The Mixer Output Guide
Courtesy of Silent Way Remote Audio Recording and Audio Equipment Rental.
Audio mixer inputs are well documented, but output specifications are buried in manuals. This guide to the poor neglected output describes direct outs, inserts, hidden mods and more.
There are two ways to do a live recording: use a mic-splitter with dedicated mic preamps, or hope that the direct outputs on the house board don't suck. House direct outs are risky if they're post-fader/EQ, inaccessible, bad mic pres etc. Whether you call it a console, mixer, board or desk, plan ahead with this list. Your contributions and corrections are encouraged.
TS/RR: tip=send, ring=return. A "first click" insert is a semi-direct out: an unbalanced 1/4" TS plug inserted half-way will send signal without interrupting it to the mix bus. Plugged all the way in, it is a direct out which interrupts.
Sort the list by clicking on a header. 79 mixers matched current criteria.
| Make | Model |
Direct Out |
Insert | DO Gain Control | Notes | Price It | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avid | Venue D-Show |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This control surface has no inputs or... |
Details | ||||
| Crest | Century LM20 | Details | |||||
| Avid | Venue Profile |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This control surface has no inputs or... |
Details | ||||
| Crest | HP-Eight | TRS |
"Balanced XLR outs" |
Details | |||
| Midas | PRO2 | yes |
The PRO2 comes in two form factors (the PRO2C is more compact). Eight... |
Details | |||
| Mackie | 1604-VLZ Pro | 1/4" (+4?), post-EQ, post-fader, impedence balanced, only on ch 1-8. "First click" (-10) insert for ch 9-16 DO. | 1/4" unbal, pre-EQ, pre-fader, TS/RR | no |
The 4 busses have 1/4" outputs. See page 28 of... |
Details | |
| ATI | Paragon II Monitor | 1/4" balanced TRS | Separate send and return on 1/4" balanced TRS | yes |
Dedicated knob for direct out level on each channel. From the... |
Price It | Details |
| Soundcraft | MH3 | 1/4" TRS | separate 1/4" send and return. Switchable pre or post. |
The following makes more sense knowing that the signal flow is Filter... |
Details | ||
| Allen + Heath | GL2800 | 1/4" TRS (impedance balanced) | 1/4" TS/RR, post-HPF, pre-EQ | no | Use the channel recessed PRE-EQ switches (under aux send 1-2) to change... |
Price It |
Details |
| Allen + Heath | GL3800 | 1/4" TRS (impedance balanced, 0dBu) | 1/4" TS/RR, post-HPF, pre-EQ, 0dBu | no |
Direct Out has internal option jumpers for each channel. The factory... |
Price It |
Details |
| Allen + Heath | GL2400 | 1/4" TRS impedance-balanced, on mono inputs only | 1/4" on mono inputs only, TS/RR. | no |
Direct Out default factory setting is pre-insert, pre-EQ, pre-fade.... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | GL2200 | 1/4" TRS impedance-balanced, pre-fader (switchable internally to post), on mono inputs only. | 1/4" on mono inputs only, TS/RR. | no |
Internal link option involving re-soldering of circuit board links... |
Details | |
| Soundcraft | Series Two | 1/4" TRS switchable pre/post fader. (0dBu, +22 max, 75ohm impedence balanced) | 1/4" insert is pre-EQ. | no |
"DIR PRE" button makes DO pre-fader/pre-mute. 40 channel model is 26/16... |
Details | |
| Soundcraft | LX7ii | 1/4" TRS switchable pre/post fader. (75Ω) | 1/4" insert is pre-EQ. (75Ω) | no |
When "DIR PRE" button is off, DO is post-EQ/post-mute/post-fader. When... |
Details | |
| Midas | Siena | 1/4" TRS, impedance balanced, 0dBu | 1/4", TS/RR, 0dBu | no |
Direct Out is post fader by default. Internal jumper has four other... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | MixWizard WZ3:16:2 | 1/4" TRS, impedance balanced, 0dBu | 1/4" TSRR |
Direct Out has internal option jumper for each channel; factory default... |
Details | ||
| Crest | X 20R | 1/4" TRS, on first 12 channels, post fader (50 ohms ground compensated) | 1/4" TSRR, post-HPF, pre-eq, pre-fader, pre-mute. | no |
Complex internal soldering mod to make direct out prefader. Aux send... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | ML3000 | 1/4" TRS, post-fader | 1/4", TS/RR, post-HPF and pre-EQ | yes, via mod |
Direct Out (DO) is 0dBu ground compensated line level for connection to... |
Details | |
| Mackie | 8Bus Series | 1/4" unbal (+4?), post-EQ, post-fader | 1/4" unbal, pre-lo-cut, pre-EQ, pre-fader, TS/RR | no |
All busses have 1/4" inserts. Busses have 1/4" +4/-10 switchable... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | GL3300 | 1/4", post fader | 1/4" | no |
Internal mod can switch DO pre/post (requires solder), default is post... |
Details |
