making beats
Out of context: Reply #2212
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- autoflavour0
mort..
ok so my setup is probably a bit over the top, but I will explain it so you might get some ideas..
I have a digi003 with 8 inputs and 8 outputs..
I have a 24 channel mixer which has each channel going in connected to a patch bay..
that patch bay (patchbay 1) I basically have all of my synths with the patch bay set to being Normalled. Normally Basically means unless there is anything plugged into the front of the patch bay it automatically is routed through the patch bay and back out to the to the mixer.
I have an addition 2 patch bays, one for all my outboard effects and pedals (patchbay2), and the other patch bay (patchbay 3) is the input and outputs on the digi003, and the rest is a mishmash of additional synths, effects or for sending CV signals.
The mixer is used like a summing mixer, so basically its sending a stereo channel into the 003 .. but it means I can listen to everything at once without having to open a session if I want
catch is if I want to record, I need to either record one part at a time, or what I do if I'm just jamming, I will patch the synths I am using from patch bay 1 into the inputs for the 003 on patchbay 3..
which means I can record up to 8 channels (ie 8 mono or 4 stereo) into Ableton.
In your instance, it really depends if you want to record more than 8 channels at a time.. if its just a matter of adding more devices, a patch bay could be useful..
designate 1-8 on the patchbay to be connected to your interface, and then 9-24 as your synths.. (so an additional 8 stereo
then you just grab a patch cable, route audio from spot to the next and voila, more devices without needing to plug and unplug from the back of the devices..
happy to explain further if this wasn't clear
- normally I wouldn't recommend Behringer.. but for patch bays they are cheap and do what you need.. https://www.behringe…autoflavour
- PX3000 has the normalling switching on the top, which is super handy..autoflavour
- take away from all this.. patch bays are super fucking useful, especially if you have a bunch of gear you want to make to talk to each other..autoflavour
- super rare do I need to fiddle around with the backs of my synths, unless I am doing actual maintenance .. but being able to route audio quickly aroundautoflavour
- is a god send.. want to use an effect.. 2 patch cables later, its ready to go.autoflavour
- Thanks so much for the explanation auto. That's a versatile setup you have.mort_
- Another option I was considering is to just expand my audio interface inputs and have everything hardwired to the audio interface.mort_
- For effects, I use mostly in the box for now so that keeps it simpler.mort_
- For around €500 I could have 16 channels at 48khz or 12 channels at 96khz. No mixer, no patchbay and everything plugged in and jammable / recordable.mort_
- Not sure what the downsides might be. I guess if I wanted to start adding outboard compressors and effects, it would be back to square one again.mort_
- Or a patchbay setup would be necessary then.mort_
- flol at "my setup is probably a bit over the top"... understatement of the year!hans_glib
- I don't think it's over the top, considering the amount of instruments and effects in play.mort_
- Ok, ordered a second Clarett 4pre which will give me a total of 16 inputs into Ableton. Next step will be a patch bay.mort_
- Patch bay will be handy to route instrument outputs to synths which have audio inputs, and guitar pedals etc.mort_
- it all depends I guess. I have a bunch of pedals and external effects which require things to be patched.. there is always something more to add thoautoflavour
- I have 3 patch bays and they are all full.. my rack is also full so to be able to add another patch bay I need to upgrade my interface to something 1RU..autoflavour
- but to do that, I also need to then purchase a external monitor control so I can switch between outputs quickly.. its a whole shit tornado..autoflavour
- fortunately/unfortun... actual desk space is completely also maxed out, so its not like I can really add more without removing things.autoflavour
- but yep, you can always add a patchbay at anytime.. I have additional patch bay just for the moogerfoogers .. just to make it easier to access everything.autoflavour
- I’m using unbalanced cables from synths to audio interface. If adding a patch bay, would that need to change at all?mort_
- i've got to say i dont agree with atuos approach at all. its a solution to having a lot of synths in a small space otherwise patchbays serve no purposekingsteven
- just get an adat interface as you first suggested. i set up project to project and if i need more ins i have an apogee AD i hook up on shite pipe, sorted.kingsteven
- not wanting to unplug and plug things in - we're all lazy cunts but ffs the amount of effort that goes in to configuring a patch bay only to realise you shouldkingsteven
- have set it up differently on the next project.. far more creative just to get your roadie head on and set-up/ take down as you gokingsteven
- why would reset a patch bay once it's done.. I don't understand the logic. its all there, you just change the patch cables.autoflavour
- also not plugging unplugging things is not the reason you want to patch bay, but ease of configuration with a base setup that is as simple as removing patch cabautoflavour
- les to reset back to normal. bunch of time setting up the first time, almost instantaneous routing later. its a no brainer.autoflavour
- @kingstephen: If anything, I think a patch bay would enable *more* creativity due to less time spent switching hardware and cables around.mort_
- I have 2 patch bays in my studio for patching ins and outs to my pres-and interface. they have a use. if you're using them for synths, it just means you needkingsteven
- more room or less synths.kingsteven
- not having a dig btw, i mean in the sense that it would always be favourable to have access to the ins and outs on the back of an instrument and if (as i do)kingsteven
- you're just running lines to an audio interface or pre in to an adat A/D, its far better just to have a multicore or a long adat cable to run to your synthskingsteven
- ... plug them in and build up the session in your DAW. No need for a patchbay at all.kingsteven
- mort, in extreme cases like auto or vangelis maybe. but i use pedals, and record through amps... is a patch bay more creative than just making it easy to plugkingsteven
- more things in at once and give you some inputs closer to what you're recording? you can pick up ADAT interfaces really cheap. I was given an Apogee unitkingsteven
- absolute beast from the late 90s, sounds great, keep it in a rack with pres, just plug it in and connect it to my interface when i need more ins...kingsteven
- Appreciate both perspectives guys. Thanks!mort_
- horses for courses.. patch bays are just a utility for ease of use. I have about 15 or so pedals and effects which are all patched. being able to quickly routeautoflavour
- audio from one place to another without having to do anything but patch a few points cannot be overstated..autoflavour
- having spent the better part of 25 years messing about, I can say without reservation the moment I started using a patch bay in my setup, is the day I startedautoflavour
- using my hardware properly... patch bays are just a standard thing in a studio. I have worked and taught enough in professional studios to get it now..autoflavour
- also wear and tear on your hardware.. plug it all in to the patch bay and the patch bay takes the beating of constant plugging and unplugging of things..autoflavour
- much rather replacing a $90 patch bay than servicing audio jacks on the back of a vintage synth..autoflavour