[BC] Analog Patchbay Selection

[Noah Lorang]

Hi-

I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on selecting an analog patchbay.

Right now, we're using an old mil-spec phone type plug patchbay, that's
roughly 2 decades old. While it's generally held up, I think we're getting
to the point where it's time to consider alternatives. Finding new ends
(MIL-P-642/2 spec, usually Neutrik NP3TM) is getting difficult, with the
only supplier I can find quoting a lead time of 88 days to shipment. Patch
cables are >$20 for a two foot cable. We're also have problems with contacts
sticking, etc.

I'm interested in any experiences with preferred types of patchbay. My
personal preference is to standardize all audio connectors in the station to
1/4" TRS as much as possible, but I'm not sure about the durability of 1/4"
TRS patchbays and cables. The other main possibility I'm looking at is
Bantam type, but I'm worried that in ten years we'll be back where we are
now--unable to find replacement parts.

So to sum up:

If you could do it again, and remake an analog patchbay, what standard would
you use? Why? How has it held up, in your experience (will we get 10 years
of service out of it, used once or twice a day in this application)? Any
recommended products?

Thanks. Sorry if this question is a bad fit here.

Noah