Best way to record off of a Soundcraft EPM mixer

[WVUtubadude]

What is the best way to record off of a Soundcraft EPM unit? There are inserts on most of the channels that can be run to an interface, there are also the main outs along with a 2 track out. Just trying to figure out which path to take.

[hgen]

You can take 8 channels off the inserts into 8 inputs. Or you can send output thru the Auxillary channels out to the inputs ie. 2 channels L & R, just remember to turn up the Aux knob till you get a good signal, connect aux outs to 2 inputs.
Also run your outputs from the soundcard into the stereo in or spare channels on the EPM and you can record in real time without latency monitoring off the desk. The EPM has great sounding preampsand eq!

[PEImatrix]

I have an EPM12 and I use the inserts as direct outs.

[RawDepth]

Originally Posted by WVUtubadude

What is the best way to record off of a Soundcraft EPM unit? There are inserts on most of the channels that can be run to an interface, there are also the main outs along with a 2 track out. Just trying to figure out which path to take.

Are you recording a live show or recording in a studio/rehearsal room?

[WVUtubadude]

Originally Posted by RawDepth

Are you recording a live show or recording in a studio/rehearsal room?

Some live, mostly studio.


Say I recorded from the insert jacks. Would they be before or after things such as EQ and the faders?

[RawDepth]

Originally Posted by WVUtubadude

Some live, mostly studio.

If you need the board for a house mix then the inserts are the best method. Assuming those are not needed for other outboard gear. (Trying to record a live house mix is a bad idea.) Recording from inserts requires an interface with multiple separate input channels. Additional preamps are not needed because the mixer preamps can raise the signal to line level.

If you are using the mixer only for recording then you can pre-mix all channels and record from the main L and R outputs.

Originally Posted by WVUtubadude

Say I recorded from the insert jacks. Would they be before or after things such as EQ and the faders?

According to the manual for that mixer the insert jacks are...

...after the preamp section.
...before the EQ section.
...before the aux sends and faders.

However, this is designed to be a two way jack, meaning it has a send and return built into the same jack. When a plug is inserted the normal signal path is broken, interupting flow to the rest of the channel strip. (Think of the signal as being detoured away from the channel for extra processing.) The outgoing signal from the channel appears on the TIP of the plug and must be returned on the RING, with the sleeve as a common ground.

A one-way Send may be created as a direct output if required, using a lead with tip and ring shorted together so that the channel signal path is not interrupted.

[hegalong]

PEImatrix - Hi there. I am currently on the lookout for a new mixer and I'm choosing between the EPM12 and EFX12 by Soundcraft. I am curious on how you use the inserts as a direct out. Thanks so much!