Strap

In audio this term usually applies to multing two signal paths together. It is often specifically used in patch-bay jargon and means to connect two patch points together for the sake of making a common signal connection. Straps are typically used to connect a top and bottom patchbay jack’s normal switches for normalling. The way you strap the normalling switches determines whether a patchbay is configured as normalled or half normalled. These straps are a built-in, hidden feature of many commercially available “plug-and-play” patch bays. Sometimes the user can reconfigure them, often by moving jumpers inside the patch bay. In professional custom installations, however, the individual straps (normals) must be wired by hand just like the rest of the patch bay.