Behringer MX3282A - Manual (Page 12)

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EURODESK MX3282A
5. SUBGROUPS AND INSERTS
5.1 Subgroups
The principal routes to multitrack are via the subgroup outputs. There are eight mono (or four stereo) subgroups.
All channels can access all of them, as can aux returns 1 and 2 ( ). Subgroup level is determined by the
SUBGROUP fader , while the signal level may be accurately checked by solo-ing ( ).
Subgroup outputs can also be assigned to the main mix during mixdown by pressing the MAIN MIX switch
, in which case stereo position in the L R mix is determined by the subgroup’s PAN pot .
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Try inserting compression/de-essing/an exciter or a noise gate across grouped signals (e.g.
backing vocals, drums, layered synths).
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Try merging a dry signal with a little wet, then compressing the sum heavily. Though the
reverb proportion will be low when a signal is present, the resultant reverb tail pumped up by
the compressor at the start of each silence will give the illusion that the reverb was massive at
the time. (The listener will be left wondering how the singer could sound so dear in such a wet
acoustic!)
5.2 Insert Points
Insert points are useful for adding dynamic processing or equalization to a channel, a group, or the mix. Unlike
reverbs etc., which are usually added to the dry signal, dynamic processing is normally applied across an
entire signal. Here an aux send would be inappropriate. Instead the signal is intercepted somewhere along the
channel, fed through the dynamics processor and/or EQ, then returned to the console at the same point where
it left. The insert point is normalized, i.e. the signal is only interrupted when a jack is plugged into it.
All mono input channels have got insert points, as have the subgroups and the main mix. Each insert point is
accommodated on a single TRS jack socket wired tip = send, ring = return, sleeve = ground/screen. Inserts are
always pre-fader, and also pre-EQ/pre-aux sends for channels.
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If you want to insert a dynamics processor etc. into one of the stereo channels, it must be done
between the source output and the EURODESK, as these channels have no bona-fide insert
point.
Fig. 5.1: Inserting into a stereo channel
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Please note that we didn’t draw the ground/screen connection in the following graphics to
keep them as simple as possible.
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If you want to insert an external EQ or dynamics processor post-EQ, a subgroup insert should
be used as follows:
5. SUBGROUPS AND INSERTS