What kind of cables for TRS to mono?

[joey jojo]

Hey there. I have an Alesis 12R (thanks for all the help by the way on making the decision on this mixer everybody) with 8 inserts which I would like to send to a Maxi Studio Isis (on the way) with 8 analog mono inputs. I know I need 1/4 TRS plug and push it in to the first click on the mixer end (or do I? Would a 1/4 mono work to the first click?), but is there a cable which has 1/4 mono on the other end.

In other words, is there a cable with 1/4 plugs at either end with one being TRS and one mono? Or does it even matter what the hell they are as long as they are 1/4 plugs? I've searched the forum exhaustively for the last couple days but have been unable to answer my own question.

Also on a side note. Is it better to record bass guitar plugged directly into a mixer or to mic a bass amp with the mic to mixer?

I know, I know...one question at a time. I'm just trying to figure out everything I need before I buy something I don't. Thanks again. You guys (people..."guys" in this context is meant to refer to both genders ) have been great.

Man, I ramble on and on and on...shut up.

 

[Track Rat]

On those channel inserts you want mono cables on each end. You'd only use the TRS cable (on one end that broke out into two mono's on the other end) if you were using them as inserts. Since you'll be using them as direct channel outs just insert a mono cable to the first "click" and you're tapping off signal of that channel to send to your recorder.

 

[virtual.ray]

Re the recording of bass:I think it's a subjective thing,great recordings have been made both ways.Direct gives you a more present,detailed sound but can be too thin while the amp has lots of warmth and bottom(when a good mic is used) but can come across a little muddy and undefined when heard in a mix w/other instruments.An alternative is to go both ways,record the mic to 1 track and the direct to another,or combine the two to 1 track.Cheers!

 

[joey jojo]

Right on! This is why I love this forum . Thanks a lot Track Rat and virtual.ray. Immense help. And to think I've been spending all that time worrying away at whether I would have to build my own cable or something. Feel kinda stupid now. Oh well - part of the learning process. Thanks again.

 

[Track Rat]

Glad I could help my friend. I'm sure you'll be helping me out soon enough!

 

[Jim Marquard]

For your inserts, you can, as mentioned, use simple mono 1/4" cables, just pushed to the first click. However, if you use an insert cable (TRS one end that Y to two mono cables) you can use this to send the preamp signal to your recorder (or card) and then return the record signal back to the mixer. This eliminates the need to repatch your mixer and recorder. Of course, this will require a recorder or card that has eight ins and eight outs. Just food for thought.

Peace, Jim