Difference between Cat5 and Cat6
The difference between cat5 and cat6 cables are a direct reflection of the advancement of computer networking and technological advancement in recent years. They are both used for a wide variety of purposes, but are mainly used as network cables, connecting servers to their respective modems and ISP’s. Like everything in recent years, cables advance in performance and application as dictated by the technology they serve. The main difference between cat5 and cat6 cables is reduced “crosstalk” and faster speeds in the transferring of data and connection.
The electromagnetic signals that emanate from cat cables can cause “crosstalk” when multiple cables are close to one another within a computer networking hub. The interference caused by cables being too close to each other can slow speeds and also slow the quality of connection. Increased errors can result from crosstalk, as well as lost pockets of connection capability. Through the incorporation of a new twisted cable design and improved shielding, the difference between cat5 and cat6 is an example of technology developing with computer capabilities.
The difference between cat5 and cat6 cables lie in the methods used to manufacture them and in their capabilities. Cat5 and cat6 cables both share the same end piece, the plug that connects them to their end destination, being a patch panel or a modem. The end piece that both of these cables share is known throughout the industry as an RJ-45. These plugs can connect directly to a computer ethernet jack or router, and have been an industry standard for years.
The speed of a cat5 cable can handle up to 10/100 Mbps (megabytes per second) at 100 Mhz bandwidth, a speed that was quite efficient in earlier applications of the cat5. Cat5E cables were introduced about 15 years ago, and could handle up to 10 times the speed and bandwidth of its predecessor, the cat5. Cat6 cables have been around only a few years less than cat5e cables, and are more robust and thick. Cat6 cables support more industrialized installations and can withstand harsher conditions and also further reduce crosstalk.
If you want to discuss the difference between cat5 and cat6 cables, and how they can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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Patch Cord
Patch cord, also called a patch cable, is the standard electrical and optical cord used in connecting electrical and optical devices together for the purpose of routing signal from one unit to another. Often found in computer networks, television and film broadcasting and commercial and home recording studios, the patch cord is the way it all comes together.
Manufactured in a wide variety of styles from ¼” mono instrument cords, color coded patch cord pairs, XLR microphone cords to headphone extension lines, patch cords are often made of coaxial cables, with signal carried through a shielded core, with the earthed ground connected through a wire mesh surrounding the core. The end of each cord is attached to a connector, allowing the devices to be plugged into one another. The type of connector can vary widely, with different types of adaptors and sizes.
A patch cord can vary in length, ranging anywhere from straight end to end connections used to merge guitar multi-effects together, to upwards of 100’ in length for connecting power amps to their respective speaker outputs in large concert settings. A patch cord is the ability by which sound travels from an electric guitar to an amplifier, or from a drum machine to a patch bay, connecting multiple signal routing options together in one centralized hub.
The ability to make your own patch cord is very convenient and cost effective, and can add to the customization of your home studio setup. Being able to create custom lengths of patch cords can aid in the wiring of custom guitar effects pedalboards, keeping connections tidy. This is also a huge benefit in creating the perfect patch bay, with matching cord colors aiding in the organization of hardware setup and signal flow.
Patch cords can also be grouped together to create what is referred to as a “snake” in studio terms. A snake is a group of patch cords bundled together in one complete hose-like cord, with patch bays connected at either end to facilitate the connecting of devices.
If you want to discuss how good patch cords can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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Patch Cords, or patch cables as they are also known, are electrical or optical cables used to connect or patch together one or more electrical or optical units for routing signal. There are a multitude of electrical or optical components that utilize patch cords for connection - a switch connected to a computer, a switch connected to a router, or a vast array of musical instruments and accessories all get their signal flow from the use of patch cords.
Patch cords come in a number of different lengths, colors, and connections. In an audio studio setting, patch cords usually are found as color-coordinated pairs, implemented by the use of a patch bay or patch panel, to route signal to and from hardware devices and analog instruments. Different types of patch cords include microphone cords, headphone extension cords, XLR cords, TTL (tiny telephone lines), RCA, and ¼” TRS phone cords. Patch cords however, are typically referred to only in context of using the cords with a patch bay or patch panel.
Patch cords come in different lengths, varying from being connected end to end for instrumental multi-effect connections, or cords up to 100’ used in audio and theatrical productions to transfer sound from power amps to their respective speaker sets. In audio productions, analog ¼” patch cords are used to connect electric guitars, basses, drum machines, and synthesizers to patch bays for signal routing, or for connecting directly to a DAW for audio recording.
The ability to make custom patch cords is a huge benefit to the home studio enthusiast. With a little time and patience, it is very easy to create your own cords, and one can end up saving a significant amount of money in the long run. In creating your own patch cords, you have the benefit of creating a cleaner studio environment, because you can customize your lengths so that there is no excess cord taking up floor space or cluttering up your racks.
If you want to discuss how good patch cords can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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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
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Patch Panel - Patch Panel, also known as a patchbay, patch field or jack panel, is used in computer networking, radio and television broadcasting, and commercial and home recording studios. It is a centralized device or unit containing multiple types of connections, functioning as a hub for various inputs and routing for data sharing and network connections.
In television and broadcast studios, commercial and home recording studios and concert sound systems, a patch panel, or patchbay, is used to connect various types of equipment including microphones, electric guitars, basses, electronic instruments such as drum machines and synthesizers, effects processors, hardware recording devices, and broadcasting equipment. The ability for all of these connections to live in one centralized location facilitates an easier way to connect devices and allows for the ability to troubleshoot issues with signal flow.
How many times have you ever been in a recording situation and you wanted to utilize a certain effects chain but didn’t have the proper cabling or connection ability because of the way a device was set up or wired? By using a patch panel, these problems virtually disappear because every option is made easily available in that the devices all live in the same location. This not only increases productivity in the studio, but enhances workflow, and can inspire different sounds that have never been experimented with before. Patch Panels are becoming more commonly used in home theater setups as well, allowing the user a more elaborate audio setup such as surround sound, and multiple screen feeds throughout a residence.
Having a patch panel is an easier way to manage your wired network with the improved organization of connections. The ability to label all individual connections is a big asset in identifying network issues as they come up. When faulty signal flow occurs, a patch panel simplifies the process of identifying the problem, testing the connection, and making the necessary changes. Also, the life of hardware devices and multi-effects processors is extended, because there is less wear and tear from plugging / unplugging devices over time.
If you want to discuss how patch panels can improve your workflow in your studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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Redco are a premiere east coast manufacturer and distributor of custom pro audio and video cables, patchbays, connectors, custom panels, and microphone boxes. In the never-ending pursuit of customized audio solutions, Redco has offered a no compromise approach for their customers.
Take a trip to the west coast and you will find a highly specialized, refined, and experienced manufacturer of customized audio, video, and data solutions and products that have been holding it down for years. Established in 1978, Los Angeles based Bittree have been providing the highest quality custom patching systems to the entertainment and broadcast industries. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Bittree has earned an international reputation and received high critical acclaim for their work in creating product components, system design, and integration.
Redco has been a major player for years, but many east coast professional organizations have looked to Bittree for system integration. Bittree can be found in the stadium sound systems of four major sports teams based in New York - the Giants, Jets, Yankees, and Mets all share the common thread of using Bittree patching systems, as well as neighboring teams the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings. With the integration of many different businesses and advertisers tied into major league sports franchises, system reliability and function is a must. Bittree has been a highly respected and go-to for performance, reliability, and consistency.
With a highly detailed approach and commitment to the patching process, Bittree has found itself leading the way in delivering robust and dependable audio, video, and data solutions for commercial and residential applications. For meeting the most demanding or challenging situations, Bittree customer service is second to none in determining the right products and patching solutions for any customized installation. If Redco has been your first call for customized audio patching systems, let Bittree be you last.
If you want to discuss how patchbays can improve your workflow in your recording studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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Armored fiber optic cable are cables usually installed into a network configuration for added mechanical protection. There are only two types of armored fore optic cable: corrugated and interlocking. Interlocking armor is an aluminum armor and wraps itself around the cable internally to protect indoor and outdoor cables, making them much more rugged and durable to crushing. Corrugated armor is steel tape with a coating around it, and runs longways down the cable. This offers protection for outdoor cables offering extra mechanical and rodent protection.
The benefits of installing armored fiber optic cable, getting a more heavily protected construction, does make for one inconvenience. You have to bond and ground the cable. But if you use a dielectric armored cable, then this process isn’t necessary. Different options exist that offer ground protection without having to bond the armor or having to take the extra steps in installing a cable and a conduit when a cable doesn’t have any armored protection.
Whether or not you are going to need armored fiber optic cable in your project is to really assess the area in which you are doing your install. Are they heavily trafficked areas? Is there a threat of rodents or future construction? If so, then the use of armored fiber optic cable would make sense because of the added layer of protection for the optical fiber and added durability to withstand rodents and the natural elements such as direct sunlight and rain.
Armored fiber optic cable is made for durability and sustainability, excelling in harsh environments and severe conditions. Built to maintain uninterrupted optical information under heavy stress and technically challenged installation situations, armored fiber optic cable is also flexible, enabling custom installation options to accommodate corners or spatially challenged install locations.
If you want to discuss how the use of armored fiber optic cables can improve your workflow drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
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