How to Use an Analog Mixer - Part 3

2020-07-22

Theme：PA

This is Part 3 of how to use an analog mixer.

This time, I will talk about direct outs and inserts.

☆ Direct out

Unlike the AUX output introduced in the previous installment, the direct output is to branch off and output the line signal immediately following the preamplifier. Unlike AUX, there is no level adjustment, and the output depends on the preamp gain settings. Therefore, it is possible to extract a pure signal with little coloring. And this is normally used for sending sound to the recorder during multi-track recording. It’s one strategy to record the sound before processing, and create from those sounds until you are satisfied with the mix. This method is safer because once you’ve recorded a processed sound, it cannot be restored to the original.

I will introduce another example of how to use this. First, connect the direct output of the channel recording the guitar to a delay. Then connect the output of the only delay effect signal to the adjacent channel. If you’ve set a short delay, the doubling sound is complete. The spread can be adjusted using pan. As the EQ and volume can be adjusted independently, detailed settings are now possible. It's similar to returning an AUX return to a channel.

* Don't forget to set the delay to 100% for the effect. Sometimes called 100% WET or "kill dry".

☆ Insert terminal

There is a method of connecting effectors in series using insert terminals. To do so, you will need to use a Y cable called an insertion cable.

After a signal has been processed with gain, it goes to the next stage such as EQ. Connecting a plug to the insert jack will split the signal and output it externally. Then, you can connect the signal to an effector such as EQ or compressor. Return the effector output to the mixer. Simply connect the two plugs (send/return) of the Y cable to the in/out of the effector.

If you're just starting out with mixers, it can be hard to tell which to use for effects, insert or AUX. Generally, just think of an effect that is added to the original sound as AUX, and an effect that changes the original sound itself as an insert.

Effects to add: reverb, delay, harmonizer, etc.
Effects that change the original sound itself: compressor, EQ, wah, etc.

The direct out and insert jacks introduced in this installment are functions that rather large mixers are equipped with. In order to select the best mixer for your purposes, it is important to identify the functions that you will require. Make sure that you have not only enough channels but also the functions you need.