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I've used patchbays on and off through various incarnations of my studio since I purchased my first digital multitrack recorder (an Alesis ADAT) twelve years ago. Though I had no regrets about selling the old blackface, I just can't part with certain pieces of gear. And while I do most of my mixing "inside the box," I still prefer incorporating outboard dynamics, EQ, and effects. Sometimes there's a certain inspiration factor I get from working with a hardware tube compressor or Neve EQ, for example. In other situations, I may find myself reaching for that favorite flanger algorithm from my trusty Roland RSP-550 because I haven't found a plug-in equivalent.
It may be considered "old school" to some, but I like using my outboard. However, recently it's become an increasingly "messy" process compared to the ease of working entirely inside a software recorder. (Maybe I've finally been spoiled by instant recall.) Since I've added CM Labs' SixtyFour 32x32 audio router, it's all changed. Simple in its purpose, this admittedly un-glamorous (yet convenient) piece of gear has transformed the way I work in my studio. The SixtyFour has replaced my patchbays and has made interfacing with all of my outboard an uncluttered, uncomplicated process.
OVERVIEW
Housed in a 2U case, the SixtyFour is essentially a point-to- point audio switching "hub" for interfacing line-level gear without having to physically patch and repatch. Routing a source (input signal) to an output destination is easy: Press the input signal's source switch, then press the destination switch for whatever out you want it sent to. Sources and destinations can be grouped in stereo pairs, with control for left/right balance - convenient if you work with 2-channel devices and synths.
The rear panel sports four female and four male 8-channel DB25 connectors (all balanced), for a total of 32 inputs and outputs.
Any input can be routed to any number of outputs - great for multing snares and kicks - but the SixtyFour won't sum input signals. (If you're looking for external summing, you'll have to look elsewhere.)...