question about hooking up some new gear...

[Hi_Flyer]

Ok, so my Mackie Onyx 1220 came today... I'm looking at the manual and i have a few questions.

I was hoping to possibly use not only the FW interface to track to PC, but also with an eight track 1/2" reel-to-reel deck.

The mixer has only 4 preamps, so I would probably only use these four channels while recording to the reel-to-reel. Can I use the channel inserts to get a signal out to the tape deck? The mixer has an insert on each of the first four channels. The manual says "direct out with no signal interruption to master, insert only to first 'click'". What does "signal interruption to master" mean, exactly?

There are also DB25 connectors on the back. Should I use these if I was recording to an analog deck?

sorry if this seems like the wrong forum, but I wasn't sure where to put it... I figured that these are sort of general questions about signal routing.

 

[ThaArtist]

Definitely join the mackie forums. Their tech support on their forums is great. Absolutely fantastic. I think they have one or two guys specirfically that help mackie users with their problems on their forums. And they are very informed about their products. Just from my experience with them now and Mackies reputation I will most definitely consider them for future purchases as well.

 

[noisedude]

Not to be arsey at all but it's 1:25am and I'm tired ........ do a quick search on "tapping inserts" and you'll find the info you need. It's about getting the signal out of the channel strip without stopping it from also going on to its normal destination ... in the case of a mixer that would be the groups or main stereo buss, in the Onyx it might be different

I dunno about the other question.

 

[jkokura]

I think it means that it won't interrupt the signal from the pre to the eq to the sub mix to the mains...it's like you're 'tapping' in to the signal chain without disturbing it. Not %100 sure, but I think the first 'click' is when you plug a TRS cable in to not push it all the way in, just until the first 'click'. If I'm wrong - someone correct me.

Jacob

 

[Adam P]

Plugging it in to the first click puts the cable's tip connection in contact with the insert point's ring connector, without breaking the insert point's normal from tip connector to ring connector. Because the normal isn't broken, the signal still goes through the channel strip.