A Little Background Before You Get Connected
A patchbay is one of the most useful additions to any recording studio, regard-
less of the size, as it provides a convenient way to make connections to various
pieces of recording equipment such as multi-track recorders, computer hard-
disk recorders, two-tracks and outboard signal processors. The S patch plus is
constructed with 24 modules which have two, 1/4 inch phone jacks on the front
and two, 1/4 inch phone plugs on the rear. These modules can be configured in
various ways, but in many cases the S patch plus is set up as 24 channels of
input and output pairs, or 48 channels of direct signals. It is also possible to con-
figure the S patch plus with some channels configured in input and output pairs
and others in direct signals. The S patch plus’ modules can be configured in
three different modes, Normalled, Half-normalled and Thru using the front panel
mini-toggle switches. Before you decide on how to wire your new patchbay, you
should understand the three operation modes. Follow the section below to con-
figure the S patch plus channels.
Normalled Mode
The channel is set to Normalled mode when the mini-toggle switch is to the left
position under the “N” legend. This configuration is commonly used to connect
outputs from MIDI instruments or effects processors. In Normalled mode, the
signal from the top rear jack is sent to the lower rear jack. When you insert a
jack into the top front jack you “break the normal” and the signal is sent out of
the top jack but is now disconnected from the bottom rear jack, with the bottom
front jack providing the direct connection to the bottom rear jack.
The figure below shows the signal flow based on the connections of the front
jacks.
S patch plus Connections
TOP
BOTTOM
FRONT
REAR
2
NORMAL
TOP
BOTTOM
FRONT
REAR
1
TOP
BOTTOM
FRONT
REAR
3
TOP
BOTTOM
FRONT
REAR
4
4
