how do you connect...? (rack mic pre)

[seismetr0n]

just wondering .. ive been looking to purchase an extra mic pre recently... some have inputs on the front.. some have it on the back...

so... if i purchase one with inputs on the back.. how would you connect to it (the initial mic in) ... .. my mixer is already maxed for my other pres...

would you make some kind of xlr input panel for the rack?...

just leave some cables plugged in?

haphazardly reach around everytime, until i destroy something?...

looking for best recommendations... because im leaning toward one with the inputs on the back.

thanks...

[jonnyc]

Just dedicate an xlr cable to that mic pre, even helps to label the xlr so you know which pre it goes to. When I bought my 002r I was told it had 18 inputs(didn't know at the time all weren't xlr's, but I really didn't know much back then) so I went ahead and just bought 18 xlr cables and now they're all in use and labeled. I never have to unplug anything other than mics.

[SonicAlbert]

Like JohnnyC said, just label a couple of your XLR mic cables and leave them connected in the back and easily accessible from the front. That's the way I've done it in that situation. Unless you have a lot of preamps, I don't see the need to go to the trouble and expense of adding an XLR patchbay or break out box to your studio.