CB Electronics has introduced the XPatch-32, which is a 32x32 digitally controlled, fully analogue audio patch bay routing system for audio professionals designed to streamline workflows in even the most demanding post or music studios.

Hardware And Software

The XPatch-32 design is based on the A-Mon / I-Mon and shares the I/O and CPU cards, allowing for input and output muting and even gain control.

The XPatch-32 hardware is controlled by their XPatch-32 software via USB, allowing for complex routings to be changed in seconds. The software has been designed to enable you to create, store and recall routings from sessions and any input can be sent to multiple outputs.

Once configured, XPatch-32 can operate independently of the XPatch-32 program and host computer via the front panel encoder or foot-switch. By switching between snapshots, the foot-switch enables the XPatch-32 to be used as a powerful studio or live performance tool for musicians.

What Is On The Front Panel

The front panel has two XLR combo connectors for input XLR line-level or ¼ inch jack DI inputs, plus 2 XLR outputs for quick auditioning of equipment not normally installed in the studio. There is a ¼ inch jack for headphone monitoring of inputs and outputs, as well as an OLED display and encoder with push button for function selection. In addition, there is a ¼ inch jack socket for a switch to step through snapshots (presets).

What Is On The Rear Panel

There are 8 25 pin D-type connectors wired using the Tascam convention as well as an IEC mains lead, a USB socket to link to a computer and remote connector.

Level Control / Crosstalk

One of the challenges with an electronic patch bay is cross-talk, especially between signals at different levels. CB Electronics tells us that the X-Patch 32 inherits both input and output gain control from the A-Mon/I-Mon, the input gain control allows levels within the patch to be optimized, minimising cross-talk. Unused inputs and outputs are muted, further reducing cross-talk.

Metering

The X-Patch-32 also inherits 8 channels of metering from their A-Mon/I-Mon products, these are connected to outputs 25 - 32 and can be viewed in the Mac/Windows GUI.

Monitoring

When used with a CB Electronics TMC-1 or TMC-2 part of the XPatch-32 may be configured as the monitoring system for any format from stereo up to 7.1.4. The channel count, cue sends and talkback and listenback are user-configurable allowing for the XPatch-32 to split between monitoring and electronic patch to suit user requirements.

Specifications

• 32X32 Crosspoint Routing

• 2 Input Combo XLR Line Level / ¼ Inch Jack DI Input

• 2 Output Front Panel XLR Connections

• Front Panel Headphone Monitoring

• Create, Store & Recall Routings

• Any Input Can Connect To Multiple Outputs

• macOS & Windows Compatible Software

• Software & Firmware Updates Via USB

• 8 Channels Of Metering

• +4/-10 dBm Line Level Selection On Every Input And Output

• I/O On DB-25 Connectors - Tascam Format

• Unused I/O Are Muted To Minimise Crosstalk

• Foot-Switch Input For Selection Of Snapshots (Presets)

• Load And Save Predefined Signal Paths

• Connect A TMC-1 Or TMC-2 To Use As A Monitor Controller With Electronic Patch

Price And Availability

It is expected that the XPatch-32 will be available during the last quarter of 2019 priced at £2,000 plus taxes, with an introductory price for a limited period of £1,800 plus taxes.