RNC vs. 001

[tc4b]

OK, today I got my RNC and I'm having a blast, but so far I'm only going right into the RNC, then out to the Digi 001. What's the best way to hook it to the digi so that I can use the RNC's awesomeness on any given track I choose? I only want the "wet," compressed signal getting through, but the only way I can figure out to do that is to send the track I'm recording to a bus, which goes to the RNC (aux), then the RNC signal goes out to another bus and sent to a third track, on which I hear only the compressed signal. But I'm sure there's a way to do this without using three tracks for every one.

[aoki saburo]

You probably (unless i misunderstand you) want to wire your RNC to one of the Digi's outputs. 3 - 8. Then change the ouptut of the tracks that you want to compress to that output, and return the RNC's outs to an analog input, which is assigned to either an aux track or recorded to an audio track.

If you want to compress stuff differently, i'd go the audio track route. Run the audio through the RNC and re-record it onto a new track. If you're using the RNC to compress the main mix, send everything to that output (or stereo outputs would be better)

cheers
saburo

[tc4b]

But that way I have three tracks just to record one. This is an issue, since I only have the LE version. Is there a way to use fewer tracks but only hear the compressed signal (without plugging my instruments directly into the RNC, one at a time, which is messy and tedious).

Maybe I want to do something I'm just not equipped to with my current setup. I could plus all of my instruments into my old mackie 12-channel mixer and put the main out through the RNC, then just use it as needed or Bypass, I'm just afraid the Mackie will crap up the signal on the way to the RNC. I'm constatly hearing how "your signal chain is only as strong as your weakest link."

[bennychico11]

you need to use your Hardware Inserts to do this. You can set the up in your I/O window just like you setup your normal Input and Outputs.
Then, on the inserts in the mix window, select I/O and choose the appropriate I/O your RNC is plugged into. However, you have to use Insert cables so that the signal returns back to Pro Tools to that channel.

BTW, as a side note, Aux channels are not part of the 32 voiceable track limit that LE has.

[tc4b]

What is an insert cable? Why won't it work if I just have the signal go out of 5-6 output and back in the 5-6 input with regular cables? I;ve tried this and used the insert on 5-6, but no compression is happening at all.

[irishfolker]

An insert cable has a single TRS (tip-ring-sleeve, like a stereo plug) on one end and breaks out into 2 cables with TS (tip-sleeve) connectors on them. One of the TS cables goes into the input on the compressor and the other into the output. The other end plugs into the board. This creates a loop with the compressor in the middle, all in one channel.

[tc4b]

OK, so I need a couple insert cables. Understood, thanks. One question, do they go into "input" or "output" jack on the digi?

[snow lizard]

You need to understand that the "insert" point that bennychico11 was talking about presumably comes from the 001. I'm guessing, maybe someone else can confirm it.

It's one jack. It's 1/4". It operates from a 3 conductor Tip Ring Sleeve type plug.

Two configurations are possible:

Tip=send
Ring=return
Sleeve=ground

---OR---

Tip=return
Ring=send
Sleeve=ground


A normal insert cable breaks into a Y cable with 2 Tip Sleeve plugs on the other end. One cable's tip will carry the signal from the tip of the insert point. The other cable's tip will carry the signal from the ring of the insert point. You could plug the Y end of the cable into the RNC's respective input and output jacks. The single TRS end of the cable would connect to anything that has an insert point. (console, preamp, 001 etc...)

You need to know which TS connector carries the tip signal, and what the tip does from the insert you're working from.


sl

[bennychico11]

just to reiterate what they said.....
Get an insert cable which is pretty much just a Y cable and patch the single end into output 3 of the 001 (assuming 1-2 are your main outs).
Then one end of the insert cable (the SEND side) goes into the compressor IN. The sound gets compressed and then goes OUT of the compressor and onto the RETURN cable which sends it back to the 001. This INSERTS (hence the word, INSERT) your compressed signal back into the channel and can be further processed.
In Pro Tools you pull down an insert like you were adding a plugin, except instead of choosing RTAS you choose I/O and select the appropriate output.

If you did it the way you were asking with Outputs 5-6 and back to Inputs 5-6 you'd be using an extra track (two voices) which you said you didn't want to do. Besides, typically, dynamic based processors are not mixed with the original signal...you want them 100% effected.

Read your manual about Hardware Inserts.