Recording, Mixing and Mastering
Published on 09/03/2026
Managing analog hardware in a modern studio can quickly become complex. Compressors, equalizers, preamplifiers, converters, and summing mixers must be flexibly linked together while maintaining the highest signal quality at all times.
Traditionally, this work was done through analog patchbays and manual wiring. However, in modern DAW-based workflows and hybrid analog/digital configurations, the need for fast routing, configuration recall, and centralized outboard management has become increasingly important.
The Flock Audio PATCH series was created precisely to solve this problem: a range of software-controlled analog patchbays that allow you to manage all studio routing without having to physically move cables.
The signal always remains completely analog, while control is via the PATCH App, offering a unique combination of sound quality and operational flexibility.
A traditional patchbay allows several audio devices to be connected together via patch cables. This system works well, but has some obvious limitations:
The Flock Audio PATCH series patchbays introduce a completely new approach: signal routing remains analog, but connections are managed digitally via software.
This means being able to create and recall analog processing chains at the click of a button, just as with plug-ins within a DAW.
To accommodate studios of different sizes and workflows, Flock Audio has developed a full range of intelligent patchbays: PATCH LT, PATCH, PATCH XT, PATCH VT, and PATCH SE.
PATCH LT is the compact solution in the series and is perfect for project studios and small professional studios that want to introduce an intelligent routing system for analog hardware.
PATCH LT is often the first step toward a fully software-controlled routing system.
The PATCH model is the one that made Flock Audio technology famous. With increased connection capacity, it quickly became a standard in many professional recording studios.
This model is ideal for recording and mix studios that use numerous compressors, EQs and analog processors.
PATCH XT is designed for large studios and professional environments with large racks of outboards.
PATCH XT allows you to organize the routing of entire racks of analog processors while maintaining complete control via software at all times.
PATCH VT is a version designed for tracking and managing microphone signals.
With built-in phantom power management, PATCH VT is especially useful for studios that frequently record with multiple microphones.
The newest addition to the range is PATCH SE, designed to make Flock Audio technology even more accessible.
PATCH SE allows even smaller studios to benefit from the flexibility of software-controlled routing.
All Flock Audio patchbays are controlled through the PATCH App, software available for macOS and Windows that allows you to manage your entire studio routing from an intuitive interface.
Through the software it is possible to:
This makes the workflow much faster and dramatically reduces the time needed to reconfigure studio routing.
The latest update of PATCH APP DX introduces several features designed to further enhance the user experience and make routing management even more intuitive.
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The PATCH APP DX now supports integration with Elgato Stream Deck, allowing routing and configurations to be called up directly via programmable buttons.
Colors can be assigned to signal paths to easily identify different processing chains within the system.
New navigation mode allows you to quickly view active signal paths, making it easier to manage complex configurations.
You can now directly rename front inputs and outputs, making the organization of hardware connections clearer.
Hardware management can now also be accessed while recalling saved configurations.
A new feature allows you to lock the hardware setup menu to prevent accidental changes during important sessions.
The PATCH series represents one of the most important innovations in the world of professional audio production in recent years.
By combining all-analog routing and digital control via software, Flock Audio has created a system that allows studios to work with analog hardware with the same flexibility as digital plugins.
For recording, mixing and mastering studios using analog outboards, the Flock Audio PATCH series is now one of the most advanced solutions for optimizing workflow and managing studio routing in a modern and efficient way.
👉🏻 Discover all Flock Audio Patches HERE
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