “The first model, the PS4825F, is the perfect complement to the exceptional flexibility and elegance of 500 Series modules and chassis, delivering the cleanest patching signals possible in a compact, robust and cost-effective package.”
The ProStudio 4825F is available now with further ProStudio models following later this year. For more information, please visit www.bittree.com.
Bittree’s 4825F compact dimensions (12.5 in. x 7 in. x 2.5 in.) and low weight (5 lbs.) combine with high-quality components to provide the perfect companion for any desktop application. Rack mountable brackets sold separately.
About Bittree:
Established in 1978, Bittree is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art patchbays and patch panels that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations. Tailored for use in the post-production, pro A/V, systems integration, and radio and television broadcasting fields, Bittree’s patching solutions are rigorously tested to ensure long-term functionality and dependability, especially for mission-critical operations and live events. To ensure consistency, performance, and adherence to rigid quality standards, all of the company’s patching products are designed, assembled, and tested in its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, California. Bittree is an active member of industry trade organizations NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), and SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers). For more information, please visit www.bittree.com.
Next-generation, single-link patching solution recognized by engineers and industry experts for innovation, feature set, cost efficiency and performance
Glendale, CA – May 2, 2017 – Bittree – a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and data patching systems – has been honored with three Best of Show Awards from NewBay Media for the company’s new 12G+ Mini-WECO Coaxial Video Patchbay. Reflecting the innovative 12G+ solution’s significance and benefits across multiple professional markets, Bittree was presented with the awards at the 2017 NAB Show from diverse NewBay publications TV Technology (the digital television authority, serving the broadcast, cable, production, post production, business and new media markets), Sound & Video Contractor (the definitive technical resource for A/V integrators, contractors, dealers and consultants), and Government Video (a resource for federal, military, state and local government media professionals).
Extending Bittree’s hallmarks of design excellence and trusted reliability to next-generation video infrastructures, the 12G+ Mini-WECO Coaxial Video Patchbay delivers high-bandwidth performance for SD-SDI, HD-SDI, UHD-SDI, HDR, 4K and 8K single-link video applications. Eliminating the cumbersome quad-link connectivity commonly used for 4K signal transport, Bittree’s 12G+ video patching systems enable reliable handling of 4K over a single 12Gb/s link, dramatically simplifying cabling for studio, master control, A/V system and mobile production deployments while quadrupling the number of channels each unit can handle.
Precision-engineered to exceed the requirements of SMPTE 292M, 424M, ST2081-1 and ST2082-1 technical standards, Bittree’s 12G+ video patchbays offer 75-ohm impedance with low return loss and support data rates up to 48Gb/s. Ringing out at 24GHz, the future-friendly 12G+ Mini-WECO patchbays provide a tremendous amount of clean headroom not only for 4K, but also 8K, HDR and higher-bit rate applications.
“We designed our 12G+ series to provide industry-leading performance for both the current and future needs of demanding broadcast, production and A/V environments, and we’re thrilled that its advantages have been recognized with these prestigious awards,” said Ari Baron, general manager at Bittree. “Winning three Best of Show Awards is a testament not only to the wide-reaching benefits of our products, but also to the efforts of Bittree’s talented team. I’d like to thank both the NewBay judges and our dedicated employees.”
NewBay’s Best of Show Awards are evaluated by a panel of industry experts and are selected based on innovation, feature set, cost efficiency and performance in serving the industry. Winners receive an award for display and will be featured the corresponding publications. All nominated products, winning or not, are also featured in the special Best of Show Awards Program Guide to be distributed in digital form after the convention.
“The products nominated for the Best of Show program, now in its fourth year, provide an outstanding overview of new technology on the show floor and shine a spotlight on the very best,” said NewBay Broadcast & Video Group Vice President & Group Publisher Eric Trabb.
New solutions bring company’s renowned quality and dependability to broadcast and professional A/V infrastructures beyond HD while simplifying connectivity
Glendale, CA – February 15, 2017 – Bittree, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and video patchbays and patch panels, is extending its hallmarks of design excellence and trusted reliability to next-generation video infrastructures with the introduction of its new 12G+ BNC Coaxial Bulkhead Patch Panel series and 12G+ Mini-WECO (Midsize) Coaxial Patchbay family.
Delivering high-bandwidth performance for SD-SDI, HD-SDI, UHD-SDI, HDR, 4K and 8K single-link video applications, the new 12G+ offerings will be showcased alongside other Bittree innovations in booth SU6221 at the upcoming 2017 NAB Show (April 24-27, Las Vegas).
While industry adoption of 4K workflows continues to accelerate, the most common mechanism for transporting 4K content in production and distribution environments has been quad-link connectivity, comprising four coaxial cables for each 4K feed. The exceptional performance and precision of Bittree’s 12G+ patching systems enables reliable handling of 4K over a single 12Gb/s link, dramatically simplifying cabling for studio, master control and mobile production deployments while quadrupling the number of 4K channels that can be routed through each unit.
Compliant with SMPTE 292M, 424M, ST2081-1 and ST2082-1 technical standards, Bittree’s 12G+ patch panels and patchbays offer 75-ohm impedance with low return loss and support data rates up to 48Gb/s.
“The higher bit rates and frequencies needed for transporting 4K and greater signals on a single link require customers to very carefully select their cables, connectors and connectivity equipment,” said Bryan Carpenter, senior sales consultant at Bittree. “Our 12G+ products are precision-engineered to exceed SMPTE specifications, with their performance – ringing out at 20GHz on our BNC patch panels and 24GHz on our mini-WECO patchbays – thus providing a tremendous amount of clean headroom not only for 4K, but also 8K, HDR and higher-bit rate applications moving forward. We are setting our clients up for the future.”
The 12G+ BNC patch panels feature strong, lightweight, folded-aluminum construction populated with gold-plated BNCs, and are available in a 1RU form factor with 1x16, 1x24 or high-density 1x32 jack configurations, or in 2x16 and 2x24 configurations in 2RU of rack space. Circuit numbers are silk-screened on the front and back of the units, with optional designation strips available as an alternative for the front.
The new 12G+ mini-WECO patchbays are offered in 1x32, 2x32 and 3x32 configurations in a flexible array of rackmount form factors. Stylized, machined aluminum front panels enable easy identification, with distinctive green color-coding on the panels, patch cords and looping plugs conveying their 12Gb/s rating at a glance.
Like all Bittree products, the new 12G+ products are designed, built, and tested in the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, California, and backed by expert customer service from dedicated sales engineers.
“The world’s leading broadcasters, post production facilities, entertainment venues and A/V integrators have counted on Bittree for 39 years to deliver superior product quality, performance, and precise adherence to exacting standards,” said Glenn Garrard, CEO of Bittree. “With the launch of our 12G+ series of patch panels and patchbays, we’re excited to offer such customers the same rich benefits as they move beyond HD into 4K Ultra HD and even higher resolutions.
The new 12G+ products are available immediately through the Bittree website and the company’s extensive network of authorized resellers and systems integrators. For more information, please visit 12G+ Single-Link Patching Systems.