Compressor via Inserts=No sound?

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mrglimm

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I have a Mackie 24 and am trying to compress the main mix via Y cable insert method to an Alesis 3630.
On the Alesis, the signal shows in Gain Reduction, but there is no signal on the Input/Output meters, and I have no sound...

Everything on the Alesis is default setting, bypass didnt seem to 'bypass' the compressor either...

Am I missing something here?
 
The insert on your mackie may be dirty! Try plugging/unplugging several times to clean it.
Just to check the workability of the compressor insert it into the channel that you have a microphone plugged into to see if it works there.




:cool:
 
(Stupid question)

Are you actually using an insert cable...?

If you're using a Y-splitter, there's your problem.
 
Like John said, an insert cable is not a Y-cable. It will have a TRS connector that splits to two TS connectors. One is the send and the other is the return. If you have a headphone Y-cable splitter, it's not going to work.

If you have the correct cable, you probably have the send and return backwards. Switch the cables going to the in and out of the compressor.
 
That's a good idea actually, makes me wonder why the compressor is getting a signal in some fashion though. I did try switching the Insert channels and got the same thing.
Will give the channel insert a shot tonight thanks.
 
Farview said:
Like John said, an insert cable is not a Y-cable. It will have a TRS connector that splits to two TS connectors. One is the send and the other is the return. If you have a headphone Y-cable splitter, it's not going to work.

If you have the correct cable, you probably have the send and return backwards. Switch the cables going to the in and out of the compressor.
Click to expand...

I guess to clarify further, I have the TRS side plugged into the Sidechain of the compressor. The splits are going to the L/R of the Inserts...

...wait did I just answer my own question? Do I need to go one click on the insert? If the cable were reversed, how would I get stereo Insert...(thinking out loud)
 
mrglimm said:
I guess to clarify further, I have the TRS side plugged into the Sidechain of the compressor. The splits are going to the L/R of the Inserts...

...wait did I just answer my own question? Do I need to go one click on the insert? If the cable were reversed, how would I get stereo Insert...(thinking out loud)
Click to expand...

If I'm reading your post correctly you have it completely backwards.




:cool:
 
moresound said:
If I'm reading your post correctly you have it completely backwards.




:cool:
Click to expand...

So the TRS side should plug into L of the Insert then the mono's to Insert/Output of compressor? Ah, so for stereo mix compression I need the second Y cable for other channel of compressor...
 
I don't think you could do this more wrong if you tried...

You have the wrong cable... facing the wrong direction... to the wrong connector...

You need an Insert cable... this creates two distinct audio paths for send and return... a Y cable just splits the single audio path

The side chain input on the compressor is not in the signal chain and will never be heard on the output

And the TRS side of the cable should be plugged into the insert of the Mackie... not side chain of the compressor.

TRS from insert jack on Mackie with one side to input and other side to output of the compressor... just like that
 
mrglimm said:
So the TRS side should plug into L of the Insert then the mono's to Insert/Output of compressor? Ah, so for stereo mix compression I need the second Y cable for other channel of compressor...
Click to expand...

Now you have the right idea! and on the right track. :D




:cool:
 
MOFO Pro said:
I don't think you could do this more wrong if you tried...

You have the wrong cable... facing the wrong direction... to the wrong connector...

You need an Insert cable... this creates two distinct audio paths for send and return... a Y cable just splits the single audio path

The side chain input on the compressor is not in the signal chain and will never be heard on the output

And the TRS side of the cable should be plugged into the insert of the Mackie... not side chain of the compressor.

TRS from insert jack on Mackie with one side to input and other side to output of the compressor... just like that
Click to expand...

Ok I understand what you are saying, but explain to me how you would seperate a stereo plug in to two mono's and it NOT be an Insert cable. Im not aware of a strereo that splits the channels, but doesnt really split them. There is no magic insert cable. The mixer routes them not a "Insert cable"
This is beside the point although I understand the concern, i made sure the sales guy gave me the right one.
I have my own reasons for my setup and not looking for an opinion, damn I just wanted a solution to my issue. Why is everyone so tender with their feelings good god (ocnor)

FYI, if you're talking about Aux Send/Return for a compressor, not a great idea, actually kind of pointless.
 
mrglimm said:
Thank you sir :-)
Click to expand...
You must have a bad cable then... sounds as though you had everything hooked up perfectly from the start...

Oh... and thanks for the AUX send/return tip, that's good to know
 
philbagg said:
I think he was talking about wanting to do it in the first place :p

I don't see why not...
Click to expand...

Yeah just a preferrence of limiting. Sorry it offended so many. Guess I don't like my sh*& on fire, weird.
There's always a thousand ways to do something, doesn't make anyone more right than the next guy.

Im all sorted out thanks guys.
 
This is an insert cable http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STP201/

This is a Y cable http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CYP105/

This is also a Y cable http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CYS105/

The first one has a TRS side (two black stripes) that goes into the insert of the mixer. One of the TS sides (one black stripe) goes to the input of the compressor, the other goes to the output. (if it is an insert cable, it is probably marked send and return)

If you are trying to compress a stereo signal, you need two cables. One for the left side and one for the right. Again, the TRS end will go into the insert on the mixer channel and the others connect to the input and output of one channel of the compressor.

You would not use the sidechain input in this scenario. Even when you do, you still have the inserts hooked up the same way. You would need another cable to use the sidechain.
 
Farview said:
This is an insert cable http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STP201/

This is a Y cable http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CYP105/

This is also a Y cable http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CYS105/

The first one has a TRS side (two black stripes) that goes into the insert of the mixer. One of the TS sides (one black stripe) goes to the input of the compressor, the other goes to the output. (if it is an insert cable, it is probably marked send and return)

If you are trying to compress a stereo signal, you need two cables. One for the left side and one for the right. Again, the TRS end will go into the insert on the mixer channel and the others connect to the input and output of one channel of the compressor.

You would not use the sidechain input in this scenario. Even when you do, you still have the inserts hooked up the same way. You would need another cable to use the sidechain.
Click to expand...

Exactly, I just had the cable reversed, stoner move. Smooth like butta now.
Cheers
 
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