Using the stereo inputs on a Zed 14

[HippieDave]

I am unable to find understandable (to a newbie) answer to a question I fear is just too basic. I've got an Allen & Heath Zed 18 I recently acquired used. I mostly plan to use it for my own group's live performances, but we occasionally merge with another group to form a bigger one. The mixer has 6 mono channels (with mic and line level inputs) and four stereo pairs (where you use the left input only to get a mono input.) My Q: if I am using all 6 of the mic inputs (xlrs) for vocal or mic'd instruments, can I somehow use one or more of the stereo inputs for 1) direct instrument (i.e. elec guitar or acoustic w/ a pickup) input or 2) for additional mics, either directly or through some other interface? I have seen reference, for example, to a 'direct box', but am under the impression that just permits plugging an instrument into a mic level input, which does me no good.

Third Q: if I get rid of one of the mics, can I plug the guitar (either elec or acoustic w/ pickup) directly into the line input on the mono channel?

 

[bouldersoundguy]

1) direct instrument (i.e. elec guitar or acoustic w/ a pickup) input

Generally yes, but there are some pickups (passive electromagnetic, piezoelectric) that may not sound right through a line input. An active instrument preamplifier with very high impedance input might be needed.

2) for additional mics, either directly or through some other interface? I have seen reference, for example, to a 'direct box', but am under the impression that just permits plugging an instrument into a mic level input, which does me no good.

Sometimes you can get away with plugging a mic into a line input, but it won't work if the mic needs phantom power or more gain than the line input provides. An impedance matching transformer (like a DI in reverse) might make it work better with some mics. An external mic preamplifier would let the line inputs work with all sorts of mics. A second mixing board patched into the line inputs (a submixer) would let you add multiple mics etc. to one stereo input, but you lose some routing flexibility on the submixed mics.

Third Q: if I get rid of one of the mics, can I plug the guitar (either elec or acoustic w/ pickup) directly into the line input on the mono channel?

The line inputs on the mono channels probably behave almost like the dedicated stereo line inputs with regards to such sources.

 

[HippieDave]

Thanks! That is very direct and helpful.