ART P48

Product overview

The ART P48 is a 48-point balanced patchbay that simplifies connecting and re-routing signals in a studio or live rack.

It has 24 channels of linked inputs and outputs, all with balanced 1/4 inch TRS connections. Each channel switches between normal and half-normal operation with its own button, so there is no need to physically flip channel modules. In normal operation, a plug in a front jack breaks the connection between the rear input and output; in half-normal operation the rear connection stays unbroken, so you can split the signal to a second destination. A shielded 1U steel chassis, a passive design that needs no power, reversible rack ears and high-quality connectors complete it.

Key features

• 24 channels of linked input / output pairs (48 points)
• 1/4 inch TRS connections, balanced internally
• Normal or Half Normal operation, switchable per channel by a button
• Passive design: no power required
• Fully shielded steel enclosure
• 1U, 19 inch rackmount with reversible rack ears

Normal and Half Normal

With nothing plugged in at the front, the rear pair of a channel is connected internally: the signal flows from the top rear jack (input) to the bottom rear jack (output). In Half Normal (button out), the mode most commonly used, a plug in the top front jack takes out or monitors the signal without breaking it, a plug in the bottom front jack breaks the link and patches in a new source, and plugs in both give two independent through paths. In Normal (button in), a plug in either front jack breaks the normalled connection.

Using the jacks

On the rear, the top jacks are inputs (from sources or sends) and the bottom jacks are outputs (to destinations or receives). On the front the convention is reversed, following the signal flow through the patchbay. Jacks 1 and 25, front and rear, with their button form one channel. Unbalanced equipment can use 1/4 inch TS plugs, and ART advises using two separate channels rather than connecting a processor's output and input to the same channel, which would create a feedback loop.

Built for the rack

The 19 inch, 1U high, fully shielded black all-steel enclosure has reversible rack ears and needs no power. ART names professional and home recording studios, installed audio (PA, AV and home theatre) and live sound as application settings.

In the box

• P48 48-point patchbay

ART P48: frequently asked questions

Can the P48 be used with unbalanced signals?

Yes. It uses TRS jacks and keeps balanced connections internally, but 1/4 inch TS plugs from unbalanced equipment can be used.

How do I change between Normal and Half Normal?

Each channel has its own rear pushbutton: in for Normal, out for Half Normal.

Does it need power?

No. The P48 is passive.

Should phantom power run through the P48?

ART does not recommend it: phone plugs can momentarily short the phantom voltage while being inserted.

Where can I buy the ART P48 in India?

The ART P48 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Monitoring a signal without breaking it

Studios checking a signal path.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the channel button out (Half Normal).
2. Plug into the top front jack to take out or monitor the signal.

Tip: In Half Normal the rear connection stays unbroken.

Workflow 2: Patching in a new source

Engineers replacing a source on a channel.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug the new source into the bottom front jack.
2. The link from the rear input is broken and the new source feeds the rear output.

Tip: This works the same in Normal and Half Normal.

Workflow 3: Two independent through paths

Studios re-routing a source and a destination at once.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug into both front jacks of the channel.
2. The original source goes to the new destination and the original destination gets the new source.

Tip: ART calls this case D in its diagrams.

Workflow 4: Inserting a processor

Studios adding outboard processing.

Connections

Setup

1. Use two separate channels for the processor's output and input.
2. Patch it into the signal path from the front.

Tip: Output and input on the same channel would create a feedback loop through the normalled connection.

Workflow 5: Breaking every front connection

Setups where any front plug should interrupt the rear path.

Connections

Setup

1. Push the channel button in (Normal).
2. A plug in either front jack now breaks the rear connection.

Tip: Only case B differs between the two modes.

Workflow 6: Unbalanced equipment in the patch

Studios mixing balanced and unbalanced gear.

Connections

Setup

1. Use 1/4 inch TS plugs for unbalanced equipment.
2. Keep balanced lines on TRS plugs.

Tip: Once part of the path is unbalanced, some benefits of a balanced line may be lost.