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4. INSERT (FOR MONO CHANNELS)
Use the insert jacks to send the channel
signal through a compressor, graphic equalizer,
or similar device.
With nothing plugged into this jack, the
channel’s signal goes straight through the mic/
line preamp and channel strip. With an exter-
nal effects device plugged into this jack, the
channel’s signal leaves the mixer, goes through
the effects device and back into the channel
strip (see insert plug diagram below).
The insert send signal is not affected by
the channel EQ or fader, thereby preserving
the original signal’s characteristics. Only the
GAIN (16) control has any effect on the insert
send level.
Specialty cables, developed just for these
insert jacks, are widely available. They allow a
signal to leave and enter the mixer on the
same TRS plug. They are wired thuswise:
Tip = Send (to effects device input)
Ring = Return (from effects device output)
Sleeve = Common ground (connect shield
to all three sleeves)
Besides being used for inserting effects de-
vices, these jacks can also be used as channel
direct outputs; post-GAIN (16), pre-LOW CUT
(18) and pre-EQ (19, 20).
Here are three ways to use the jacks:
EFFECTS: SERIAL OR PARALLEL?
Effects devices are used
either in serial or in parallel:
Serial means that the en-
tire signal is routed through
the effects device. Examples
include: preamps, compres-
sor/limiters, graphic equalizers. Connections are
typically made via the channel INSERT jacks.
Parallel means that a portion of the signal
is tapped off to the effects device, processed,
and returned, to be mixed with the original
“dry” signals. Multiple signals (via multiple
mixer channels) can all make use of the same
parallel effects device. Examples include:
reverb, delay, chorus. Connections are typically
made via AUX sends and AUX returns.
Direct out with no signal interruption to master.
Insert only to first “click”
Channel Insert jack
Channel Insert jack
Channel Insert jack
Direct out with signal interruption to master.
Insert all the way in to the second “click”
For use as an effects loop.
(TIP = SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effects)
MONO PLUG
MONO PLUG
STEREO
PLUG
Dry Signal
Serial Device
Processed
Signal
Insert
Send
Insert
Return
Dry Signal(s)
Dry Signal(s)
Aux
Send
Aux
Return
Wet Signal
Channel Path
Mix
Stage
Output
Section
Processed
Signal
Signal Processor
(e.g., Compressor)
Signal Processor
(e.g., Reverb)
Parallel Device
“tip”
This plug connects to one of the
mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.
“ring”
tip
ring
sleeve
SEND to processor
RETURN from processor
(TRS plug)