Patch

Patch, in the world of pro audio and computer networking, is a way in which different pieces of equipment connect together and transmit data to and from one another. Whether connecting individual hardware pieces in a patch panel or patch bay, or by the way electric guitars are patched together with external effects devices, the means of patching signals creates unique sounds that may not have otherwise been thought of or realized.  

A benefit of a patch in a home studio setting is that one can create textures and effects chains that can be fed into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or analog console in a multi-track recording environment.  A patch can be more easily created by the use of a patch panel or patch bay, in that all hardware devices live in one centralized location, and can be chained together using different routing combinations.  Your options are only limited by your imagination, so get creative!

A patch exists in the world of synthesizers as the name of a certain sound that has been created by blending and tuning oscillators.  These patches can be recalled by storing them by giving each sound a custom name, or as a numerical value.  Typically, keyboard players create patches close to one another or in a shared bank for ease of recall in a performance situation.

In the world of computers, a patch is a correction that can fix a functional problem in a software program.  In audio recording software, a patch is often created or saved within specific plug-ins as a preset for recall of all parameters at a later time.  This is quite the time saver, in that specific sounds can be instantly selected as a patch.

If you want to discuss how patching can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com

We love to talk signal flow!