Signal Flow Overview
The flow of signal through a patchbay module is influenced by physical connections and the selected mode: Normalled, Non-normalled, or Half-Normalled. A common configuration routes signals into the patchbay via the top rear connections and out through the bottom rear connections. Conversely, on the front panel, the top row of connections typically serves as outputs, and the bottom row as inputs.
When jacks are connected to both the top rear and bottom rear of a single module, signals entering the top rear connection pass directly through to the bottom rear output. This setup is ideal for establishing a hardware's default signal path.
Diagram Description (Fig. 1): Illustrates normalled operation with top rear and bottom rear jacks connected. Signal flows from the top rear input directly to the bottom rear output.
Normalled Operation
In normalled operation, when connections are made to the top rear and top front jacks, the signal passes from the top rear to the top front. A cable inserted into the bottom rear jack will break the connection shown in Fig. 1.
This mode is useful for chaining multiple devices in series using front panel patch cables. For instance, a signal can be routed from a preamp, through a compressor, and then to a reverb unit.
Diagram Description (Fig. 2): Shows normalled operation when all four jacks (top rear, bottom rear, top front, bottom front) are connected. Signal from the rear top input routes to the front top output, and signal from the front bottom input routes to the rear bottom output.
Diagram Description (Fig. 3): Depicts normalled operation with top rear and top front jacks connected. Signal flows from the top rear input to the top front output. A cable inserted into the bottom rear jack breaks the connection shown in Fig 1.
Half-Normalled Operation
When a module is set to Half-Normalled, and connections are made to the rear top, rear bottom, and front top jacks, the signal passes from the top rear to the front top without interrupting the rear connection.
This configuration allows the patchbay to function as a signal splitter (mult), sending the incoming signal to two different destinations. This is highly beneficial for parallel processing or monitoring applications. Inserting a cable into the front bottom jack of a half-normalled module will break the connection between the rear jacks.
Diagram Description (Fig. 5): Illustrates half-normalled operation with rear top, rear bottom, and front top jacks connected. Signal flows from the top rear input to the front top output without breaking the rear connection. Inserting a cable into the front bottom jack breaks the rear connection, allowing the patchbay to function as a splitter.
Non-Normalled Operation
Also known as "open" configuration, the top and bottom rows of jacks are not internally connected. Modules in non-normalled operation pass signals straight through from front-to-back or back-to-front, but not vertically between rows. This mode is suitable for setups where automatic signal routing is not desired.
Phantom Power Warning
It is advised against running phantom power through the patchbay. Doing so could inadvertently send phantom power to devices not designed to handle it, potentially causing expensive damage.
DB25 Wiring Convention
The PBR TT Patchbay adheres to the Tascam DB25 wiring convention. Some audio equipment utilizes the Yamaha convention. Always consult the documentation for your other DB25 hardware to ensure compatibility.
Important Safety Instructions
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
- Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, exercise caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no object filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
- Any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this apparatus.
Compliance and Warranty
This product complies with all international standards for safety and emissions, including IEC62368 and FCC Part 15-B.
Do not attempt to service this unit yourself, as it will void your warranty. Please inspect your unit carefully upon receipt and return to the place of purchase immediately if there are any problems. After that, the standard Black Lion Audio 3 YEAR warranty will apply to defects in materials and workmanship.
International Service
For service or warranty assistance, please contact the Black Lion Audio distributor in your country through the dealer from whom you purchased this product.
Limited 3 Year Warranty
Black Lion Audio's PBR TT Patchbays are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of THREE (3) YEARS from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. In the event of such defects, the product will be repaired without charge or, at Black Lion Audio's option, replaced with a new one if delivered prepaid, along with proof of purchase. The warranty excludes problems due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage, or failure to use the product in accordance with specifications. All parts and labor are covered. However, if damage is determined to be due to abuse, Black Lion Audio reserves the right to charge for repairs. Black Lion Audio is not liable for inconvenience, loss of use, time, interrupted operation, commercial loss, or other incidental, consequential, or otherwise damages. This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state. The warranty is not transferable.
USA Service
Should your Black Lion Audio product require service, please contact Black Lion Audio via their customer service site: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/contact. An RA # (Return Authorization number) must be obtained before shipping a unit back. This RA # must be clearly written on the outside of the box. Please pack units safely, preferably using original packing materials. Black Lion Audio is not responsible for damages incurred during shipping due to poor packaging. Ensure shipments are packed carefully and fully insured.
Connections
The PBR TT offers 96 points of connectivity, facilitating permanent installation and routing of studio gear while allowing for flexible patching. The patchbay supports Normalled, Non-Normalled, and Half-Normalled operation, switchable on a per-module basis. A module comprises a set of vertically aligned jacks, typically TT connectors on the front and DB25 connectors on the rear.
A typical patchbay configuration involves connecting device outputs to the top rear row of patch points and device inputs to the rear bottom row. For example, a delay unit's input would connect to a DB25 output on the patchbay's rear, and its output would connect to a DB25 input on the rear.
Diagram Description (PBR TT Patchbay front view): The front panel of the PBR TT Patchbay is shown, featuring rows of TT (Bantam) connectors labeled numerically from 1 to 48 on one side, and similarly on the other side, indicating 96 total connection points. Rear DB25 connectors, labeled A and B, are also depicted, implying their internal connection to the TT jacks.
Connection Points:
- 1. Balanced TT connections: Accepts TT (Bantam) jacks for connecting and routing audio gear. Supports balanced connections.
- 2. Normal/Non-Normalled/Half-Normalled Switches: These switches control the routing for their respective modules. Switch positions are: Up = Half-Normal, Middle = Non-normal, Down = Normal.
- 3. DB25 connections: Accepts DB25 connectors (typically eight channels per breakout cable) for connecting to the inputs and outputs of outboard equipment. The common convention is to connect the top row of connections to device outputs and the bottom row to device inputs.
- 4. Grounding lug: Connect this to your outboard equipment using a ground wire to help prevent noise from ground loops.
Contact – Black Lion Audio
