Patch-bay, preamp, etc routing/setup-question

[vido]

So I got a patchbay for free when purchasing an external effects-rack. Also recently got some new equipment So I need some advice/suggestions on routing of my setup (below).

I'm thinking I want to fast/easily be able to route external instruments and mics through the preamp into ensemble/ableton without having to go into the back of the preamp or ensemble. I have never used a patchbay before, and for all I know it will lessen the sound. I mostly record only one instrument at a time, only occationally multitrack.

I don't have an external mixer. Any suggestions on routing?

My gear:
Macbook Pro
Apogee Ensemble
Presonus ADL600 dual channel preamp
Shure sr107 EQ

APC40
Nord Electro 73 HP
Moog Little Phatty
Novation SLmkII 25
Roland mc303
Korg nanopad
x-tempo footswitch
Microphones (for acoustic instruments mostly)

Edirol UM-550 midi-interface
Fostex 3013 patchbay

[omutumo]

Check out the Tweakheadz website, they have a good guide on setting up patchbays.

I have mine setup so that the bottom row are all inputs, top row are outputs. Works fine for me.

[oblique strategies]

Check out the Tweakheadz website, they have a good guide on setting up patchbays.

Link:
http://tweakheadz.com/patchbay_setup.html

Sound On Sound also has good info:
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec99/a ... tchbay.htm

I have mine setup so that the bottom row are all inputs, top row are outputs. Works fine for me.

Good advice. This is the traditional way to use a paychbay. Might as well get used to what you'll most liklely encounter at other studios.

Patchbays are great!

[vido]

Thanks a lot for the replies!