Best way to use a 16 channel mixer

  • Thread starter Thread starter amra
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amra

amra

Well-known member
I have a Soundtech ST162 16 channel Mixer from the mid 90's.
Here is how it is layed out
I am pretty happy with the pres it has, and I am trying to figure out the best way to integrate it into my planned upgrade to a new PC audio interface (I am leaning towards the EMU 1820, or possibly a Tascam 1884.)

At the very top of each channel strip is a 1/4" input labeled "Line", below that is a TRS input labeled "Insert", and then that channel's XLR input. I will be coming into each channel via XLR, and I am thinking of using some kind of TRS recording snake to use the send part of the insert to send each channel to the input on the audio interface. That way I will have quick easy control of each of the 16 channels' levels with a fader. Right now something along these lines seem to be the best way to get enough pres to utilize all the extra inputs I am going to have. What kind of snake do I need, and am I missing anything with this idea that might keep this from working ?

Thanks,
Amra
 
Not sure about your particular mixer, but oftentimes I have found that when using the channel inserts as tape outs, the fader doesn't control the level, only the gain control. Also, you might find that with a TS connector, you may have to just insert it to the first click to get the output to go to the recorder inputs.

All in all, still a very useable setup for a small studio. Your board may be different, so you may have to futz around a bit to get it right. If you have a manual for the board, even better.

Good luck!
 
gtrman_66 said:
Not sure about your particular mixer, but oftentimes I have found that when using the channel inserts as tape outs, the fader doesn't control the level, only the gain control. Also, you might find that with a TS connector, you may have to just insert it to the first click to get the output to go to the recorder inputs.
Click to expand...
GuitarGuy is right, the insert jacks are almost always pre-fader on the channel strips, and often they are pre-everything except the input trim/gain control. You'll be able to use the trim pot as your "input fader", but that's all.

And I'd like to add that a main advantage to just instering the TS jack to the first click on an insert jack is so that you don't cut off the input signal from the rest of the channel strip (or rest of the mixer, FTM.)

It would be nice if the mixer supplied direct outs for at least some of the channel strips, but it doesn't appear to have those. But that's OK, with the above caveats, you'll still be cooking with multitrack gas on your DAW :).

G.
 
It sounds like even if the sends are pre-faders, it is still workable. I will still have 16 pres with gain control and phantom power, which is not too shabby.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

One more question, if I understand you right, I can use a regular mono, unbalanced 1/4" plug in the inserts, but only go in 1 click? If so, what are the chances of it working loose or losing contact or making a crackling noise while I am recording? Would it be better to get an actcual recording snake (quality wise) or is this something that is done all the time and I shouldn't even worry about it?
 
amra said:
One more question, if I understand you right, I can use a regular mono, unbalanced 1/4" plug in the inserts, but only go in 1 click? If so, what are the chances of it working loose or losing contact or making a crackling noise while I am recording? Would it be better to get an actcual recording snake (quality wise) or is this something that is done all the time and I shouldn't even worry about it?
Click to expand...

inserting a TS plug into the insert is pretty normal...I do it all the time when recording drums because I dont have enough stand-alone pre's so I have to use Mackie VLS pres. If you would feel more comfortable with inserting the jack all the way in, you can do that and still get a signal to your DAW but you will cut off the signal to your mixers other outputs including headphones out, and aux outs. when there is a plug inserted into the inserts, the mixer will begin looking for a return signal, so if there is no return, there will be no signal at the mixers out puts. If that is not a problem, then insert the TS plug all the way into the inserts.
 
thajeremy said:
inserting a TS plug into the insert is pretty normal...I do it all the time when recording drums because I dont have enough stand-alone pre's so I have to use Mackie VLS pres. If you would feel more comfortable with inserting the jack all the way in, you can do that and still get a signal to your DAW but you will cut off the signal to your mixers other outputs including headphones out, and aux outs. when there is a plug inserted into the inserts, the mixer will begin looking for a return signal, so if there is no return, there will be no signal at the mixers out puts. If that is not a problem, then insert the TS plug all the way into the inserts.
Click to expand...

I've had luck using something like this to avoid the whole "plug in half way scenario":
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--HOSDOC10


Samantha :)
 
16 of those can get expensive........

i wouldnt worry about it
 
Possible workaround

Isn't it just a matter of using a stereo jack wired with tip and ring together (as hot) and sleeve as usual (ground)? I think that gets round the interruption to fader issue.
 
Last edited:
No way! That's the same exact mixer that my band uses.

It will do just fine for DAW recording. We did a few demo recordings with it, and it came out clear and fine, though it did have the 'exception's mentioned above.
 
Alexbt, I have the manual and schematics for it in PDF format, I could email it to you if you want, in case you don't have yours. I have not seen another one since I picked up this one used, but I sure like it. It sure seems well built. How long have you had yours?
 
We've had ours for about 4 or 5 years now.

I would like the PDFs very much. We got it used and I don't think it came with any.

At least, I'm fairly sure it's the same mixer. Ours 'may' be a 12 channel, I'll check on Wednesday. Other than that, it looks almost exactly the same.

-Alex
 
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