The Logic Off Topic list

Hi,
I'm currently planning a pretty major overhaul to my home studio, and I've
realised that a patch bay would be highly useful.
In particular, I'd want it to provide channel inserts for all my gear to
allow patching in of compressors, EQs and routing to the filters on other
pieces of gear etc as well as routing to my Sound Card inputs..
Now, I've never used a patchbay before so I have NO experience of this kind
of thing.
I was hoping that somebody could advise me on the best type and manufacturer
etc.

Most of my gear doesn't have balanced ins/outs (except for the outboard
stuff). My Mixer (Mackie 1604) doesn't have balanced ins on every channel.
So, is there any benefit to having a balanced patch bay? Can you get them
with XLR connectors as I'm not too impressed with the reliability of jack
connectors?

Any advice or pointers greatfully received.

Thanks,
Paul