ART TPatch

Product overview

The ART TPatch is a compact 8-point balanced patchbay for the desktop that simplifies connecting and re-routing signals in a studio or live setup.

It has 4 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 rugged aluminium chassis, a passive design that needs no power and high-quality connectors make it built to last.

Key features

• 4 channels of linked input / output pairs (8 points)
• 1/4 inch TRS connections, balanced
• Normal or Half Normal operation, switchable per channel
• Passive design: no power required
• Rugged extruded aluminium case, black anodised

Normal and Half Normal

With nothing plugged in at the front, the rear pair of a channel is connected internally and the signal flows from the top rear jack to the bottom rear jack. 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 (1 - 4) are inputs from sources or sends and the bottom jacks (5 - 8) are outputs to destinations or receives; on the front the convention is reversed. Jacks 1 and 5, front and rear, with their button form one channel. The rear panel marks the wiring: Tip = (+) signal, Ring = (-) signal, Sleeve = ground. ART cautions against connecting a processor's output and input to the same channel, which would create a feedback loop.

In the box

• TPatch 8-point patchbay

ART TPatch: frequently asked questions

How many channels does the TPatch have?

Four channels of linked inputs and outputs: 8 points.

Does it need power?

No. The TPatch is passive.

How do I switch the mode?

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

Where can I buy the ART TPatch in India?

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

Workflow 1: Monitoring a signal on the desk

Home and project studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the channel to Half Normal (button out).
2. Plug into the top front jack to monitor without breaking the signal.

Tip: Half Normal is the mode most commonly used.

Workflow 2: Patching in a different source

Studios swapping sources quickly.

Connections

Setup

1. Plug the new source into the bottom front jack.
2. It replaces the signal from the rear input.

Tip: Works the same in both modes.

Workflow 3: Splitting a signal to a second destination

Setups feeding two destinations.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep the channel in Half Normal.
2. Take the second feed from the top front jack.

Tip: The rear connection remains unbroken.

Workflow 4: Inserting an effects unit

Studios with outboard effects.

Connections

Setup

1. Use two separate channels for the processor.
2. Patch it into the path from the front.

Tip: Same-channel output and input would create a feedback loop.

Workflow 5: Breaking the rear path from either jack

Setups that need a clean interruption.

Connections

Setup

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

Tip: Only the top-jack case differs between modes.

Workflow 6: Live setup patch point

Small live rigs.

Connections

Setup

1. Wire the rear once.
2. Re-patch from the front during the show.

Tip: Saves wear and tear on the connectors of your equipment.