what cables to use?

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BlackHawk2029

BlackHawk2029

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To go from my mixer's inserts, to the inputs on my Delta 44, do i need TS or TRS cables, and is there any trick to it? (such as pluggin it in to the first click) I need to use my mixer for phantom power, as i will be using some condensors, but i dont know how to connect the inserts and my sound card inputs.
 
Although the 44 has balanced inputs (which would requires TRS cables), chances are your mixer's inserts are unbalanced. So you would use TS cables. For short runs, going unbalanced shouldn't be a problem. Yes, you need to only plug the cable in about 1/2 way into the insert. Good luck!
 
Stupid newbie question, but I haven't messed with this much.

What happens if you plug the cable ALL the way in?
 
Insert jacks are wired for TRS cables, because in their traditional use, they're meant to both send and recieve a signal in the same jack/plug. If I remember correctly, I think the Tip is the Send, and the Ring is the Recieve.
So an "insert" cable will have one end with a TRS jack, and then two other ends with TS jacks.

So if I've got this right, if you plug a TRS or TS cable in one click, it will send to the Delta 44 without breaking the normal, and you will also get signal flow though the mixer.

If you plug a TRS or TS cable in all the way, you will send to the Delta, but the normal is broken, and it will interrupt the signal to the mixer.

So I'm not sure it matters all that much. If you don't need the signal to return through the mixer (and it sounds like you don't) you won't be making a balanced connection anyway, so you might as well just stick with TS cables.

Your other options are, depending on how many mics with phantom power you're running, and the capabilities of your mixer, you can just use a combination of bussing/panning and the mixer's regular outputs.

Or get a cheap stand-alone pre-amp with phantom power.

If I totally screwed all that up, someone correct me, it's been a while since i've used inserts for outputs.
 
The world will end! :D

dkerwood said:
What happens if you plug the cable ALL the way in?
Click to expand...

Just kidding! I believe RAK explained it fairly well.
 
cool thanks guys. so its completely safe to plug them all the way in on my mixer? (my mixer is crap.... the only real options i have is to run it to stereo tracks, a mono track, or to use my inserts. maybe ill sell it eventually and get something better.)
 
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