There are two ways to do a live recording: using a mic-splitter with dedicated mic preamps, or hoping that the direct-outs on the house/monitor board don't suck. This hope is usually dashed because the house board direct-outs are post-fader/post-EQ, and the mic pre gain is drastically high or low. It sounds terrible!
Well, I feel your pain. In fact, I've felt your pain so many times that I built this database of mixing boards to catalog their direct outputs, connectors, hidden mods, etc. This will grow over time, so I welcome your contributions/corrections. Whether you call it a console, mixer, board or desk, this list will save your butt someday soon. Sort the list by clicking on a header.
TS/RR: tip=send, ring=return. A "first click" insert acts as a semi-direct out: an unbalanced 1/4" TS plug, inserted half-way, sends out the signal without interrupting the channel's signal to the mix bus. Plugged all the way in, it is a direct out which interrupts (ie Mackie mixers).
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. GL2200-432 has 30 mono.
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 (tip to ring). 1/4" matrix outs.
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 user guide). Also has XLR bus outs, XLR matrix outs.
All busses have 1/4" inserts. Busses have 1/4" +4/-10 switchable outputs too. See page 52 of this manual for modifications to make: all aux sends pre EQ (when pre fader); the solo bus pre-fader/pre-mute (mono); the Mix-B post-fader/post-mute; and the Mix-B source switch into a mute switch.
The 4 busses have 1/4" outputs. See page 28 of this manual for modifications to make Aux sends 1+2 post EQ (when pre fader) and to make the CR level pre-master fader.
The 4 busses have 1/4" outputs. See page 28 of this manual for modifications to make Aux sends 1+2 post EQ (when pre fader) and to make the CR level pre-master fader.
DO factory default is post EQ pre mute, internal jumper sets DO pre EQ and pre insert. When not using the insert with a mic input, an unbalanced 1/4" jack into
the insert point can be a direct out, IF you do not activate the channel strip insert switch (which would cut signal).
Aux 8 knob is switchable to become gain control for DO. (A seperate "pre" button controls the aux-mode post-EQ/post-Fader, it might affect the DO.) Note that the Vienna II console puts aux 8 at the top of the channel strip's aux section, while the original Vienna puts Aux 8 at the bottom.
Aux 8 knob on all mono channels are switchable to become gain control for DO. A seperate "pre" button controls the aux-mode post-EQ/post-Fader, it should affect the DO.
"Split Out" Direct Out has internal jumper (JMP1) to control ground on/off, shipped w/ ground "on". Insert may be tapped as a line level, pre-EQ, pre-fade send, using a cable with tip and ring bridged so the signal is not interrupted.
Aux 6 knob is switchable to become gain control for DO post-EQ/post-Fader with unity @ 3pm (triangle). Otherwise DO is preEQ/preF with no gain control.
