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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha | PM5D | 24 "Mix" outs on XLR, +4dBu; 8 matrix outputs on XLR, +4dBu. "Direct Out" configurable via software at any point to any output patch. | Yes, on separate TRS jacks, +4dBu (PM5D only, not on the PM5D-RH). Post-HPF, configurable via software to any point after that. Note: insert on/off switch. |
Two versions: PM5D (Manual Head Amp for input sensitivity and phantom... |
Details | ||
| Soundcraft | Vi4 | XLR/DB25 | XLR/DB25 |
Digital console. The "Local Rack" comes stock with 16 analog outputs on... |
Details | ||
| Midas | XL-3 | See Notes | TT patchbay? |
The XL-3 has 16 mix sends on each mono channel (8 stereo sends on each... |
Details | ||
| Behringer | XENYX 1832FX | None | TS/RR inserts on first 6 mono channels | no |
USB 2-input/2-output audio interface built-in. Aux sends: 1 pre fader,... |
Price It | Details |
| Midas | Legend 3000 | TRS. Also on EDAC multipin (see notes below). | TRS, separate send and return jacks. | no |
Direct Out is pre-fader, but POST-FOH-mute by factory default. Internal... |
Details | |
| Midas | Heritage 3000 | XLR, post-EQ, pre-fader. PRE switch makes DO pre-insert, pre-EQ AND pre-mute. | TRS, separate send and return jacks, post-EQ. PRE switch makes insert pre-EQ. INS switch engages return. | yes |
Transformer Balancing Option on DO. |
Details | |
| Midas | Heritage 2000 | XLR, post-EQ, pre-fader. PRE switch makes DO pre-insert, pre-EQ AND pre-mute. | TRS, separate send and return jacks, post-EQ. PRE switch makes insert pre-EQ. INS switch engages return. | yes |
Transformer Balancing Option on DO. |
Details | |
| Crest | HP-Eight | TRS |
"Balanced XLR outs" |
Details | |||
| Soundcraft | Delta Theater | Post-fader | Switchable pre/post EQ | Details | |||
| Avid | Stage Rack | Stock with 8 XLR male outputs, expandable to 48 out (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | Stock with 8 XLR male outputs, expandable to 48 out, stock with 48 in (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This provides inputs, mic preamps,... |
Details | |
| Avid | Mix Rack | Stock with 24 outputs (16 XLR male, 8 TRS), expandable to 40 out (32 XLR, 8 TRS) (multi-use as direct outs, insert, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | Stock with 24 outputs (16 XLR male, 8 TRS), expandable to 40 out (32 XLR, 8 TRS). Stock with 56 in (48 XLR mic/line, 8 TRS line) (multi-use as direct outs, insert, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This is a combination of the Stage Rack... |
Details | |
| Yamaha | M7CL | Stock with 16 XLR "omni outs" (M7CL-32/48) or 8 XLR "omni outs" (M7CL-48ES). | Stock with 16 XLR "omni outs" (M7CL-32/48) or 8 XLR "omni outs" (M7CL-48ES). |
Configurable with three... |
Details | ||
| Yamaha | PM5000 | TRS, pre-EQ, pre-fader, pre-mute (internally switchable to be post-EQ and/or post-mute) | Separate TRS jacks, switchable pre/post EQ via "Pre" switch | no |
See... |
Details | |
| Yamaha | PM4000 | 1/4", post-fader (internally switchable to be post-pad, post-gain, pre-EQ, pre-HPF) | Separate TRS jacks, switchable post-EQ/pre-fader OR pre-EQ/pre-fader via "Insert Pre" switch | no |
Matrix and group outs are XLR. See page 89 of... |
Details | |
| Yamaha | PM3500 | 1/4", post-fader, pre-mute (internally switchable to be pre-EQ and/or post-mute) | Separate TRS jacks, switchable on/off via "Insert" switch (also internal switch chooses pre/post) | no |
The matrix and eight group outs are XLR. See page 34 of... |
Details | |
| Midas | XL-200 | TRS, post-fader, internal solder mod changes it to pre-fader. | Separate TRS jacks, Pre-EQ, internal jumper makes it Post-EQ. | no | 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 | ||
| Crest | X-Eight | 1/4", post-EQ, post-fader, post-mute (ground-compensated) | Separate 1/4" send and return, TRS |
Insert send can be used as a post-HPF, pre-EQ output. A TRS plug in the... |
Details | ||
| Roland | M-480 | None | None | no |
48 mono input (or 24 stereo in) line-level rackmounted mixer with no... |
Details |
