Using the channel or buss inserts on a console = bypassing the preamps ??

androne · 1st September 2007

Suppose you like to bypass the mixer preamps... can you just use the inserts to feed the channels and still use the EQ's on a console ?

heathen · 1st September 2007

Yes, if they return before the eq section or have a pre/post select switch.

u b k · 2nd September 2007

don't you have line inputs?

if you use the insert point you'll be bypassing the line amps. maybe that's what you want, if the console isn't so hot from a sonic perspective; but if it's a decent desk, you may want to use the line inputs rather than the inserts to add a little mojo to each channel.

gregoire
del
ubk
.

Holy Fingers · 11th November 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by u b k

don't you have line inputs?

if you use the insert point you'll be bypassing the line amps. maybe that's what you want, if the console isn't so hot from a sonic perspective; but if it's a decent desk, you may want to use the line inputs rather than the inserts to add a little mojo to each channel.

gregoire
del
ubk
.

How much difference is there in sound quality by doing this (going in via the inserts)? I have a Soundcraft Spirit desk and eliminating a couple of NJM TL072s might make the board a little cleaner. The insert is pre EQ, and the EQ is very nice!

But mostly, i'll have lots of midi-sequenced synths connected, and many of them have really low outputs. Is going in via the inserts only possible if you have +4 levels to work with (outputs of your soundcard etc.)?

I know the signal will be unbalanced but that is no problem - only unbalanced synths here anyway. The obvious way is to try of course :-) but i hope to save some money if the difference in sound quality is negligeble.

Any thoughts?

Bassmankr · 11th November 2008

Take a look at your mixer's signal flow as different desks do it differently. Chances are that a Pre EQ Insert is going to be after the Input Trim so you will have to watch levels (signal level will be controlled by the device connected to that Pre EQ Insert) and posibly how you connect it up (balanced/unbalanced) as the desk is expecting line level signal at that insert point. Just give it a try recording with different signal paths to hear how the sound changes. Some desks you want want the shortest signal path out like right after the mic pre (Pre EQ Send or Direct Out with EQ bypassed), other times you want the longest path thru the desk for it's sound (like a Submix Out/Buss Out). Part of really having fun with your gear is trying out all the variations/settings to really know what it will do, so have a great time kicking the tires of that desk!

Holy Fingers · 11th November 2008

Thanks!

I just found cheap insert cables from a internet dealer. As you say, the best is perhaps to just give it a try. From the schematics it seems that i'll be skipping two gain stages, and that must makes some difference.

I'll also take my main recording outs from the main mix bus insert - who needs a master fader ;-) By doing that i also

a lot of junk in the signal path. You see, i want a mixer that is super clean and transparent and all the cheap small mixers i have tested color the signal, so i'll give this a chance, otherwise i'll go totally ITB.

1st September 2007	#1
androne Gear addict Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 379 Thread Starter	Using the channel or buss inserts on a console = bypassing the preamps ?? Suppose you like to bypass the mixer preamps... can you just use the inserts to feed the channels and still use the EQ's on a console ?

1st September 2007	#2
heathen Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 1,525	Yes, if they return before the eq section or have a pre/post select switch. __________________ If you don't like it don't do it, its like banging your head into a brick wall, you always feel better once you stop. http://au.myspace.com/mandalatheband http://www.myspace.com/lizard42c http://www.myspace.com/eggshellrecords http://www.underworldmusicproductions.com http://www.myspace.com/poetlaureatte http://www.myspace.com/thanorthernlightscrew http://www.myspace.com/originaldrzeus

2nd September 2007	#3
u b k Gear Guru Joined: Oct 2004 Location: The Land of Sunshine Posts: 11,289	don't you have line inputs? if you use the insert point you'll be bypassing the line amps. maybe that's what you want, if the console isn't so hot from a sonic perspective; but if it's a decent desk, you may want to use the line inputs rather than the inserts to add a little mojo to each channel. gregoire del ubk . __________________ • Tapey Compressor \| Silky Air EQ \| Vibey Plugin Squeezebox... • ...... • Kush Audio: High End Just Got Higher • ____________________

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
TFpro 38 2-buss inserts or not?	AB3	High end	0	10th February 2007 06:42 PM
Bypassing the patchbay on an Amek Matchless console	reKord[LAB]	So much gear, so little time!	4	6th November 2006 01:20 PM
Using channel inserts to and from Multitrack?	roonsbane	High end	1	12th July 2006 05:18 AM
question about protools mix buss/inserts and peak levels	soundispatch	Music computers	4	14th June 2004 03:12 AM
Bypassing preamps with Cransong Spider	PapillonIrl	So much gear, so little time!	3	7th April 2004 04:13 AM

11th November 2008	#5
Bassmankr Lives for gear Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,908	Take a look at your mixer's signal flow as different desks do it differently. Chances are that a Pre EQ Insert is going to be after the Input Trim so you will have to watch levels (signal level will be controlled by the device connected to that Pre EQ Insert) and posibly how you connect it up (balanced/unbalanced) as the desk is expecting line level signal at that insert point. Just give it a try recording with different signal paths to hear how the sound changes. Some desks you want want the shortest signal path out like right after the mic pre (Pre EQ Send or Direct Out with EQ bypassed), other times you want the longest path thru the desk for it's sound (like a Submix Out/Buss Out). Part of really having fun with your gear is trying out all the variations/settings to really know what it will do, so have a great time kicking the tires of that desk!

11th November 2008	#6
Holy Fingers Gear interested Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 3	Thanks! I just found cheap insert cables from a internet dealer. As you say, the best is perhaps to just give it a try. From the schematics it seems that i'll be skipping two gain stages, and that must makes some difference. I'll also take my main recording outs from the main mix bus insert - who needs a master fader ;-) By doing that i also a lot of junk in the signal path. You see, i want a mixer that is super clean and transparent and all the cheap small mixers i have tested color the signal, so i'll give this a chance, otherwise i'll go totally ITB.