MINIBAY V2 vs Minibay S24

Two desktop patch bays from DF Audio, similar size, similar price, and people ask us almost every week which one to get. The short answer: MINIBAY V2 is for mono-heavy setups with lots of synths and CV. Minibay S24 is for stereo and balanced gear. Here is the longer answer.

The core difference

MINIBAY V2 takes 20 TRS sockets on the back and splits each into two mono patch points on top, so you get 40 points from 20 sockets. That doubling is done with standard insert cables, which is how it packs a studio-sized routing hub into a desktop box. Every patch point is mono. Stereo gear works, it just uses two points.

Minibay S24 keeps things one to one: 24 TRS sockets on the back, 24 TRS points on top. Every point carries a stereo or balanced signal intact. Fewer points, but each one does more, and you patch a stereo synth with one cable instead of two.

DF Audio MINIBAY V2 40-point desktop patch bay
MINIBAY V2
40 mono points, two passive mixers
DF Audio Minibay S24 24-point TRS patch bay
Minibay S24
24 stereo points, switches on top

Side by side

MINIBAY V2 Minibay S24
Patch points 40 x 3.5 mm mono (TS) 24 x 3.5 mm stereo (TRS)
Rear sockets 20 x 6.35 mm TRS, two mono channels each via insert cables 24 x 6.35 mm TRS, one to one
Stereo and balanced Yes, using two patch points per signal Yes, one patch point per signal
Normalling 12 switches under a two-screw hatch, set and forget 12 half-normalling switches on the top panel, always accessible
Built-in mixers Two 3-channel passive mixers None
Signals Audio, CV Audio, CV, MIDI (TRS)
Cables included None 6 x TRS patch cables, 1 x TS to TRS
Size 234 x 140 x 40 mm 230 x 85 x 40 mm
Price 245 EUR 239 EUR

Get the MINIBAY V2 if

  • Most of your gear is mono: monosynths, drum voices, eurorack, CV and gate
  • You want the maximum number of patch points on the desk
  • You will use the built-in passive mixers for quick submixes
  • Your routing rarely changes once set up, so switches under a hatch are fine

Get the Minibay S24 if

  • Most of your gear is stereo or balanced: polysynths, grooveboxes, effects with stereo outs, audio interfaces
  • You re-patch often and want the normalling switches within reach
  • You want cables in the box and a narrower footprint
  • You also route MIDI over TRS

Can you use both?

Yes, and it is a common combination: the S24 for the stereo instruments and effects, the V2 for the mono synths, drums and CV. They stack neatly and the workflow stays the same, instruments up, mixer down.

Still not sure? Email hey@unzunz.com with a list of your gear and we will tell you which one fits. Both are in stock and ship from Sweden.

MINIBAY V2 | Minibay S24 | All DF Audio