A large patch bay with dozens of colorful cables plugged in.Patch bays are an integral part of the workflow of many professional studios. They’re the nervous system of the control room — the central point from which every piece of gear is connected. However, with so many different types to choose from, it can be difficult to know which patch bay is right for you (or if you even need one at all). In this Buyer’s Guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about patch bays, including the different connection types, normalling configurations, and common grounding methods. But before we get into it, let’s take a quick look at the history of patch bays. Continue reading →