AUDIOPATCH

1 · Introduction

AUDIOPATCH is a browser-based planning app for signal routing in live productions. The app maps the complete signal flow from stage to console input — including split, multicore allocation, digital snake routing and IEM/RF frequency planning.

Who is this for?

3-Layer Model

2 · Quick Start

1. Open App — Runs directly in the browser, no installation needed
2. New Project — Click the AUDIOPATCH logo → "+ New Project"
3. Choose Template — „Band 48 CH" for a typical touring rider
4. Configure Hardware — Setup → select console and stageboxes
5. Patch Inputs — Stage Inputs are automatically populated from the stagebox
6. Assign Looms — „Auto Loom Patch" distributes channels across multicore cables
7. Export PDF — Export → PDF for the crew

Install as App (PWA)

AUDIOPATCH is a Progressive Web App (PWA) — you can install it like a native app on your device without visiting an app store. The app then runs in its own window without a browser toolbar.

iOS / iPadOS (Safari)

1. Open audiopatch.net in Safari
2. Tap the Share icon ⎋ (bottom toolbar)
3. Select "Add to Home Screen"
4. Confirm the name → tap "Add"

The app appears as an icon on your Home Screen and opens in fullscreen without the Safari toolbar.

Android (Chrome / Samsung Browser)

1. Open audiopatch.net in Chrome
2. Tap the menu ⋮ (top right)
3. Select "Install app" or "Add to Home Screen"
4. Confirm

Alternatively, an install banner may appear automatically at the bottom of the screen.

Desktop (Chrome / Edge / Brave)

1. Open audiopatch.net in the browser
2. Click the install icon ⊕ in the address bar (right side of URL)
3. Confirm "Install"

AUDIOPATCH then opens as its own window — independent from the browser, with its own icon in the Dock / Taskbar.

Benefits of Installation

3 · Navigation & UI

Sidebar (Left)

Tab Bar (Top)

Since v1, AUDIOPATCH uses custom SVG pictograms instead of emojis for tabs:

Position Page (Main View)

Each position has a split view:

Sub-Tabs

• All — Shows all channels across all stageboxes (for interface positions: all digital patch connections stacked)
• [Stagebox Name] — Only channels of this stagebox
• [Slot/Connection] — e.g. "MADI 128ch ↔ MON" or "Dante 64ch" — digital connection tabs
• Local — Local analog and AES channels of the console

4 · Project Management

Create New Project

1. Click the AUDIOPATCH logo in the sidebar
2. "+ New Project" → enter name
3. Choose Template:
   • Empty — Empty project
   • Band 24 CH — Standard band, 24 split channels
   • Band 48 CH — Full setup with playback, UHF, timecode
   • Festival — Like 48 CH, but with "Stage Master" (Splitter), FOH and MON. Master patch controls all signals and looms centrally.

Project Details

In the Projects drawer at bottom: Name, Artist, Venue, Date. All fields appear in the PDF header.

Duplicate Project

Right-click a project → "Duplicate". Creates a full copy with a new name. Perfect for tours: same setup, new venue.

5 · Hardware Setup

Open the Setup drawer () → Hardware Setup.

Choose Console

Each position has its own console. The dropdown shows: Manufacturer → Model (In/Out + AES)

Supported manufacturers: Allen & Heath, Avid, Behringer, DiGiCo, Lawo, Midas, Soundcraft, SSL, Waves, Yamaha — totalling 82 consoles in the database.

The console determines:

• Number of Local Analog In/Out (built-in at the surface)
• Number of Local AES In/Out (built-in AES connectors)
• Expansion Slots (MY, DMI, D21m — depending on manufacturer)

Configure Stageboxes

1. Click "+ Add Stagebox"
2. Select model (filtered by console compatibility)
3. Swap Stagebox: You can change the type of an existing stagebox at any time using the dropdown below the stagebox name. If the channel count changes, you will be asked whether the channel data of subsequent stageboxes should be preserved in their place or shifted.
4. For modular stageboxes (e.g. DiGiCo SD-Rack): configure I/O cards
5. For MixRacks (e.g. A&H DM64): assign I/O slots (Dante, MADI, gigaACE)

Set Split Master

The Split Master defines the shared stage input list and has preamp authority (Gain Master). Typically: MON is Split/Gain Master — the monitor engineer controls the preamps, as consistent levels are needed for IEM. FOH works as slave with trim compensation.

Connections

Connections between positions define the split protocol (Analog, gigaACE, Optocore, MADI, Dante etc.) and channel count. Each connection can optionally have a name (e.g. "Main Snake", "IEM Link") — the name appears in the position header, connection wire, PDF and Excel export.

• Add connection: In HW Setup at the bottom: select source position ↔ target position → "+ Connection"
• Set name: Directly in the connection card header — text field between the position dropdowns
• Choose protocol: Analog / Digital / Gainsharing tab → protocol button

6 · Stage Inputs & Patching

Adding Channels

• With stagebox: Channels are automatically created from the stagebox size
• Without stagebox: Manually via "+ Add" or " Import List"

Smart Import (PDF, CSV & Paste)

The Smart Import lets you directly import complete input/output lists from PDFs, Excel, Numbers, CSV or Google Sheets. Columns are automatically detected and mapped by an AI-like, extremely robust heuristic.

1. Click „ Import" (available for Stage Inputs, Outputs, Local In/Out, Slots, Band Import)
2. File Import: Directly select a .pdf or .csv file – or just paste your data into the text field.
3. Automatic column detection: Name, Mic, Position, Loom, Stand, 48V, Info, Category
4. Dropdown per column to adjust mapping — Swap logic: reassigning a field automatically clears its old assignment
5. Mode: Overwrite / Fill empty channels only
6. Start at CH: Import begins at the selected channel

Loom Detection

Combined Loom+Channel values like F-1, A.12, MC1-3 are automatically split into loom name and channel number. Only looms that exist in the project are imported.

Validation

Values for Loom, Position, Stand and Category are checked against project data. Missing values are highlighted in red () and skipped during import. A summary appears directly above the Import button.

Advanced Recognition & Auto-Setup

• Robust Value Detection: 48V is recognized in over 30 formats (ja, yes, +48V, req, [x] etc.). Looms also detect prefixes (e.g. "Loom A:3", "Snake B-4").
• Secure Loom Import: Only explicitly mapped or newly added looms in the mapping panel are imported. Unknown (ignored) looms no longer cause accidental assignments.
• Auto-Enable Columns: Columns that are imported (e.g. 48V, Stand, Category) are automatically enabled for the UI in the Equipment Setup.

Copy directly from Excel or Google Sheets — Tab separation is automatically detected. Header rows are recognized and used as column labels.

Input Table Columns

Context Menu (Right-click)

• Duplicate — Creates a copy below the channel
• Swap — Exchange two channels (Shift+Click on second channel)
• Clear — Clear channel name and mic
• Delete — Remove channel

Stereo Pairs

1. Shift+Click on two adjacent channels
2. Right-click → "Declare as stereo pair"
3. Symbol appears between rows
4. Auto Loom Patch keeps stereo pairs in the same loom
5. IEM Planning: Stereo pairs in outputs are automatically recognized as stereo IEM channels in the IEM/RF tab when using "Auto-Generate"

7 · Outputs & Monitor-Sends

8 · Local I/O & AES

Each console has local connectors on the surface/rack, managed separately:

• Local Analog In — Physical inputs on the console (e.g. FOH stage mic, talkback)
• Local Analog Out — Physical outputs (e.g. shoutbox, DiOut TC, matrix)
• Local AES I/O — AES/EBU connections with direction (In/Out), signal and loom

Tieline Patching

Tielines are physical cable connections between racks (e.g. FOH ↔ MON). In the Local I/O tables, channels can be patched to tieline looms:

Tieline Detail Routing (High-Density)

Tielines automatically store and visualize the complete hardware chain (Send + Return):

• Loom Planner & Patch Tab: Shows the signal name + "Position · Device IN/OUT Channel" instead of raw port numbers.
• PDF & Excel Export: Tieline cards and routing tables contain the exact hardware connection of both sides (e.g., "FOH · Avid Stage 64 OUT 1 → MON · Avid Stage 32 IN 5").

9 · Loom System

Loom Types

Colors (Resistor Color Code)

Auto Loom Patch

„ Auto Loom Patch" distributes channels automatically according to configurable rules:

• Group by stage position — Drums in one loom, keys in another
• Keep stereo pairs together — L/R end up in the same loom
• Keep existing assignments — Only empty channels are filled
• Fill from top — Fills looms from CH 1 upward

Rules configurable under Setup → Equipment Setup → Auto-Loom Rules.

Loom Fill-Down

Click the colored dot at the bottom right of the loom cell, then drag downward → fills following channels with ascending loom channels. AES channels are skipped.

10 · Split Configuration

The split defines how stage signals are distributed to multiple positions.

Split Types

Gainsharing

For digital splits, a gainsharing mode is set per connection in Hardware Setup:

• Off — Each position has independent preamps (default for transformer/active splits)
• Gain Tracking — The Gain Master controls the preamps, slave positions automatically compensate via trim

The Gain Master is configured per connection. In typical touring setups, MON is the Gain Master to ensure consistent IEM levels.

Auto Split on Setup

When creating or modifying a connection in Hardware Setup, a 1:1 split is automatically applied — no need to manually click "↻ Auto Split" anymore. Manual adjustments are never overwritten.

Slave Position (v1)

Special rules apply to slave positions:

• Read-Only Stage Inputs — Name, Mic, Position and Info fields are not editable. Data is automatically synced from the Split Master.
• Split-Channel Dropdown — Shows available master channels with signal names (e.g. "Split 01 — Kick In" instead of just „1"). Makes assignment significantly easier.
• AES Restriction — AES/EBU inputs on stageboxes cannot be assigned to an analog split, as this is physically not possible.

11 · Patch Overview

The Patch tab shows all positions side by side: Split matrix, loom assignment, channel status and conflicts at a glance.

Avantis CSV Export

For Allen & Heath Avantis: Direct CSV export in Avantis Director format. Import via File → Import CSV in the Director software.

12 · Digital Patch & Connections

Digital connections between positions (MADI, Dante, gigaACE, Optocore, AES50 etc.) are configured via Digital Patch tabs. Each connection has its own sub-tab with protocol and channel count.

Structure

Each digital patch tab shows two columns:

TX Auto-Patch

The ↑ TX Auto-Patch button automatically fills TX labels from the stage input list:

1. Stage inputs are sorted by loom letter and loom channel
2. TX channels 1–N are filled sequentially with signal names
3. TX source is automatically set to the corresponding stage input

TX Source Dropdown

Each TX channel has a dropdown to link to a stage input. The dropdown shows:

• Empty entry — No source assigned
• Stage inputs — e.g. "SI 01: Kick In" — automatically sets the TX label

RX Receive

The right column shows the incoming signals from the partner position. This data is automatically synchronized — e.g. if MON defines TX labels, they appear on FOH as RX Receive.

Clear All

Clears both directions (TX and RX) of the digital connection. Secured by confirmation dialog. Also undoable.

Context Menu & Multi-Select

Right-click on a TX row opens a context menu with:

• ⌫ Clear TX — Delete label + source of the selected row(s)
• Duplicate TX down — Copy TX content to the next row
• ↕ Swap TX — Swap with the next row
• ✕ Clear All — Delete entire connection (TX + RX)

Multi-select: Click = single, Shift+Click = range, Cmd/Ctrl+Click = toggle. Selected rows are visually highlighted. All Clear actions apply to the entire selection.

Tab Navigation: Tab jumps to the next row in the same column (TX Source or TX Label). Shift+Tab jumps back.

RGB / RX Buttons

13 · Recording / Interface Positions

Interface positions (e.g. REC, Broadcast) are positions without physical stageboxes. They receive their signals exclusively via digital connections (MADI, Dante).

Special Features

• No stagebox tabs — Instead the tab bar shows the slot connections (e.g. "MADI 128ch ↔ MON", "Dante/AES67 64ch")
• Default Tab — The first slot tab opens by default (instead of "All")
• "All" Tab — Shows all digital patch connections stacked, with own header, TX Auto-Patch and Clear All per connection
• Scrollbar for multiple connections — Max. 500px height per table, scrollable on overflow

Typical Setup

14 · Loom Planner

The Loom tab shows all multicore assignments sorted by loom letter:

• Each loom as a separate table with channel assignment
• Inputs AND Outputs in one overview
• Basis for the physical assignment plan (Sub-D/EtherCon connectors)
• Automatically generated from loom assignments

15 · IEM / RF Planner

IEM Channels

Per IEM channel configured:

UHF Microphones

Auto-Generate

„Auto-Generieren" automatically creates IEM channels from monitor outputs. Stereo output pairs are recognized and combined as stereo IEM.

16 · Pack List

The Pack List tab automatically generates an equipment list:

• Consoles and stageboxes per position
• Cable quantities (multicore, Sub-D, EtherCon)
• Microphones and DI boxes from stage inputs
• IEM transmitters and receivers
• UHF receivers

17 · System Designer

The System Designer is a freely zoomable canvas interface for visualizing your entire network and signal flow layout. It automatically generates from your Hardware Setup and can be flexibly customized.

Navigation & Canvas (Figma-Style)

The canvas operation is heavily inspired by modern design tools:

• Pan: Trackpad two-finger swipe, normal scroll wheel, or dragging on an empty area.
• Zoom: Trackpad pinch-to-zoom or Cmd / Ctrl + scroll wheel.
• Lasso Selection: Shift + drag on the canvas (or use the lasso tool in the toolbar) opens a selection box for multi-select.
• Pan Lock: Prevents accidental panning of the canvas.
• Snap to Grid: Snaps elements to a grid for a clean layout ("SNAP" button).

Devices, Zones & Notes

Upon opening for the first time or clicking Sync (or Reset → Restore from HW Setup), all consoles and stageboxes from the Hardware Setup are placed on the canvas and grouped into matching zones.

• Add Device: Manually add additional devices (e.g., switches, routers, outboard).
• Add Zone: Visually group devices into new areas.
• Add Note: Free text notes for IP addresses or instructions.

Drawing Connections (Connect Mode)

1. Click the CONNECT button (or activate "CONNECT" in mobile mode).
2. Click the starting device.
3. Click the target device.
4. The routing style can be toggled in the top toolbar (Manhattan, Manhattan-fanned, Bezier curve).

X-Ray Filter & Colors

In the bottom left of the canvas, you will find the X-Ray Filter panel. This helps keep track of different audio networks in complex setups:

• Visibility: Clicking a protocol (e.g., Dante) hides all other cable routes.
• Customize Colors: Clicking the circular color swatch next to the name opens a color picker. The chosen line color is saved for the entire project.

Inspector & Multi-Select

Clicking a device (or using a lasso selection of multiple devices) opens the Inspector on the right side.

• Device Properties: Enter IP address, VLAN, Subnet Mask, and Firmware.
• Multi-Select: Multiple devices can be duplicated or deleted simultaneously.
• Network Pairing: If you select exactly two devices, "Network Pairing" (Primary/Secondary) appears – perfect for redundant networks (e.g., Dante Primary/Secondary switches).

Lists (Cable & IP Schedule)

In the bottom right of the toolbar, you'll find the LISTS button. This opens a bottom panel with two tables automatically generated from your design:

• CABLE LIST: All manually drawn connections including port, medium, and length.
• IP LIST: All devices with an assigned IP address, VLAN, and firmware version.

Mobile Touch Mode

On smartphones/tablets, a dedicated Action Bar appears at the bottom. Since finger swiping is standard for zoom/pan, interaction modes must be explicitly toggled:

• PAN: Navigate the canvas (devices are not clickable in this mode).
• SELECT: Tap devices to open the Inspector.
• CONNECT: Draw connections.
• ADD: Add a new device.

Export

The entire system design can be exported via the top left toolbar:

• PDF / IMAGE: Exports the canvas in high resolution as a PDF or PNG.
• EXCEL: Exports the Cable List and IP List as a spreadsheet for production.

18 · AudioPatch Collab (Beta)

With AudioPatch Collab, you can work on the same project with other team members in real-time. The system automatically synchronizes Stage Inputs, Outputs, Local I/O, and the System Designer across all connected users.

0. Beta Unlock

Since Collab is still in a beta phase, it is hidden by default. To activate it:

1. Open AudioPatch using this special link: https://audiopatch.net/app?collab=1
2. You will receive a short confirmation. The feature is now permanently unlocked for your browser.

1. Starting a Session (Host)

1. Click the Collab button in the top menu bar.
2. Select "Start new session".
3. Optional: Enter an Admin Password so you can recover your owner rights at any time.
4. Share the 6-digit Room Code or the invite link with your team.

• Only the host can: Export PDF/Excel, modify Project Details, Hardware & Equipment Setup.

2. Joining a Session (Guest)

1. Click the invite link or open an empty project and choose Collab -> "Join session".
2. Enter the 6-digit Room Code.

3. Live Collaboration

Once the Collab icon turns green ("Live"), you are connected.

• Divide Positions: Everyone chooses their own tab (e.g., FOH or MON) and works there. Green badges in the tabs indicate who is working where.
• Tab-Lock: Tabs and modals (like Hardware Setup) being edited by others are automatically read-only to prevent conflicts.
• Auto-Sync: Your changes are automatically synchronized with everyone every ~5 seconds.

4. Crew Link (Read-Only)

The host can generate a Crew Link via the Collab menu. This link provides a read-only, mobile-optimized view of the project for technicians (including Stage Inputs, Outputs, a dedicated Hardware Setup Tab, System Designer as an interactive block diagram, and Cable Schedule).

• When activated, the Crew Link QR Code is also automatically printed on the PDF export (cover page and header).

5. Offline Badge & Rejoin

• Offline Badge: If you lose connection, the Collab icon turns red ("Offline"). The system automatically attempts to reconnect in the background.
• Backup & Rejoin: Before every automatic reconnection (e.g., after a page reload), a local backup is saved. A Rejoin dialog will appear allowing you to compare changes. Your data always remains locally preserved on your device.

19 · Export & Import

PDF Export

1. Export → Export PDF
2. Select sections (Positions, Patch, Loom, IEM/RF, Pack List, Notes)
3. Print dialog opens → Print as PDF or print directly

PDF contains: AUDIOPATCH logo, project name, artist, date + all selected sections.

Excel Export

Export → Export Excel — generates a professional .xlsx file with multiple sheets:

Before export, a section dialog appears — you choose which sheets are included in the file.

Backup JSON

Exports the complete project as a .json file. Filename contains project name, artist and date. Load via "Load Backup".

Backup Improvements (v1)

• File size in toast — The confirmation shows the exported file size (e.g. "Backup saved (156 KB)")
• Error toast — If issues occur with the File System Access API, a clear error message appears
• Reliable fallback — If the direct save dialog fails, a blob-based download serves as fallback

20 · Pro Shortcuts

Fewer clicks, more output — the most important hidden features at a glance.

Right-Click Context Menu

Right-click on any row in Stage Inputs, Outputs, Local I/O and Digital Patch opens a context menu:

Digital Patch Context Menu

Right-click on a TX row in Digital Patch — works with multi-select:

Speed Features

Expert Knowledge (Pro-Tips)

• Crew Link Hardware View: When an extremely large number of stagebox cards or engine slots are present, the Crew Link now neatly wraps these on mobile devices (as pills) instead of forcing horizontal scrolling.
• Local I/O Export: In the PDF and Excel export, the local console connections are explicitly listed as "Local I/O" so they visually stand out from the stage racks.

Connection System

Connections in Hardware Setup offer more than just protocol selection:

Loom Pro Features

21 · Workflow

Phase 1 — Advance (Office)

22 · Keyboard Shortcuts & Tips

23 · Equipment Setup (Detail)

Open Setup → Equipment Setup. All settings are saved per project.

Stage Positions

Dropdown values for the Position column in the input table. Default: Drums, Percussion, Bass, Keys, Guitar, Brass, Strings, Vocals, Choir, DJ, Playback, FOH.

• New position: text field + "+ Add"
• Rename: directly in the text field
• Delete: ✕ (existing assignments remain as text)

Also controls Auto Loom Patch: Channels with the same position end up in the same loom.

Output Categories

Dropdown for the Category column in the output table. Default: Monitor Wedge, IEM, Sidefill, Drumfill, PA Main, PA Sub, PA Front Fill, PA Delay, Broadcast, Recording, Intercom.

Used as grouping criterion for outputs in Auto Loom Patch.

Stand Types

Dropdown for the Stand column. Default: Large Stand, Boom, Desk Stand, Clip, Overhead, DI Floor, DI Rack.

Microphone List

Dropdown values for the Mic / DI column in the input table. You can add custom microphones and DI boxes to this global list, making them permanently available for your project and when saving your profile.

Table Columns

Toggle individual standard columns on/off:

Custom Columns

Add custom columns separately for inputs and outputs. Examples:

• Phase — Phase invert yes/no
• Pad — -10/-20 dB
• Phantom — 48V an/aus
• Insert — external insert device
• Amp CH — amplifier channel

Auto-Loom Rules

Loom Settings

Stage Looms (A, B, C...)

• Default: A–F (6 looms à 8 channels)
• Change color by clicking the color chip
• Channel count per loom individually adjustable
• New looms via "+ Add Loom"
• Standard CH/Loom (top right): Global default channel count for all stage looms

Multicore (MC, MC2...)

• MC = main multicore (cannot be deleted)
• Additional via „+ Multicore"
• Own channel count and color, independent of stage looms
• Typical: MC = 24ch stage→FOH, MC2 = 12ch returns

Tielines (T.A, T.B...)

• Rack-to-rack connections (e.g. FOH rack → MON rack)
• Each tieline: Name, Color, Channel count
• Shown as separate section in the loom plan

24 · Hardware Scenarios

A&H dLive (gigaACE Split)

Split Master = MON (physical stage MixRack). FOH receives mirror via gigaACE. MON = Channel Master.

DiGiCo SD Series (Optocore Split)

Both consoles in the same Optocore ring. SD-Rack slots: Input cards (8×Mic/Line), Output cards (8×Line).

Yamaha RIVAGE (TWINLANe Split)

Assign MY expansion cards in setup under slot configuration.

Midas M32 + Transformer Split

External transformer splitter. No gainsharing for analog split.

Festival Patch Mode (3+ Positions)

The Festival Patch Mode is a special operating mode for festivals with multiple bands. It is activated via Hardware Setup → "Enable Festival Mode".

Architecture

Setup Steps (Festival)

1. Open Setup → "Enable Festival Mode"
2. In Stage Master: Choose splitter size (8, 16, 24, 32, 48, 56 or 64 channels)
3. Configure fanouts: which positions (FOH, MON, …) receive a split
4. Select Output Master (e.g. MON) — or "None" if no outputs go back to stage
5. In the Master Patch Tab: enter inputs and loom assignments for the complete stage
6. Add bands via "+ Band" in the tab bar
7. Per band: enter deviating channels as overrides — all others follow the master

Band Tab Controls

Solo Mode (⊘)

When a band is the only act (no splitting needed), the Solo Mode can be activated. Fields become directly editable — the stage splitter is logically bypassed. In Festival Overall and PDF, solo mode is highlighted with a red banner.

Festival Overall Tab

The Festival Overall tab (next to "Patch") shows a complete overview: Master Patch on the left, one column per band on the right. Deviating channels, loom differences and solo markers are visible at a glance.

Festival Scenario: Midas M32 + Analog Split

Output Master = MON. Bands with individual rider requirements get their own band tabs with loom overrides.

25 · Advanced Features

Drag & Drop

Each row: grab the ⠇ handle → drag up/down → release. SB# is automatically renumbered.

Auto Split 1:1

Toolbar button. Assigns split channels: CH1→Split1, CH2→Split2 etc. For slave positions the dropdown shows available master channels.

Notes Tab

Free text field — crew briefing, checklists, change notes. Also exported in the PDF.

History Tab

Automatic changelog of all changes with timestamp.

Manufacturer Info (Drawer)

Pill buttons per manufacturer. Each page: network protocol, stageboxes, setup example in AUDIOPATCH notation.

Help Search (Help)

In the info drawer, full-text search across 20+ help articles. Categories: Navigation, Setup, Patch & Loom, Inputs & Outputs, IEM/RF, Export, Shortcuts.

Data Storage

• localStorage — everything stays local, no cloud
• Auto-Save on every change
• Switching browsers = new data → export backup!
• Incognito = data lost on close

26 · Technical Glossary