Millenium PB16 XLR In/Out

The Millenium PB16 XLR In/Out is a 16-channel analogue patchbay, with the channels in this model divided into two blocks of eight, one for inputs and one for outputs. 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 In/Out 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. The outputs and inputs 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 In/Out, 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 In/Out 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. As an analogue XLR patchbay, the device provides flexible handling of balanced signals and proves especially useful in the studio, where it helps to bring order to tangled cabling and eliminates the need to crawl behind the rack just to re-route signal or monitoring paths. One point to keep in mind, however, is 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.