r/MusicBattlestations • u/RandyLCoxSR • 5d ago

Cleaning up wired jungle in my studio Spoiler

I've just bought a Patchbay, and with the patchbay I'm going to use my old Mackie 1402 VLZ mixer in the cleaning up of my cable hoard. I've been disabled for 20 years, and can't easily get behind my desk or my two FX racks, so I'm getting my grandson over here to do the grunt work. I'm not looking forward to this, because I've never had a Patchbay before. Anyone have any idea on a good place on the internet to learn more about hooking it up with my studio? I'd appreciate any helpful ideas.

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u/the_nus77 4d ago

I recently added 2 patchbays, Neutrik 48 channels. 1 dedicated for all my outputs, other for all my inputs, modular thingies and outboard gear. Works really good, fast and efficient.

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u/RandyLCoxSR 4d ago

Is you can, could you take pictures of the front and back as you have wired up your studio. Have you shared you studio pics on r/homestudios, and r/homerecordingstudio. when is the last time you shared a pic of your r/MusicBattlestations setup? Thanks for you answer, I' getting ready to buy a neutrik patchbay later this week. I have a Behringer that I just bought used last week with some patch cables. Could you recommend what I need to buy patch cable wise, so I don't by cables I don't need?

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u/the_nus77 4d ago

At work atm but will take some effort later this week to take some pictures tho i cant share it here.

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u/RandyLCoxSR 4d ago

Just share it in a chat or private message here on reddit at u/RandyLCoxSR. I fount a picture of your studio in r/MusicBattlestations . You have a Impressive setup man! I would like to know more on your source of patch cables. Thanks for responding to an old man of 70, but I'm truly not an 70 yr old in my mind. I'm a forever 29 year old.

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u/the_nus77 4d ago

Thanks! For the award and the compliment! Thomann is my source, or my local dealer; Tone control in the Netherlands. I send you a private message with some pictures, just came home and willing to help. On the back of the units i used 150cm trs cables ( stereo ), from and to the units. Front i use the 60cm pieces. I specially choose for 2 bays to split the sources and the outboard gear, it works like a charm. I can route any output to any input on any device, kind of Matrix routing. Also i use this setup so i can record anything in Ableton thru my Zoom L12 👌🔊

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u/the_nus77 4d ago edited 4d ago

I will do the pictures when i wake up, its too dark for decent photos! You will hear from me! ( Just send some pics i already shot !)

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u/the_nus77 4d ago

Ow and by the way, nothing is labeled, i made a Excel file so when i want to reroute i open the file on my screen.

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u/ToastyMcToaster69 5d ago

Outputs on top, inputs on bottom when you want the top jacks “normalled” to the bottom ones.

So you can have your synth outputs on the top jacks and mixer inputs on bottom jacks for example so they are always “normalled” to those channel inputs without having to patch them

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u/RandyLCoxSR 4d ago

Thanks for your help man. I appreciate it!!

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u/ToastyMcToaster69 4d ago

No worries. Happy wiring. I was at it last night. It can be fun.

https://reddit.com/link/pgm3q1m/video/ffqoujxaicvh1/player

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u/MasterTomo 5d ago

Hey OP! There are a lot of good resources you can find, but the following video might help to get you started: https://youtu.be/gSlFbn17WVY?si=gJBVhx2q40J9V8MA

Warren Henry's channel is great. You may find other interesting studio/recording topics there also.

Good luck with your setup. A patch panel can do wonders!

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u/RandyLCoxSR 4d ago

I'm going to check out the YT right after I send this post to you, and thanks for the info, and responding Brother!!

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u/Logic-is-there 5d ago

The best thing I did before my patch bay was to draw it out on paper. I could then follow my own instructions as I set up each piece. The other thing I did that was helpful was print up labels for each set so I could use it later. I then did one item at a time so I could stop at any time and still be able to come back to it. It's totally worth the struggle. I never found a video that walked me through the process in any meaningful way.

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u/RandyLCoxSR 4d ago

I'll try and do this. Gemini has helped me lay it out, but I don't know if I can trust an AI to get it right. How did you print out labeling for the channels, and where did you get the sticky type paper that allows you to peel or cut out the labeling. I really appreciate you responding and your help!

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u/MasterTomo 4d ago

I use a Brother PT-H110 label printer, and it has been really useful. There are varying sizes of label tape you can order (e.g. label height) that may be suitable your needs.

https://www.brother-usa.com/p/office-home-label-makers/PTH110?pid=PTH110

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u/Logic-is-there 4d ago

I used a terrible label printer for folder labeling. And I used paper and pencil and lots of erasure for the layout. My system isn't terribly complex, it is like of synths, a looper, effects and midi controllers, so take my answers with a grain of salt.