CB Electronics XP-RELAY 8 Input x 8 Output

XPatch is designed to replace a physical patch bay, however the electronic versions cannot pass Phantom. It is possible to implement a smaller digitally controlled patch bay using relays. The new XP-Relay range is designed to satisfy this market and will be available in 4 sizes. All units are housed in a 1U rack mounting box and include a 48v linear power supply with remote controllable phantom switching on every input. A configuration setting will enable/disable the phantom completely on any input(s). When Phantom is Off there is a direct connection between input and output. When Phantom is enabled there is a blocking capacitor between input and output to isolate the 48v. Up to 4 XPatch or XP-Relay units can be controlled by the XPatch4 software which allows units to be combined in different ways including using two units as stereo pairs, for example two XP-Relay 16x16’s can be controlled as a single stereo 16x16 relay based patch panel. The XP-Relay is designed for use switching between Microphones and Mic Amps, or passive switching in a Mastering Chain

XPatch or XP-Relay?

We make both Solid State and Relay based patch bays, and often get asked this question. There is no correct answer as it depends on your application. Both offer advantages over traditional patch bays, sealed/solid state contacts, digital recall and simple routing changes. Both use the XPatch4 App digital recall of analog routing and can be used together to use the advantages of both.

XP-Relay

• No Electronics in the signal path
• Unlimited head room
• Microphone routing
• Phantom pass through
• Audio switching by Sealed Telecom Relays
• Un-used outputs are muted
• Available as 16 x 16, 32 x 32 or 64 x 64

XPatch

• Unique 0.25dB resolution, -96dB to +22dB Gain Control at every stage of the signal path.
• Gain control allows unused outputs to be muted
• Use Gain control to Mix Balanced with unbalanced, Line Level with Instrument level
• Buffering between connected devices
• Multiple multing without loading the source.
• Solid state audio switching
• Available as 32 x 32, 64 x 64 or 96 x 96
• XPatch APP Features Exclusive the XPatch See the XPatch APP webpage

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, the choice between the XPatch and the XP-RELAY ultimately depends on your studio's specific demands—but the most important takeaway is the powerful paradigm shift they both represent.

Both systems offer the massive advantage of digital recall of your purely analog routing, moving past the limitations of traditional patch bays with their sealed, long-life contacts and effortless configuration via the XPatch4 App.

• If your priority is absolute signal transparency and the need for microphone routing (including phantom power), the XP-RELAY is your answer, thanks to its zero-electronics signal path.
• If your workflow demands precision gain control at every connection, seamless mixing of different signal levels (like line and instrument), and advanced buffering/multing capabilities, the XPatch is the unmatched solid-state solution.