Millenium PB16 XLR

The Millenium PB16 XLR In/Out is a 16-channel analogue patchbay. Unlike most patchbays that rely on jack or Bantam plugs, the PB16 XLR In/Out is equipped exclusively with three-pin XLR sockets, making the patchbay perfect for handling fully balanced XLR connections. Housed in a sturdy metal enclosure that occupies just a single rack unit, it provides a convenient and space-efficient solution, and with its excellent price-performance ratio, it proves to be a true problem solver whether installed in a studio or integrated into a live rack.

A patchbay like the Millenium PB16 XLR serves a dual purpose, keeping the cabling behind the rack neat and organised while at the same time bringing hard-to-reach connectors forward to the workstation for easy access. To this end, the PB16 XLR features 16 inputs, implemented as female XLR sockets on the front panel, and 16 outputs, implemented as male XLR sockets on the rear panel of the patchbay. The outputs of the devices connect to the rear panel, while short, standard microphone or XLR cables can then be used on the front panel to establish the desired signal flow, eliminating the need for special or costly patch cables. In the PB16 XLR, the pins of the corresponding inputs and outputs are directly linked, a configuration known in studio terminology as "hard-wired" and because of this design, the patchbay is acoustically transparent, meaning it has no impact whatsoever on the sound.

The Millenium PB16 XLR comes in a sturdy 19" metal case, designed with enough depth to provide easy access to the rear connectors without causing cables to stick out unnecessarily. With its inputs on the front and outputs on the rear, the PB16 XLR is a “out-to-in” patchbay: output signals — for example from a microphone or synthesizer — are routed to inputs, such as those of a mic preamp or an audio interface. Since the XLR sockets are hard-wired, phantom power activated on the preamp or audio interface is passed through to the microphone. One point to keep in mind, however, when using microphones with phantom power: The supply voltage should always be switched off before reconnecting, as leaving it active can risk damaging both the microphone and the preamp.