Buyer's Guide: Flock Audio Patchbays

Since hitting the market in 2017, Flock Audio’s Patch has brought new innovation to the world of patchbays. The brand's unique software and hardware solutions allow for digital control over your patchbay without ever converting your analog signal to digital. No converters, no latency, no mess, no stress.

Flock Audio now offers three different hardware patchbays to meet the needs of studios of all size. When paired with the the Patch App, engineers will save time when preparing to track or mix and ensure a smooth session without the need for constant trips to the patchbay. Let’s take a look at how Flock Audio does this.

The Role Of Traditional Patchbays Vs. Flock Audio Patch Units

In the traditional studio environment, the patchbay is your access hub for routing in and out of various equipment. This makes it so that users don’t have to manually plug in and out of a unit that is generally already stationed within a rack. Users set up a patchbay by connecting cabling from hardware to points on the back of the patchbay, and then utilize small patch cables to make routing decisions on the front.

With Flock Audio’s hardware, connections are made on the rear of the unit via DB25 connectors, and the system’s routing is controlled and manipulated by the simple use of the included Patch App. The front panel simply features connectivity for scenarios where new or outside gear is being auditioned or utilized. The use of an app to control the hardware removes any need for patch cables on the front panel. Simply open the app, select your configuration of signal flow and get to work!

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Flock Audio Patch App

The Flock Audio Patch App is your means to control the routing of your studio environment once your Patch system is in place. Simple drag and drop formatting allows engineers to quickly design signal flow chains that can be saved for later recall and tweaked in no time. The app allows you to save known hardware pieces in your chain, and the app will index each item for searching in the future.

Once all of your gear is logged in the system, vertical grid style interfacing enables you to setup unique audio paths between each of your favorite tools, all without having to reach for the set of patch cables. A toggle section allows for quick clearing of previously established paths and the Stored Routings Menu is your key to quick recall during sessions.

With the simple click of the M arrow on a path, you can even Mult out a signal quickly for more complex processing, The Patch App is a thorough, easy to navigate app that ensures your patching system stays organized, all while remaining flexible.

Watch the video below for a complete overview of how the Patch App and Flock Audio patchbays work with the brand's CEO and Founder Darren Nakonechny.

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Flock Audio Patchbay Options

Flock Audio has three different variations of its hardware patchbay, each with unique I/O counts. This gives engineers and studio owners the ability to choose a model that fits the needs of their studio environment, while also allowing for connection between more Flock Audio products. Let’s take a look at each patchbay and learn how they are different from each other.

Flock Audio Patch LT

As the most compact offering in the line, the Patch LT ($1775) allows for 16 inputs and 16 outputs via DB25 connectors on the back. The sleek front panel design allows for one input via combo connector (XLR or TRS) and a single XLR output, great for use in scenarios where a guest’s gear needs to be integrated into the patching system.

Utilizing the same matrix technology, Patch LT functions with the same quality as the other entries in the Patch line, simply in a more concise format. By using the included Patch App software, engineers can drag and drop existing patched pieces into their workflow to design signal chains with ease.

Flock Audio Patch

Here it is... The patchbay that started it all. The Patch ($2775) is Flock Audio's original release from 2017. With 32 inputs and 32 outs, the 64 point system allows for integration of a whole control room’s worth of equipment.

Four points are accessible from the front panel (channels 31 & 32, ins and outs), which allows for easy auditioning of pieces. The Patch system lets users toggle channels 31 & 32 between rear patches and the front panel by activation through the Patch app. This allocation ensures that engineers don’t have to disconnect existing pieces to audition other ones.

Allowing multi-unit expansion, users can connect an existing Patch unit with an additional Patch product to expand the I/O connectivity of your system. With the flexible design of Flock products, users can even configure their Patch unit to integrate into an existing traditional patchbay environment for immediate streamlining of workflow.

Flock Audio Patch VT

The Patch VT is a 128-channel/point patchbay with 64 inputs and 64 outputs, ideal for larger studio setups. The rear panel features DB-25/D-SUB Tascam standard pinout format connectors, while the front panel includes two combo TRS/XLR inputs and two XLR outputs. One of the standout features of the Patch VT is its compatibility with the Patch APP and Patch APP DX routing software for macOS, Windows, and iOS. This allows users to create, store, and recall routings in seconds, and create complex multing combinations without level or impedance changes. The Patch VT also includes 32 assignable independent channels of 48V phantom power, offering flexibility in routing and powering microphones.

Flock Audio Patch XT

For those wanting to utilize the ease of Flock Audio’s Patch systems while integrating a large number of I/O, the brand's latest release will be ideal. The Patch XT ($11750) features the same technology and app-driven routing, but with expanded I/O to support up to a staggering 96 inputs and 96 outputs. Just like on the standard Patch unit, the front panel of Patch XT allows for 2 channels of I/O to be switched from the back of unit to the front, making guest gear or new auditions a breeze.

The folks at Flock Audio utilize the extra space on this unit to offer a built-in power supply, connected via standard IEC cable. Patch XT also allocates a Dante connector, allowing users to take advantage of Patch systems even in scenarios calling for long distance cable runs.

With XT, the power button features a light ring that functions as your indicators for phantom power as well. Clean and concise on the front end, the back end’s extensive connectivity will make coordination of even hectic control rooms an easy task.

CX Standalone Module

The CX Standalone Module is an 8-channel standalone module compatible with all PATCH Series models. It features 8-channel mic/instrument level XLR/TRS combo inputs and 8-channel line level DB-25/D-SUB output Tascam standard pinout format connectors. Like the Patch VT, the CX is controlled and customizable through the Patch APP and Patch App DX software, allowing for seamless integration into the Patch Series system. With the CX, users can connect any type of analog audio signal to the Patch Series via the CX hardware, ensuring compatibility with all types of analog audio signal levels for the cleanest and most transparent analog audio routing experience.

If you're interested in purchasing a Flock Audio patchbay system or have questions about how the technology would fit in your studio, we're here to help! Please contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.