MIXER ANATOMY: CHAPTER 2

Insert Jack Tricks – Direct Outputs and Inputs

Besides being used for adding outboard signal processors to the channel signal path, the INSERT jacks can be used as pre-EQ direct outputs.

It’s a fact - Mackie mic preamps have become so famous that people buy our mixers just to have the preamps in their arsenal. To use a preamp by itself, with nothing else in the signal path to the recorder, use the INSERT SEND to connect it directly to the recorder’s input.

If you insert a plug into the jack gently, you’ll feel two “clicks;” the first as the plug tip passes the ring contact, and the second when it settles into the tip contact. If you use a “mono” (TS) plug and insert it only as far as the first click, the ring contact will connect to the plug, sending the preamp out to whatev- er’s on the other end of the cable.

But waitacottinpickinminnit! The ring is the return, isn’t it?

Yes, but with the plug inserted only halfway, the normalling switch contacts in the jack don’t open

–send and return are still connected. Since the normal connection is still intact, the signal passes through the channel path as well as coming out the INSERT jack as a direct output. If you’re using the console for sound reinforcement and recording each input separately to a multitrack recorder, this is the cleanest way to feed the recorder inputs.

Here’s what an Insert looks like up-close when used as a Direct Output:

MONO PLUG

Channel Insert jack

Direct out with no signal interruption to master.

Insert only to first “click.”

NOTE: If you want to keep the preamp signal out of the mix (you will if you’re monitoring the returns from the recorder), push the plug all the way in. That will open the normal contacts.

MONO PLUG

Channel Insert jack

Direct out with signal interruption to master.

Insert all the way in to the second “click.”

If you want to use an external mic preamp with your mixer (boo-hoo!), or perhaps a Voice Processor (combination preamp, compressor, equalizer, de-es- ser, and automatic word rememberer) you can completely bypass the fabulous world famous Mackie mic preamp by bringing the signal from your outboard preamp into the mixer through the INSERT Return.

To do this, you’ll need a custom cable with a stereo (TRS) plug wired with the hot lead connected to the RING, the shield connected to the sleeve, and nothing connected to the tip.

Channel Insert jack

Plugging this all the way into the jack will break the normalling contacts, replacing the Mackie pre- amp with the output from the outboard unit.

This connection also bypasses the TRIM

control, so you’ll need to adjust the Output Level control of your external preamp

when using the Level-Setting Procedure. It’s still important to check the channel level, even when using an outboard unit as the front end.

Utility Output (CFX Series)

The stereo signal from the UTILITY OUT 1/4" TRS jacks is the same as the MAIN output, but with its own level control, allowing you to set the level to an auxiliary set of speakers or a recorder without disturbing the main mix level.

These outputs are handy for driving “fill” speakers in areas of a room that aren’t adequately covered by the main speakers. Or you might use them to feed speakers in the lobby, or the Green Room. (Regard- less of the color, every concert venue has a Green Room – it’s where the musicians and hangers-on hang out.)

UTILITY outputs are taken after the main fader, so adjustment of the MAIN level control will affect the UTILITY output level.

 

 

 

 

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Compact Mixer Reference Guide