#normalling

Normalling: Normalling refers to the way in which a patchbay is wired. One uses a normal when there is a “normal” use, in other words when the usual use of the output connected to the top row is to go to the input connected to the bottom row. In a full- normalled or half- normalled configuration, signals flow from the jacks in the top row through the jacks in the bottom row.

Let’t break it down.

      I. Full- Normalled: Used in situations where you want to be able to interrupt the normal signal flow by inserting a patchcord into a jack in either the top or bottom row. In this case you DO NOT want to actually split the signal, due to the nature of the signal itself. (i.e. from mic lines to mic inputs on the console.)

     II. Half- Normalled: Used for monitoring or taking a feed off signals. You can plug into a jack in the top row to monitor a signal without interrupting the signal flowing to the bottom row, and you have the ability to plug into the bottom row to break the normal signal path. (i.e. from direct out to MTR sends)

     III. Non- Normalled: Used for tie lines or any signal that has no “normal” use. There is no signal flow from the top to the bottom jack. The top and bottom row jacks are completely independent.

      IV. MULT: This configuration is used when you want multiple copies of the same signal. In this case, the jacks are usually wired side to side, not top to bottom like normals. A mult cannot be broken by patching. It is a permanent arrangement.