Using Inserts

In addition to using Auxiliary sends and returns to access outboard devices, the MPL 1204 also provides channel inserts for each of its twelve input channels. These should be used when you want to affect just one input signal, as opposed to signal from several inputs— most often, this will be for dynamic processing purposes (such as outboard equalization, compression/limiting, or noise gating). You can also use the channel insert sends as post-eq (but pre-fade) direct outputs, if you need to route a single monophonic signal to an external device such as a tape deck.

12	11	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
				CHANNEL INSERTS TIP RETURN -RING SEND -SLEEVE GND

The MPL 1204 also provides inserts for each of its four buses— appropriately enough, these are called bus inserts. These allow you to process a group of signals simultaneously (such as a drum submix being sent to a single track of a tape recorder) at unity gain. Because they provide a unity gain input and output, bus inserts can also be used to link multiple MPL 1204s or to bring the output from another mixer into the MPL 1204 without taking up channel line inputs.

See the “Linking the MPL 1204 With Other Mixers” Application on page 26 in this manual for more information.

All MPL 1204 insert jacks accept 1/4" TRS plugs, with the ring carrying the send signal and the tip carrying the return signal; this will normally be connected to a Y-cord (see the “Connecting The MPL 1204” section on page 12 in this manual for a wiring diagram). This configuration is sometimes known as an “effects loop,” since the signal is sent and returned over the same cable.

If nothing is plugged into the channel or bus insert jacks, they have no effect— but if you connect them to a passive device like a patchbay, you’ll need to normal (permanently connect) or half-normal(connection is made unless overriden by a patch cord) the send to the return. Channel insert signals are returned just before channel Level controls, and Bus insert signals are returned just before the Bus faders. For this reason, you’ll have to be careful to set the output of external devices connected this way to unity gain.

4	3	2	1
	BUS INSERTS
	UNBALANCED 75Ω		+4dBu
	MIXER LINKING