Bypass switched patch panel for radio station DJs

DJ Gear & Hardware Hardware: Controllers, Mods and Gear
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Bypass switched patch panel for radio station DJs

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I built this for my local community radio station because they were annoyed that DJs would keep unplugging stuff and leave it disconnected for the next DJ’s slot. This will let DJs patch their audio interfaces into it, press a button, and automatically route the audio from the CDJs/decks into their interface and back out of it into the mixer.

If they forget to set it back afterwards, and the next DJ gets in a panic because no sound is coming out of the mixer, they can hit a big red panic button to automatically set all channels to bypass the patch panel.

Gallery here: Building a bypass switched patch bay - Album on Imgur

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I can dig it. You just gave me an idea for something to include in my next rig.

I want to build something similar, except all the equipment will be pre-plugged in (two cdj 900’s and two technics 1200 mk2’s) to the switch box. Basically it will be a switch to go between serato, traktor, or live input on each channel. Both an sl4 and audio 10 will be built into the box which will be snug against the rear of the mixer. There would be three usb cables. One Traktor, One Serato, and One for CDJ’s in HID mode.

Thanks for the inspiration. Time for me to get tinkering in the workshop.

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Sounds good. I recommend using latching relays designed for low current to switch the signals. That’s what I used. That way there isn’t an energised coil near the audio signal that might add noise. I also deliberately used coax cable internally so I had separate grounds, again, to reduce noise as much as possible.

I posted this on Reddit already and got people telling me I should put these on kickstarter. I don’t think that would get any interest but, if I make another, I’m certainly gonna look into designing a PCB for it instead of using veroboard, and trying to make each channel its own module. Maybe I could make and sell the modules or do soldering kits for making them.

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While this is a very cool idea…i see you have a djm850? which is traktor certified…and for a small outlay by the djs, can be serato useable…no need for an external interface