Main Section, Inserts, Stereo Line Inputs

EURORACK MX2642A

5.4Inserts

Insert points are useful for adding dynamic processing or equalization to a channel, the main mix or a group. Unlike reverbs etc., which are usually added to the dry signal, dynamic processing is normally applied across an entire signal. Here an aux send would be inappropriate. Instead the signal is intercepted somewhere along the channel, fed through the dynamics processor and/or EQ, then returned to the console at the same point where it left. The insert point is normalized, i.e. the signal is only interrupted when a jack is plugged into it.

All mono input channels have got insert points, as has the main mix. Each insert point is accommodated on a single TRS jack socket wired tip = send, ring = return, sleeve = ground/ screen. Inserts are always pre-fader, and also Pre-EQ/aux sends for channels.

+Insert points may also be used as pre-EQ direct outputs without interrupting the signal flow. You can extend the functionality of your insert points by wiring them onto a jackfield patchbay, where send and return can be accessed on separate sockets.

Inserting into a stereo channel or stereo line input

If you want to insert a dynamics processor etc. into any stereo input, it must be done between the source output and the EURORACK input, as these channels have no bona-fide insert point.

Post-EQ channel insert

If you want to insert a dynamics processor post-EQ, the direct output should be used as a send, return being effected though another desk channel, or possibly via a separate line mixer (such as the BEHRINGER ULTRALINK PRO MX882), patched into e.g. the 2-track or any other suitable stereo return channel.

+In this arrangement you might find that compression tends to soften the perceived amount of (especially treble) EQ applied. The solution? Apply more EQ. This creates a real “pressure” sound, great for high energy music such as dance.

6. MAIN SECTION

6.1Aux Sends

These are on 1/4" balanced jacks at +4 dBu. No master aux send level pots are provided. However, you can use the input level control of your effects unit to match the output level from the EURORACK. If your effects unit does not have an input gain, then remember that every channel and aux send has up to 15 dB gain, which should be more than enough to drive any effects unit. All aux sends have a PFL facility (S38 - 43) to check that the aux send buses are being comfortably driven from the input channels and subgroups.

6.2Stereo Line Inputs

There are four stereo aux line inputs: A, B, C and D. These operate in mono if only the left channel socket has a jack connected.

Each has LEVEL (P27), BALANCE (P28), and PFL (S29). These line inputs have been cleverly designed to be multi-functional as described below.

The stereo line inputs can be sent to two of the aux send buses (auxes 1 and 3 in the cases of A and C, and auxes 2 and 4 in the cases of B and D).

Tape Monitor Returns

You could use the stereo line inputs as tape returns from a multitrack recorder.

You might want to feed tape tracks into the artists headphones. Using aux sends 1 or 2 as a cue feed you can do this. You might want to “wet monitor”. Using aux sends 3 or 4 you can add reverb or echo without tying up a main desk channel.

6. MAIN SECTION