Preamp as an insert or send???

[RezN8]

Is it possible to run a preamp through an insert or aux channel of a mixing board? Are there any disadvantages, aside from the obvious?

I'm getting ready to buy a single channel preamp for vocals, but was wondering if it could also be used on several drum tracks at once by running it through the board like you would with an effects loop.

Thanks in advance for your opinions. -Rez

[SonicAlbert]

Originally Posted by RezN8

Is it possible to run a preamp through an insert or aux channel of a mixing board? Are there any disadvantages, aside from the obvious?

What do you consider an obvious disadvantage?

Originally Posted by RezN8

I'm getting ready to buy a single channel preamp for vocals, but was wondering if it could also be used on several drum tracks at once by running it through the board like you would with an effects loop.

To answer your question, if the preamp has a DI input, then you could do this. If it just has an XLR mic input, then you'd have to put a DI between the mixer and the preamp.

This was recently covered in another thread, but the important factor to remember is that the XLR mic inputs are expecting to see signal at mic level, which is approximately -50. Line level signals are around -10 to +4. So you could easily overload the input on the preamp by feeding it line level signals.

It's also important to remember the purpose of a preamp: to take a mic level signal and amplify it to line level. That's why preamps exist. I'm assuming that what you want to do is use a preamp as sort of a color box, like maybe if you have a tube preamp and want to impart its flavor onto some drum tracks or loops.

If you want to use a preamp that way, what you should do is put a DI between the line level signal and the preamp. So you'd take the insert out, feed it to a DI, take it from the DI output to the preamp input, and then return it to the board from the preamp output. Same with using a preamp on the aux sends. If your preamp already has a DI built in (line level input) then you are all set. Many, many preamps are designed with line level inputs these days.

[RezN8]

Originally Posted by SonicAlbert

What do you consider an obvious disadvantage?

Possibly overloading the signal.

Originally Posted by SonicAlbert

I'm assuming that what you want to do is use a preamp as sort of a color box, like maybe if you have a tube preamp and want to impart its flavor onto some drum tracks or loops.

Yup, that's where I was going with this. Thanks for your insight!

[Kiauma]

The Tube MP pre has an instrument input with a -20db switch and variable input gain AND output gain, which should accomodate a very wide signal level. The users guide says it will accept line level inputs, and is suitable for a "Direct box". The Studio model, which is about $70 new, also has a clip limiter and VU meter. The pre may even add the type of coloration you are looking for. I have one and I really like the sound.

[xstatic]

A DI inout would certainly work, but what you really want is a line input. You can always try it through the mic inout if you want, just go slow and watch the meters and listen carefully. Maybe a little fuzz is even what you are after