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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mackie | CFX-12mkii | no, "First click" on (-10) insert jack | 1/4" unbal, pre-EQ, pre-fader, TS/RR | no |
The 4 busses have 1/4" outputs. "Utility Out" mirrors the Main out... |
Details | |
| Roland | RSS M-400 | 8 XLR outs, presumedly selectable as direct out or insert out | 8 XLR outs, presumedly selectable as direct out or insert out |
Most inputs and outputs are via Roland's proprietary REAC (Roland... |
Details | ||
| Yamaha | LS9-16 | 8 analog "omni" XLR outputs plus card slot |
The Yamaha LS9-16 has 16-mic/line inputs, 8 analog "omni" XLR outputs,... |
Details | |||
| Yamaha | LS9-32 | 16 analog "omni" XLR outputs plus card slot |
The Yamaha LS9-32 has 32-mic/line inputs, 16 analog "omni" XLR outputs... |
Details | |||
| Yamaha | MC3210M | no | no | 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 | PM3000 | The INSERT OUT jack serves as a 1/4" unbalanced +4 direct out if nothing is in the IN jack. | Insert IN is balanced, insert OUT is unbalanced |
From the manual: "INSERT IN/OUT jacks are wired in a "normalled"... |
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 |
| 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 | |
| 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 | 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 | GL2800M | Mic level passive splitter, XLR out | 1/4" TS/RR, post-HPF, pre-EQ | Has a built-in microphone-level passive splitter on each channel ("Y", not... |
Price It |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | GL3300 | 1/4", post fader | 1/4" | no |
Internal mod can switch DO pre/post (requires solder), default is post... |
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 | 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 | ||
| 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 | |
| Allen + Heath | Zed-14 | none | 1/4" TSRR, 0 dBu, post 100Hz filter, pre EQ | no |
Insert is post-HPF, pre-EQ and operates at 0dBu. Aux sends 1 and 2 are... |
Details | |
| Avid | Venue D-Show |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This control surface has no inputs or... |
Details | ||||
| Avid | FOH Rack | 8 balanced TRS outputs (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | 8 balanced TRS outputs, 8 balanced TRS inputs (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This provides 8 inputs on TRS, 8... |
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 |
