DB25 Pinout -
DB25 rear interface (12 x 25-pin female DB25 connectors). This connector is also referred to as Dsub or D-Sub or d25.
This connector contains 2 rows of parallel pins surrounded by a D-shaped metal shield. 
Patchbay Phantom Power -
All Bittree audio patchbays are capable of passing phantom power. The key is to understanding how ones ground structure in particular regarding the channel that phantom power is wanted to be present on.
So, keeping that in mind for a full normal circuit a buss; looped (vertical strap) or switched ground setting on our patch bays will all pass the ground required. A non-normal circuit at the patchbay does not apply to this concept since inserting a patch cord is required to complete this circuit and ground will then be provided. A half normal circuit is not recommended for phantom power applications.
A basic principle of phantom power is that it always requires a ground connection to complete the circuit. Also, with active phantom power, it is a best practice to turn the input gain down when patching into any phantom power patch point and never apply phantom power to a ribbon microphone.
In summary, again, all Bittree patchbays are capable of passing Phantom Power. Switched ground bays in particular offer the satisfaction of a ground follows patch rule which can be very useful for isolating ground technical issues, notably in systems with many performance, playback rooms, or locations.
What is a Patch
What is a patch is a question usually asked in the world of pro audio, and generally refers to a particular aspect of signal flow. In commercial and home recording studios, patch panels, also known as patch bays, are the epicenter of hardware and routing for different types of audio and multi effect devices.
With the growing trend of home recording becoming more popular, options of quality hardware and effects units are more commonly found in bedroom studios across the country. The best way to utilize the options these devices present is through the use of a patch panel or patch bay. In this application, all of your hardware devices and multi effects are “patched” together at the patch bay, creating versatility in signal flow and also eliminating the need to plug / unplug your devices each time you want to utilize a specific hardware device. This can help prolong the life of your gear, protecting the input and output jacks from overuse.
What is a patch panel without high quality patch cords? This is an often overlooked aspect of audio production, and is fundamental in good signal reproduction and proper equipment function. Bittree specialize in offering the highest quality patch cords for audio, video, and data, and are the manufacturers of the highest quality patch bays and patch panels for commercial and residential studio installations.
In audio recording, a patch is often associated with software synthesizers, whose sounds can be arranged in virtually endless ways. These sounds can later be recalled and saved as a “patch” for use. This is a huge timesaver in the studio, as certain commonly used sounds can be instantly recalled for immediate application and further sound manipulation.
If you want to discuss how the use of a patch can improve your workflow in your studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk signal flow!
Types of Fiber Optic Cable
Types of fiber optic cable consist of many different options depending on their implementation and use. Specifically designed for the transmission of data and the connecting of computer networks, fiber optic cables allow the communication of many different computers by the use of patch panels or patch bays if connecting multiple devices, but can also be used to connect single computers directly to a modem.
Television and radio broadcasting, home recording studios, and telecommunications all use different types of fiber optic cable in their respective applications. Made up of one or more individual optical fibers, communications are allowed by the transferring of light instead of electrical currents, allowing much faster connections and bandwidth.
Optical fiber elements are individually coated, typically with plastic layers, and are housed in a durable tubing made specifically for the environment where the cable will be used. Different kinds of cable are used in different applications, providing high-speed data connection between different parts of a building, or in long distance telephone connections.
The following are just a few of the different fiber optic cable types:
OFC - Optical fiber, conductive
OFN - Optical fiber, nonconductive
OFCG - Optical fiber, conductive, general use
OFNG - Optical fiber, nonconductive, general use
OFCP - Optical fiber, conductive, plenum
OFNP - Optical fiber, nonconductive, plenum
OFCR - Optical fiber, conductive, riser
The implementation of patch panels allows the connecting of different types of fiber optic cable, found in many commercial and residential settings. Patch panels allow the flow of data and information to be shared by multiple computers and hardware devices.
If you want to discuss different types of fiber optic cable and how they can improve your workflow in your studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk signal flow!
Fiber Optic Cable Types
Fiber optic cable types are as vast and as different as their uses and applications. Fiber optic cables are used to connect communications equipment to devices such as patch panels or patch bays, providing the physical connection needed to a network or device. Used by a multitude of institutions, government agencies, radio and television broadcasting, commercial and home recording studios, fiber optic cable types allow the transmission of data as well as network connection.
Fiber optic cable types are made up of a glass core and cladding, protective buffer coating, kevlar (used for strength), and are protected by a thick outer coating. As opposed to using electrical current to transfer information, fiber optic cables use light pulses as their means of connection. Different applications consist of the transmission of data, video, and voice.
In the high speed networks of the day, Step Index Single mode fiber, or Graded Index Multimode fiber is used to enhance light transmission over far distances. Multimode fiber has a bigger core and is used more typically in short runs within commercial office space. Smaller core is used within single mode fiber, and is used typically in longer cable runs outside between buildings.
The following are just a few of the different fiber optic cable types:
OFC - Optical fiber, conductive
OFN - Optical fiber, nonconductive
OFCG - Optical fiber, conductive, general use
OFNG - Optical fiber, nonconductive, general use
OFCP - Optical fiber, conductive, plenum
OFNP - Optical fiber, nonconductive, plenum
OFCR - Optical fiber, conductive, riser
If you want to discuss different fiber optic cable types and how they can improve your workflow in your studio, drop us a line at +1 (818) 500-8142 or email us at marketing@bittree.com
We love to talk signal flow!
Cat5 e vs cat 6 is a very common question asked by many in computer networking communities. There is understandable confusion about each, and their applications and differences, and which one is better and why. There are even arguments between installers often, each taking their stance as to which is better suited for networking tasks and applications.
Lets start with the main similarity between Cat 5 e and cat 6 cables. The end jack that both of these cables use is called an RJ-45, an industry standard used for many years. The RJ-45 is an ethernet jack that connects directly to a computer, or by the use of a patch panel. The RJ-45 also can connect directly to a modem or router, depending upon the type of installation required. A specialist can help determine which of these options is better suited for your needs.
The cost difference between using Cat 5 e vs cat 6 is roughly anywhere from 10 to 20% higher if you decide to go with a cat 6, even reaching upwards of 30% depending on the type of install performed. In a more industrialized setting, cat 6 is recommended due to its increased durability and rigidity, able to withstand greater pressure from environmental elements and possible rodent interference.
Cat 5 e vs cat 6 cables share similarities in build and construction, both typically using 4 twisted pairs in each cable, incorporating copper wires. Cat 6 cables have reduced crosstalk and system noise. Cat5 cables provide speeds only up to 100 MHz, while Cat 6 cables provide performance speeds up to 250MHz. Cat 5 e cables have a tendency to contain a greater delay and skew than Cat 6 cable. Cat 5 e and Cat 6 cables can both operate 1 Gigabit networks, but Cat 5 e may have an extended delay for the signal to get from one side to the other, giving the appearance that it runs slower.
If you want to discuss the difference between cat 5 e vs cat 6 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
We love to talk signal flow!
Difference between Cat5E and Cat6
Difference between Cat5E and Cat6 cables are that Cat6 cables, also known as Category 6 or Cat 6, offer lower crosstalk, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and are compatible for 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet). Cat5e cables support only up to 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet). Cat6 cables are usually a better choice than Cat5e, in that technologically moving forward they are more suited to handle faster connection speeds and are worth their slight difference in price. Both cat5E and Cat6 cables are backwards compatible, meaning cat6 cables can be used in conjunction with Cat5, Cat5E, and even older Cat3 cables and equipment.
Cat5E and Cat6 cables both typically use 4 twisted pairs in each cable, and incorporate copper wires. Cat6 cables have more stringent specifications for reduced crosstalk and system noise. Cat6 cables provide performance speeds up to 250MHz. Cat5 cables in contrast, only provide speeds up to 100 MHz. A longitudinal separator (or spline) was incorporated into the Cat6 design, isolating each of the four pairs of twisted wire. This made Cat6 cables more rigid.
Cables that adhere to cat6 specifications offer significantly lower levels of interference and near-end crosstalk, or NEXT. Equal level far end crosstalk, or ELFEXT return loss or insertion loss as compared to a Cat5E cable. This results in a quieter operating system with reduced errors and higher data rates in signal transmission.
The price of these cables can vary by manufacturer and seller, and also will vary depending upon the length of cable needed. Cat6 cables generally run around 10 to 20% more expensive than their Cat5E counterparts, but both are relatively inexpensive in general. The boost in speed provided by Cat6 cables over Cat5E cables usually justifies the higher price, and offers an significant level of speed and performance, in industrialized settings as well as home computer network settings.
If you want to discuss the difference between cat5E 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
We love to talk signal flow!