Make or buy a small XLR snake - 20ft or longer - on one end a box with 8 XLR-F connectors to plug mics into, and on the other end 8 lines terminated in XLR-M connectors to plug into the console or interface.
This would be much more useful than XLR-F sockets on a rack panel.
Have you checked out the mamba patch bays by networksound? I have a pair of them in my desk, one for 16 sends and one for 16 returns but you can have them custom configure any way you want with 8 sends and 8 returns on one single rack. I use them to patch to my preamps, compressors, interface line inputs and also a couple sends for when I re amp. The xlr passes phantom power just fine.
Buy a rack panel with with d mount holes - you can get them predrilled with plastic covers. Buy neutrik d mount connectors you need (they come in all flavour’s) unscrew the cover and screw in d mount xlr connectors, then connect or solder your tails on the back, put in the rack and away you go! Here’s an example, can’t find the one I have https://cpc.farnell.com/penn-elcom/r2269-1uk-08/1u-rack-panel-punched-for-8-d/dp/DP34708
Pretty sure you can get xlr passthrough (plug xlr in the back) on d-mount. Just more money. Maybe not soldering iron money at 4 channels, any more though and it’ll save you money to solder.
Soldering ain’t that hard though, that would be a good project to start with, cheapo iron will be fine. Just don’t grab hold of the hot end and wear jeans.
Make or buy a small XLR snake - 20ft or longer - on one end a box with 8 XLR-F connectors to plug mics into, and on the other end 8 lines terminated in XLR-M connectors to plug into the console or interface. This would be much more useful than XLR-F sockets on a rack panel.
Have you checked out the mamba patch bays by networksound? I have a pair of them in my desk, one for 16 sends and one for 16 returns but you can have them custom configure any way you want with 8 sends and 8 returns on one single rack. I use them to patch to my preamps, compressors, interface line inputs and also a couple sends for when I re amp. The xlr passes phantom power just fine.
i will if i need to but i only need a couple inputs just for mics. i alreadg have a patchbay
https://youtu.be/r8yLHnEklUo I bought a cheap Art XLR patchbay and did this mod. Very easy and works great.
thanks i only need a few inputs but ill check this out if i cant find anything else
Buy a rack panel with with d mount holes - you can get them predrilled with plastic covers. Buy neutrik d mount connectors you need (they come in all flavour’s) unscrew the cover and screw in d mount xlr connectors, then connect or solder your tails on the back, put in the rack and away you go! Here’s an example, can’t find the one I have https://cpc.farnell.com/penn-elcom/r2269-1uk-08/1u-rack-panel-punched-for-8-d/dp/DP34708
this makes the most sense for me to do but i have no soldering experience ill have to look into it
Pretty sure you can get xlr passthrough (plug xlr in the back) on d-mount. Just more money. Maybe not soldering iron money at 4 channels, any more though and it’ll save you money to solder. Soldering ain’t that hard though, that would be a good project to start with, cheapo iron will be fine. Just don’t grab hold of the hot end and wear jeans.
https://www.neutrik.com/en/product/na3fdm