One of the, again, less glamorous, but practical elements of io 0.0.1 beta++ is the patch panel. The panel holds the connectors that need to be accessed frequently (with the exception of the audio inputs to the pitch-to-MIDI converters since they already reside on the front panels).

Patch panel (bottom unit in rack)

The connectors are, from left to right, IEC power connector, two XLR audio panel connectors, two 1/4″ phone connectors (for use with the pitch-to-MIDI converters’ foot switches), MIDI input and output connectors (that allow one of the pitch-to-MIDI converter’s output to be intercepted, or to patch an external MIDI signal into io 0.0.1 beta++) and a 8-pin mini-DIN Mac serial connector.

Patch panel (left)

Patch panel (right)

Incidentally, if the rack case is placed on its side, the left side of the patch panel will be nearest the floor. Thus, if oriented that way, the power and audio output connectors (most likely heavier cables, and needing to trail a reasonable distance) will be lower, and the serial connector (most likely headed up to a table or chair) will be higher.