inSync reader M. P. asks: "I just got my new balanced TT patch bay wired up and I'm having problems. My TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) TT patch cables seem to work fine, but I also have several TS (Tip Sleeve) cables that I would like to use for unbalanced patches. I can't get them to work, or when they do the signal arrives out of phase."

Many times you will find that bantam TT Tip Sleeve plugs are shorter (.781") than Tip Ring Sleeve plugs (.865"). Therefore in your case that means that the tip is probably making contact with the ring connection in your bay. Therefore you are either getting no signal or a polarity reversed ring signal at the other end depending upon how the various points in your bay are wired. Your only solution is to scrap those cables or replace their connectors with TRS type connectors wired with no connection on the ring.