Rear Panel Connector Options Key benefits Connectorized patch bays offer several key advantages: 1 Mating hardware can be supplied early, allowing installers to preterminate wires, either on site or at the shop bench. When the patch bays arrive, all that is necessary is to plug them in, saving overall time and labor. Auto crimp tool available. 2 When moving or reconfiguring a unit, connectors are much quicker and less likely to get wires crossed. Punch down units require the same level of skill and labor as when originally installed.

Connectorized 3 PIN The most versatile rear panel interconnect. Each audio pair has its own connector, which allows the user to change wiring very quickly, without needing a tool or even experience in other technologies such as punch down. Also very cost effective. Uses Edac "tuning fork" hermaphroditic contacts (mates with itself), rated at several thousand cycles. Requires crimp tool. 6 PIN Accommodates 2 audio pair, used typically at radio stations where broadcasting is done in stereo. Retains advantages of connectorized equipment such as quick change of wiring, etc. Requires crimp tool. 90 PIN High contact count connector facilitates quick connect and disconnect of entire patch bay. High cycle "tuning fork" contact allows virtually unlimited changes. Requires crimp tool. Punch down IDC Popular with installers because it is thought to be quicker, it allows easy multing and multiple wires on one contact. Compared to connectorized units (above), changes are much slower, and the wire tends to get damaged with each change. Requires punch-down tool.