Normalled

Normalled is a term used in audio and CV patching to describe a default internal connection between two jacks on a patch bay, mixer, or modular system. When two jacks are normalled, they are wired so that, with no patch cables inserted, signal can pass from one jack to the other automatically. This arrangement allows a user to route signals quickly or to tap a signal for monitoring or further processing without adding cables.

Two common forms are full-normalled and half-normalled. In a full-normalled configuration, the two jacks are connected internally; inserting a patch cable into either jack typically interrupts the internal link, enabling external routing. In a half-normalled configuration, the internal link remains active under some patching conditions—often allowing the signal to be taken from the second jack even when a patch cable is inserted into the first, or vice versa—depending on the specific hardware. A non-normalled (or no-normalling) patch bay has no internal connection, requiring an explicit patch cable to connect the two points.

Normalled connections are widely used in analog studios, guitar pedalboards, and modular synth setups to speed workflow, keep signal paths clean, and facilitate quick testing and auditioning of gear. However, they can complicate more complex routing or create ground and termination considerations if not managed carefully. Patch bay documentation or labeling is important to understand the exact behavior of each pair. See also: patch bay, normalling, half-normalled, fully-normalled.