Purple Patch is available now through distributors
UK - Following a two-year research and development programme, Van Damme has introduced the Purple Patch PPE56 2x48 bantam patchbay. Working closely with the pro-audio installation team at Langdale Technical, one by one all the current shortfalls were dealt with and modern ‘wish list’ innovations were added to the design.
The PPE56 Purple Patch is both designed and manufactured in the UK and incorporates features that cater carefully for modern day needs, including:
Fully programmable normalling options inclusive of full-normalling, half-normalling, parallel and no normalling settings, which are adjustable whilst the patch remains terminated.
Individual earthing selection for all patch points, allowing for phantom power and unbalanced signal pass through to be selected point by point.
Individual 110Ohm impedance jack modules secured to the chassis behind a fully removable front panel which allows access to all jack screws for future retightening whilst the bay remains fully in place.
Aimed primarily at recording studios, theatres with recording facilities and broadcasting houses, Purple Patch has been designed to make Van Damme’s quality and engineering excellence affordable to all levels of users.
Nick Chmara, VDC’s technical director, comments: “We know that even in today’s computer-based studios, the patchbay is an integral part of an audio professional’s life, and they need to have complete faith in it. Therefore, we decided to work with and take advice from seasoned installers, engineers and desk manufacturers to create a world-beating product.
“Purple Patch is fully electronically tested, across all channels, across all EDACS and through the desks that they are being used with. Gone are the days of chasing back shorts to the patchbay. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where we are, but we think that Purple Patch is a game changer and expect it will be very popular with our customers.”
Purple Patch is already creating a lot of interest in the market. A major recording studio has already pre-ordered a significant number of units and other studios are already following suit in reserving stock.

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