Using patch panels properly

Following is an explanation of how to use the Neutrik Patchlink SPL (NYS-SPP-L) 1/4-inch balanced patch panel in basic studio applications. It also explains offers four possible configurations of its jack modules. A lot of the information presented here applies to many of the popular patch bays on the market.

The indicator arrows on the TOP and BOTTOM of the panel show the connections on the BACK of the panel. The letters on the face of the jacks indicate the type of normalling configuration (HM = Half-Normalled, S = Slipt, I = Isolated, SR = Send/Return).

In this application, the panel supports:
- One 4-channnel mixer (4 inputs, 2 AUX send, 2 AUX send/return, 1 monitor
output, L/R stereo outputs, 4 direct outputs, 2 AUX return)
- Three effects devices (delay, enhance, compressor)
- One 2-track cassette deck
- One microphone

HOW TO USE A SEND/RETURN MODULE

The Send/Return Module is an optional accessory of the PatchLink SPL 1/4” patch panel (NYS-SPP-L). It supports AUX Send/Return outputs of mixing consoles and has no normalling capabilities. These outputs are used to loop an effect gear etc. by using just one cable with TRS plugs. The “send” part of the signal goes to the TIP and the “return” to the RING of the plug. This module eliminates the need for “Y-cables.”

Fig. 1 & 2 show jack-module #1 on our sample patch panel. The BACK TOP jack is connected to the AUX SEND/RETURN OUTPUT 1 of the MIXER. The plug inserted into the TOP FRONT jack will receive the “SEND” signal and is patched to the INPUT of the DELAY gear (Fig 2). The OUTPUT of the DELAY gear is patched to the BOTTOM FRONT jack and “RETURNS” the modified signal to the RING contact of the BACK TOP jack.

Figure 1

Figure2: Patching an effects device to a Mixer AUX SEND/RETURN channel


HOW TO USE A JACK-MODULE IN THE SPLIT (ISOLATED) CONFIGURATION

SPLIT configuration:
Flipping the jack-module (Fig. 5), so that the gray normalling jack is now in the TOP BACK row and leaving the gray normalling jack unplugged results in a SPLIT normalling configuration, there is now a connection between both of the BOTTOM jacks and the TOP FRONT jack. This configuration can be used to “split” one signal into two. Figs. 3 & 6 show jack-module #17 patching the MIC signal to the MIXER INPUT 4 and the TAPE RECORDER INPUT simultaneously.

Figure 3


ISOLATED configuration (inserting a PLUG into the BACK TOP row):
The same set-up as Fig. 3, but with a Plug inserted into the gray normalling jack results in an ISOLATED configuration, the circuit is broken between the TOP and BOTTOM jacks (Fig. 4). Figs. 4 & 6 show jack module #11 patching the MIC signal to the MIXER INPUT 4 without any NORMALLING.

Figure 4

Figure 5: Flip over the Jack module to get the configuration SPLIT (ISOLATED)




Figure 6: Patching a SPLIT Microphone signal to a Mixer INPUT and Tape recording it at the same time.

HOW TO USE A JACK-MODULE IN THE HALF-NORMALLED CONFIGURATION

Each JACK MODULE in the HALF-NORMALLED configuration provides a connection between both of the TOP jacks (front and back) and the BACK BOTTOM jack. This connection is broken when a plug (or patch cord) is inserted into the BOTTOM jack of the front row (gray normalling jack).

Patch panel BACK set-up:
Fig. 7 shows jack module #12 of our sample patch panel. It is standard practice to connect the OUTPUT of the gear that produces the signal (in this case the MONO OUTPUT of the mixer) with the TOP BACK jack on the panel and to connect the BOTTOM BACK jack with the INPUT of a receiving gear (in this case a MONITOR AMP). Because of the NORMALLING the circuit is closed without any patching.

Figure 7


Inserting a PLUG into the FRONT TOP row:
Inserting a plug into the TOP FRONT jack does not affect the closed circuit on the BACK of the same module. In Fig. 8 the connection between the MONO OUT and MONITOR AMP will still be closed if we connect, for example, a headset to the TOP FRONT to “listen in” to what is being sent to the amplifier. This configuration can also be used to route the signal into another channel or split the signal without breaking the existing connection between the TOP and BOTTOM back jacks.

Figure 8


Inserting a PLUG into the FRONT BOTTOM row:
Inserting a plug (Fig 9) into the BOTTOM FRONT gray normalling jack breaks the circuit between the TOP jacks and the BOTTOM BACK jack. The receiving gear will then be fed with the inserted signal from the normalling jack on the BOTTOM FRONT. This can be used to loop an effect gear, route signals to other channels, etc. The example in Fig. 10 loops the compressor of channel 7 between the MONO OUT (mixer output signal) and the MONITOR AMP INPUT.

Figure 9




Figure 10: Patching a compressor to monitor (mono) mix