50 Recording & Mixing Techniques
MD8—Owner’s Manual
Patching in Signal Processors
Input channels 1 and 2 feature INSERT I/O jacks. These make it easy to patch external signal
processors directly into these two channels. Typically, compressors, limiters, and noise gates
are used for this type of connection. Reverb, delay, and other effects processors can be used
too.
The INSERT I/O connections, which use TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) phone jacks, are two-way
connections, with the tip carrying the output signal from the MD8 to the external processor
and the ring carrying the output signal from the external processor back into the MD8. You
need special insert cables to do this. A wiring diagram for an insert cable is shown below.
The following illustration shows how to connect an external processor to the MD8’s
INSERTs. Other equipment has been removed for clarity.
Once connected, operation is the same as normal. The signal source for the external proces-
sor is taken after the channel’s EQ section. The output signal from the external processor is
then returned into the channel just before the fader. The processed signal can be assigned
to the groups, sent to the Stereo bus, or to the auxiliary sends.

To processor’s input

From processor’s output

Connect to MD8 INSERT I/O

Tip
Tip (send)
Ring (return)
Sleeve
Sleeve
231231
AC IN THRU OUT
MID
IN
POWER
ON OFF
LINE INPUTAUX SEND
MONITOR OUT STEREO OUT
MIC/LINE INPUT
TRACK DIRECT OUT MIC/LINE
IN (BAL)
2
RLRL
2TR IN
RL8765 4321
1 1211109 876543 2
21
1
1: GMD 2: HOT 3: COLD ON OFF
PHANTOM
DC48V
MAX. 7mA
INSERT I/O INSERT I/O
Signal processor
Insert cable
Input Output
88