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Using a mixer insert jack as a direct output

By connecting a mixer to a digital audio interface or a tape recorder, which normally connects direct the output jack of each mixer input channel of a track on the interface. For example, say your bass drum microphone connected to Channel 1 of the mixer. If I wanted recording the bass drum on track 1, which would connect the channel direct output to track 1 input interface. Then connect the output channel 2 directly to the track 2 interface input, etc. Using direct output jack so each signal channel post-fader and post EQ, and sends it directly to the recording device. This allows to state that one of the instruments (and only that instrument) in the corresponding track recorder or audio application.

But what if the mixer outputs are not equipped with Direct? Many lower-priced blenders or mixers designed more for use on stage, no. It is also common in many 16-channel mixer that only Direct outputs in the first 8 channels. If the mixer has no direct outputs (or not enough of them), you can always use Check the main L / R mix, but only two of them. But the problem with this is that all channels in use are mixed together and sent to the outputs, usually not what you want. If your mixer has sub outputs (or "buses"), you could use those, but in a mixer 4-bus, only, although four them. So what's a guy to do if you want to record each mixer channel to its own track? Fortunately, there is another alternative, making insertion.

An insert is a TRS (tip-ring-side or 1 / 4 "stereo) connector that is normally used to connect a signal processor to affect only one channel mixer unique. An example might be a gate or compressor noise that can be connected by making the insertion of a mixer channel that only affect a microphone unique vocal. To use the insertion connector so you need a "Y" cable with a stereo TRS plug on one end (connected to the insertion) and two mono TS (tip-to-side or 1 / 4 "mono) plugs into the other end. One of the TS plugs is connected to the input of the signal and the other is connected to the output the same device. So, essentially, the part of Jack creates a signal coupling "loop" that sends the channel signal to an external signal processor and then returns it to the mixer, all through a single jack (the connector insert). However, if you are not using a connector insertion for its intended use (and often not), has a second useful function as a direct output.

There are a few different ways to use an insert as direct output. First, you can use a standard cable connection TS TS. Connect the cable all the way to making insertion. The only drawback is that the signal is sent to the recorder making insertion, but the signal is "interrupted" and no longer sent to the main outputs of the mixer. This may be fine for some shooting situations, but in other cases you want the signal passes through the main outputs as usual, for control purposes or for connection to a power amplifier and speakers for a live concert.

The next option using a regular TS to TS cable is connected only the cable into the "first click" from the wall insertion. This will touch the signal and send it directly to the recorder, while allowing it to pass through outputs main mixer. The only drawback is that if you do not get the cable connected just right (only the first position), you may end up with no signal to your recorder or no signal to the main outputs (or both).

So a better alternative to the "first click" or "all-the-way-in" the method is to use a special cable or adapter that both passes the channel signal sent from the power insertion, but still passes through the exit normal mixer. To do this, you can use a stereo plug Mono Jack TS adapter with a normal mono TS cable. Or you could buy a special adapter Insert direct output cable.

However, if you're like me, likes to keep its connections and cable runs as simple and clean as possible, in which case you do not like The use of adapters or cables to connect the cables. So the more elegant alternative is to use a specialized Jack Insert / Direct out cable for this purpose. Assuming you have some very basic knowledge of welding, this cable is very easy to do, which are now described.

Start with a regular patch cable mono ST connectors on both ends. Remove one of the sockets in the end with some wire cutters or tin snips. Now, solder a stereo TRS connector on the end of the cable, shorts the tip and ring together, and connect the shield to the sleeve as normal. This will effectively send the signal to the output from the power insertion, while to return to the mixer, you'll pass the signal through the main outputs.

Some audio snobs might make fun of this technique, saying that an insert is not intended to be used this way, and therefore should not be. However, some audio purists argue that for registration purposes, this method may actually be superior to the use of an exit, since the signal path should be shorter, clean, color and more. The reason is that the signal is sent directly from the recorder before, without going anywhere else. Not that passes through the EQ or fader, which could in color theory, or signal degradation.

Now, of course, like everything else, there are some advantages and disadvantages of using this technique. We are already professionals covered, so now for the Contras. First, when using this technique, the only control you have over the level of the signal sent to the recorder is the adjustment knob or profit from their console. Because the insertion is taking pre-fader, the fader becomes useless in terms of the signal sent to the recorder. However, still control the fader channel level in the main mix. Secondly, when using this technique, you are bypassing the equalizer, so if you want to use some EQ for the preliminary training of the recorded track, you're lucky. But in most cases, that is not used EQ when tracking. I can use the parametric equalizer built into the DAW software to shape the sound of my songs after recording, so this is not really a concern for me. Finally, if you are using the connector insert and direct out, and can not be used as an insert. So if I wanted a patch of the compressor in the channel to tame some peaks, which otherwise would be connected (ie compressor Insert to recorder).

In conclusion, if you need to do some multitrack recording, but do not have a mixer that is equipped with direct outputs (or enough of them), making integration makes a replacement on hand. Or if you're an audio purist who wants the cleanest and shortest possible signal path between the recorder and microphone, making insertion may be the way forward.

About the Author

Jon Goad is a drummer, producer, and general music junkie. He’s the owner and chief engineer of Silent Sky Studios and the drummer for the bands Immortal Soul and Soulfire. When he’s not having fun with music, Jon keeps the bills paid by working as a software developer for CUSI, a leading developer of software for the Utility industry. Jon lives in Northeast Arkansas with his wife Ashley and son Jack.

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