Internal preamp bypass on a Fostex VF160

[billisa]

I posted this on the Fostex forum, but got no feedback so I'll try here. On a Fostex VF160 there are insert inputs on two channels. These are wired to allow connect via a 'Y' send/return cable.

Fine but what I really want to do is just go from my mic, via my VTB1 preamp, into the VF160, bypassing the preamp circuit...

So, going into the insert, what type of plug should be on the cable connecting the external pre with the insert jack? I have both mono plug instrument cable, and stereo plug cable. Since I'm not doing a send/return, does it matter what kind of plug I use in this setup? Can damage be done using the wrong type of plug in this case?

 

[dwillis45]

Billisa: I saw the replies you got over at VF16.com and they look pretty much on target. Either the 1/4" (plugged halfway) or the Insert (Y) cable will work. When I recorded with the VF16, I used an insert cable, although I wasn't happy with the fact that one half of the cable was just laying there behind my rack. It seemed to be a sloppy solution but not quite as sloppy as plugging a 1/4" chord halfway in the insert jack. I never made a custom cable, but that would seem to be the best way to go.

Sorry, can't help on the damage issue. It never caused any significant problems to my VF16 over two years of usage, but who knows. Maybe Fostex could shed some light on the issue.

PS:How does the outboard preamp compare to the built-ins on the VF160?

 

[billisa]

Hey D! I like the VF160 pre's, and I like my SP VTB1 pre's. Both are very transparent, though the VTB1 more easily adds gain, and it's dead quiet.

Someone told me I can just use a mono plug to connect the external into the insert of the VF160...

I'm doing this mainly to try a new option, but the truth is I'm getting fine results going through the VF160 pres with their gain turned down all the way.