The Mixer Output Guide
Part of the tips, tricks and hidden functions public archive, courtesy of
Silent Way Audio Equipment Rental and Remote Audio Recording.
Mixer inputs are well documented, and are often counted in the model name. But output specifications vary greatly and get buried in manuals. This guide to the poor neglected output describes direct outs, inserts, connectors, hidden mods, etc.
There are two ways to do a live recording: use a mic-splitter with dedicated mic preamps, or hope that the direct outputs on the house board don't suck. House direct outs are risky if they're post-fader/EQ, inaccessible, bad mic pres etc. Whether you call it a console, mixer, board or desk, this list will help you soon. Your contributions are welcome.
Sort the list by clicking on a header. TS/RR: tip=send, ring=return. A "first click" insert is a semi-direct out: an unbalanced 1/4" TS plug inserted half-way will send signal without interrupting it to the mix bus. Plugged all the way in, it is a direct out which interrupts.
59 mixers matched criteria:
Make |
Model | Direct Out | Insert | DO Gain Control | Notes | Price It | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen + Heath | ML3000 | 1/4" TRS, post-fader | 1/4", TS/RR, post-HPF and pre-EQ | yes, via mod |
DO is 0dBu ground compensated line level for connection to balanced or unbalanced equipment. Internal jumpers can switch DO pre-fader or "post-fader/post-trim", making Aux 1 a DO gain (p 23 of... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | GL2200 | 1/4" TRS impedance-balanced, pre-fader (switchable internally to post), on mono inputs only. | 1/4" on mono inputs only, TS/RR. | no |
Internal link option makes DO pre-fader. Available in multiple versions: GL2200-412 has 10 mono, 2 stereo, 4 groups, 6 aux, 2 stereo returns. GL2200-416 has 14 mono etc. GL2200-424 has 22 mono.... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | GL3300 | 1/4", post fader | 1/4" | no |
Internal mod can switch DO pre/post (requires solder), default is post. Also has XLR group outs (5-8 or all with option on DSUB). Group Insert TSRR send as output by bridging the send and return (... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | GL2800M | Mic level passive splitter, XLR out | 1/4" TS/RR, post-HPF, pre-EQ | Has a built-in microphone-level passive splitter on each channel ("Y", not a transformer), before the mic preamp, with a ground lift switch on each XLR.... |
Price It |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | GL2800 | 1/4" TRS (impedance balanced) | 1/4" TS/RR, post-HPF, pre-EQ | no | Use the channel recessed PRE-EQ switches (under aux send 1-2) to change Direct Out from pre-insert, pre-EQ (down) to post-EQ (up). Direct Out internal option jumper (... |
Price It |
Details |
| Allen + Heath | GL2400 | 1/4" TRS impedance-balanced, on mono inputs only | 1/4" on mono inputs only, TS/RR. | no |
Direct Out default factory setting is pre-insert, pre-EQ, pre-fade. Internal jumpers to change DO to post-EQ. Page 14 of manual: does the mute interrupt Direct Out even when it is set to be pre-... |
Details | |
| Allen + Heath | WZ3:16:2 | 1/4" TRS, impedance balanced, 0dBu | 1/4" TSRR |
Direct Out has internal option jumper for each channel; factory default setting is pre-fader (following the internal aux pre/post-EQ setting); may be changed to post-fade. Insert is post-HPF, pre-... |
Details | ||
| Avid | Venue SC48 | 16 stock or 32 (option) XLR "stage outputs" (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | 16 stock or 32 (option) XLR "stage outputs" (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. Comes stock with 48 female XLR "stage inputs" (mic or line). Comes stock with 16 male XLR "stage outputs", expandable to 32 with optional AO16 card. Pre/Post... |
Details | |
| Avid | Venue D-Show |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This control surface has no inputs or outputs (except one talkback mic input); see the accompanying I/O units by Avid/Digidesign: FOH Rack, Stage Rack and Mix Rack... |
Details | ||||
| Avid | Venue Profile |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This control surface has no inputs or outputs (except one talkback mic input). The DB25 input and output jacks are not for audio, just for GPI (General Purpose... |
Details | ||||
| Avid | FOH Rack | 8 balanced TRS outputs (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | 8 balanced TRS outputs, 8 balanced TRS inputs (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This provides 8 inputs on TRS, 8 outputs on TRS, and processing power for control surfaces Venue D-Show and Venue Profile. Pairs with a Stage Rack for full input... |
Details | |
| Avid | Stage Rack | Stock with 8 XLR male outputs, expandable to 48 out (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | Stock with 8 XLR male outputs, expandable to 48 out, stock with 48 in (multi-use as direct outs, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This provides inputs, mic preamps, outputs and processing power for control surfaces Venue D-Show and Venue Profile. Pairs with the FOH Rack. Expansion with cards:... |
Details | |
| Avid | Mix Rack | Stock with 24 outputs (16 XLR male, 8 TRS), expandable to 40 out (32 XLR, 8 TRS) (multi-use as direct outs, insert, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | Stock with 24 outputs (16 XLR male, 8 TRS), expandable to 40 out (32 XLR, 8 TRS). Stock with 56 in (48 XLR mic/line, 8 TRS line) (multi-use as direct outs, insert, aux, main, group, matrix), switchable pre/post fader | yes |
Formerly branded as Digidesign. This is a combination of the Stage Rack and the FOH Rack. It provides inputs, mic preamps, outputs and processing power for control surfaces Venue D-Show and Venue... |
Details | |
| Behringer | XENYX 1832FX | None | TS/RR inserts on first 6 mono channels | no |
USB 2-input/2-output audio interface built-in. Aux sends: 1 pre fader, 1 pre/post fader switchable, 1 post fader. |
Price It | Details |
| Crest | X-Eight | 1/4", post-EQ, post-fader, post-mute (ground-compensated) | Separate 1/4" send and return, TRS |
Insert send can be used as a post-HPF, pre-EQ output. A TRS plug in the send does NOT break signal flow. However, a TRS in the return DOES break signal flow. |
Details |
