i should start an actual thread about this, but here's the abridged version.
i think you mentioned that a part of your setup was routed:
Sampler out -> mixer in
and
Mixer Out -> Sampler in
this can cause a ground loop.
if the patch bay is routed in a similar setup it will cause a ground loop.
the distance from unbalanced device 1 ->patchbay -> balanced device is important too.
equipment with 2-pronged power cables [12V, one tip for +, one for -] use either the positive conduit or negative conduit as a ground. TS cables work in the same manner,using the Tip for the +, and the Sleeve for -. When you patch unbalanced [or ungrounded] audio out to any audio in, unbalanced device 1 will now share a ground with the other device AND any subsequent device it has to in order to ground.
almost got carried away - i gotta wrap this up and head to work...
if one of your unbalanced devices has both it's audio in's and it's outs hooked up to your patch bay, it'll probably generate a lot of noise. If that patch bay is going in & out (heh) thats not gonna work out well.
i know nothing about patch bays. is it balanced?
i think you mentioned that a part of your setup was routed:
Sampler out -> mixer in
and
Mixer Out -> Sampler in
this can cause a ground loop.
if the patch bay is routed in a similar setup it will cause a ground loop.
the distance from unbalanced device 1 ->patchbay -> balanced device is important too.
equipment with 2-pronged power cables [12V, one tip for +, one for -] use either the positive conduit or negative conduit as a ground. TS cables work in the same manner,using the Tip for the +, and the Sleeve for -. When you patch unbalanced [or ungrounded] audio out to any audio in, unbalanced device 1 will now share a ground with the other device AND any subsequent device it has to in order to ground.
almost got carried away - i gotta wrap this up and head to work...
if one of your unbalanced devices has both it's audio in's and it's outs hooked up to your patch bay, it'll probably generate a lot of noise. If that patch bay is going in & out (heh) thats not gonna work out well.
i know nothing about patch bays. is it balanced?