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 | 1402VLZ | no dedicated direct out. use "first click" on (-10) insert jack. | 1/4" unbalanced, post-trim, post-low cut, pre-EQ, pre-fader, TS/RR. Send= 120 ohm low impedance. Return= 2.5k ohm high impedance. | no |
Also known as the Micro Series "MS1402VLZ". See p. 26 of... |
Details | |
| Mackie | 1402VLZ PRO | no dedicated direct out. use "first click" on (-10) insert jack. | 1/4" unbalanced, post-trim, post-low cut, pre-EQ, pre-fader, TS/RR. Send= 120 ohm low impedance. Return= 2.5k ohm high impedance. | no |
See p. 25 of... |
Details | |
| Mackie | 1402-VLZ3 | no dedicated direct out. use "first click" on (-10) insert jack on first 6 inputs. | 1/4" unbalanced, post-trim, post-low cut, pre-EQ, pre-fader, TS/RR. Send= 120 ohm low impedance. Return= 2.5k ohm high impedance. | no |
This mixer has no official modifications. However, previous models... |
Details | |
| Soundcraft | K2 | 1/4", post-fader, switchable to pre-fader if aux 8 is in Direct Out mode | 1/4", Pre-EQ | yes |
Aux 8 knob on all mono channels are switchable to become gain control... |
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 | 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 | |
| Avid | Venue SC48 | 16 stock or 32 (option) XLR "stage outputs" (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | 16 stock or 32 (option) XLR "stage outputs" (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. Comes stock with 48 female XLR "stage... |
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 | |
| 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 | M2000 | 1/4", switchable pre/post EQ, switchable pre/post fader | ? | yes |
Aux 6 knob is switchable to become gain control for DO post-EQ/post-... |
Details | |
| Avid | Stage 48 | depends on card configuration, outputs are multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix, switchable pre/post fader | depends on card configuration, outputs are multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix, switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Remote I/O unit for... |
Details | |
| Midas | XL-4 | XLR, post-fader. Switchable to pre-fader or pre-insert. | Half normalised fully balanced S/R point, switchable in/out and pre/post EQ. | yes |
"DIRECT O/P" trimpot adjusts DO level, post-fader by default. "PRE FADE... |
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 | ||
| Yamaha | MC3210M | no | no | Details | |||
| Rane | MLM103 | On balanced Euroblocks, post-EQ. | No | no |
PRE/post MIX LEVEL DIRECT OUTPUT buttons: “in” position= Direct Output... |
Details | |
| Roland | M-480 | None | None | no |
48 mono input (or 24 stereo in) line-level rackmounted mixer with no... |
Details | |
| Tapco | Mix60 | None | None | no |
Price It |
Details | |
| Yamaha | PM1000 | None | None | no |
Circa 1975. XLRs are pin 2 hot. |
Price It |
Details |
| Mackie | DL1608 | none | none | no |
This is a dock for an iPad with 16 mic preamps. Mic inputs 1-12 are XLR... |
Price It | Details |
| Mackie | DL806 | none | none | no |
This is a dock for an iPad with 8 mic preamps. Mic inputs 1-5 are XLR,... |
Price It | Details |
