How do I use the design tool?
We've made designing your patch bay layout easy with our online configuration tool. We recommend using a desktop computer or turning your device sideways when using the tool to make it easier to see what's happening.
We've made a blog post walking you through the process of designing your patch bay label. We think it's pretty easy to use, but you're welcome to contact us if you run into any problems and we'll be happy to help you out.
How do I link channels?
Linking or grouping channels speeds up the process of designing your patch bay label. You can add your title to the first channel in your grouping, give it a colour and then press the link button next to the colour picker to group it with the next channel. You can link up to 24 channels together.
How do I add more than one label?
You just make one design at a time. When you're happy with your patch bay layout, click the "add to cart" button and repeat the process. You'll see a preview of each label in your shopping cart.
What if I made a mistake?
If you've already completed checkout and realised that you've made a mistake, please contact us as soon as possible and let us know. We'll do our best to make alterations if your label hasn't already been printed.
If you haven't yet completed checkout, just remove the label from your shopping cart and start again.
How should I put on my patch bay label?
Our labels are made from high-quality adhesive vinyl, which goes on top of your patch bay's faceplate nice and neatly and without adding bulk. The downside to using a fine sticky material is that you need to take care when applying it. We've got a few resources to help you:
Blog post: Tips on applying your label
Instagram video: How to apply a patch bay label
Do I need to unplug everything?
Probably not, but it depends on your setup. Most of the time you'll simply unscrew your patch bay from your rack and apply the label. You might find it's helpful to slide it forward slightly in the rack to make positioning the label easier. The Neutrik NYS SPP L1 has a fully removable faceplate, which makes it very easy to label.
What are the labels made from? Can I take them off again?
Our labels are printed on high-quality opaque vinyl with a permanent adhesive. We print using latex ink, which is waterproof, scratch-resistant and fade-resistant, so your label should look great for a long time. The ink is solvent-free and odourless.
The "permanent" adhesive means it won't curl up at the edges over time and should remain stuck down for its lifetime, but it doesn't mean it's impossible to remove. The adhesive bonds more over time, so if you're gentle you can reposition it when first applying the label. Longer-term, if you keep your label out of direct sunlight, it should be easy to peel off in one piece. Some residue may remain if your label has been stuck on for a long time, but an adhesive removal product should take off any leftover adhesive easily.
Can you make me a label for an unlisted patchbay model?
We're always interested to hear product requests, so please get in touch through our contact form, or use our product request form which can be found on most product pages.
We make all our labels by taking our own measurements, so we need to get our hands on each patch bay in order to make the label.
In the past we've worked with customers to make new patch bay labels, where the customer has sent us their patch bay to work on in return for some free labels. If you're interested in partnering like this, we'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch to see how we can work together.
Can you make me a label for something else?
We can make any colour or size label (up to 1300mm wide!), so we probably can. If you can supply the files, we can print and cut what you need.
Why not use PatchCAD instead?
We can work with PNGs exported from PatchCAD and can print and cut them to size as a custom order. We can print up to 130cm wide, so we can make your label in one long strip of hard-wearing adhesive vinyl. It's a good alternative to home printing on A4 label paper.
Our design tool lets you make use of as much space as possible on your patch bay's faceplate, so you might find you have room for longer text labels with our labels, and it's simple to colour code and group your channels. Check out our current line-up of patch bay labels.
Need to know something else?
Feel free to contact us with any other product questions. We'll be happy to help.