Build Your Own Custom Input/Output Connector Panel

Building your own custom A/V input/output panel is easy. Let's talk about how.

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[daltonldavis]

Doug, as the Video Director at a church who has to learn more of the broadcast world (pretty knowledgable in the "cinematic video" world) this information is insanely invaluable. I can't tell you how many times I've watched various videos from you explaining this specific of stuff. All of the links, knowledge, and resources that you share is important to empowering and equipping people like me. Thank you and I appreciate your effort into educating this next generation of the video production industry!

[magicmulder]

Dude, this is exactly what I was looking for as I'm currently planning to make my desk more movable by just having its cabling go into a D-box right next to it - ideally I need to quickly pull 5 plugs and can move my desk somewhere else. :) Super helpful, thanks!

[bob]

Uni-1 panels are great. Been using them for years.
I like the idea of going with Torx screws. Not sure why I didn’t think about that before. Thanks for that. I would recommend going with countersink screws instead of pan-head, but to each their own.
I use K-lock nuts. Means I don’t have to use a pliers on the back: just get them to touch the metal and they’ll lock right in.
Your idea of using a table to print out the port markings is a great one, but if you want custom- printed labels, or if you want to design your own custom panel with laser-etched labels I recommend checking out Redco. They can also do custom cables. They also have a good selection of D-type panel connectors.
Good explanatory video. Thanks.

[SnappyCandids]

Great Video! I hope you have that kit box insured! What $2k worth of connectors? I used ‘D-Type’ as well and they make life good.

Thanks for the video. This is knowledge only gained by doing! Great Job Doug!

[JorgieMathew]

Great video 👍👍 it will help me in making custom size stagebox for mixer but through cat6 cable instead of thick snake multi core cables. 🙏

[TimoSund]

Been planning mine for some time. Basic stuff as soon will find pleasing rack at reasonable piricetag on it.

[duositex]

Thanks for the simple explanation and demo! I've been thinking about building a panel like this to centralize access to the inputs and outputs on gear that's not close together in my workspace to make it easier to reconfigure things. Now I know how to do it! 

This also seems like it would be a great way to avoid putting strain on the connectors built into gear, particular "prosumer" equipment that doesn't necessarily have the most rugged build quality: connect the inputs and outputs to a panel like this and don't touch them again! Then you're beating up a $15 connector instead of something that can't be serviced.

Do you have any recommendations or links for the actual rack this would be mounted in?

[rangersmith]

Great video, great kit. I'll visit those websites and see if they have parts for a home AV system. It would be awesome to have short runs from my receiver to the panel and have the panel facing front. I agree about Phillips screws. I only use them in things that won't show when a screw gets a bit buggered or when they came with the whatever it is I'm installing.

[brucetouzel]

great tutorial. Your audio level could be higher. Thank you

[lhenn_]

What about shielding? What does one have to pay attention to when building an XLR connector panel?

[nobbingh]

Hello Doug,
I built a connector-panel myself but I ran into an issue: The hdmi-ports that I used (Neutrik NA HDMI-W-B) didn't reliably send the camera control data from my atem mini to the blackmagic cameras. As soon as I plugged the cameras directly into the atem, it worked without a problem. Did you ever experience that problem yourself? Are there HDMI-connectors, that you can recommend? Thanks a lot and keep up the gerat content!

[rjcvdlinden]

How do you fix/glue those printed labels to the rack panel? Sturdy enough, not prone to scratches or damage?

[jordanbean]

What length of the 6-32 screws do you use?

[lextr]

swift craft recommended HS2 holes are not totally round.. it's more 2 side flat and 2 side round.. not sure how to do this without CNC panel cut.. i'm looking for perfect seal so not sure I could just do a full circle cut and still have the seal..

let me know if you know how to cut these

[felixkrell]

hey there! I am currently looking into this and found your vid. Wanted to ask a question:

The Neutrik TOP Panel Connectors that I screw into a panel don't seem to have an end on the other side. Do I HAVE to solder here in order to get my cables working inside my rack, or is there an option to have XLR and Powercon TR1 connectors for my patch panel without it? I am really anxious about soldering, i would much rather have an option to just plug something in on the other end/inside of my rack. I know Neutrik makes these pre-done CLR-trhoughs, but they aren't from the TOP range.

Could you clarify if this is possible without soldering and if so, how?

Greetings!

[ivarmh]

Anyone found any good D-type connectors for USB-C?

[Jammer]

Does it end up being cheaper to custom build thek than to buy a prebuilt one?

[Sixta]

Whoa! Would not expect a video like this. Why? I assume this to be a common and bottom basic knowledge of AV technicians, to assemble custom cabling, patch panels and stuff.
Better show us for example your video signal flow in the trailer. How do you use your SDI signal router, what I/Os have you hooked up on your SDI switcher and which go where, what other SDI equipment you have interfaced in the trailer and how it gets used. Please :)
//PS: I also prefer and recommend lto back-mount the D-flange connectors.