TL Audio 5021 - Manual (Page 19)

5021. Recording direct to the multitrack recorder (thus bypassing the console)
is a common technique these days as it keeps the signal path short, and of the
highest quality. No unnecessary console stages are passed through, thus
maintaining quality.
Many mixers have sockets called ‘insert points’, which allow processors such
as dynamics devices and EQs to be patched in-line into the mixer signal path
at various points. The mixer’s channel insert point usually ‘sends’ the input
signal out directly after the mixer’s preamp stage - allowing connection to the
line input of the 5021 - and then returns the processed signal from the line
output of the 5021 back into the mixer at the same point in the signal path.
This is commonly achieved using a special insert cable (sometimes known as
a ‘Y’ lead or split lead - usually a stereo 0.25” jack connector at one end split
into two mono jack connectors - one for send and one for return). The most
likely positions that insert points are located on a mixer are in the channel,
group and stereo master sections. Patching the 5021 into the channel insert
point means that any signal passing through that channel will pass directly
though the 5021. Compressing a vocal, for instance, can be achieved by
connecting the microphone directly to the console mic input, then connecting
the 5021 into the console insert point. The mixer will amplify the mic signal
before being passed into the 5021’s line input via the mixer insert ‘send’
connection. The line output of the 5021 connects back to the insert ‘return’
connection, thus returning the signal to the mixer and ensuring continuous
signal flow.
Group insert points are used to process sub-grouped signals such as drums or
backing vocals. It’s common to mix an entire drum kit to a stereo group, and
then use a pair of group faders to control the overall level, rather than having
to adjust each individual drum level. If you then wish to compress the overall
stereo kit signal, you can connect a stereo-linked 5021 to the relevant group
insert points, using the same ‘send and return’ technique as the channel
insert.
Having processed individual tracks while recording, it is common to apply
some compression to the stereo mix while mastering it to 2 track tape, DAT or
CDR. Doing this will help fatten the sound further and control levels. Like the
channel and groups, the stereo L/R mix buss will normally have a pair of insert
points to facilitate this. If not, the 5021 can be connected in-line with the
mixer’s main stereo outputs, ahead of the master 2-track recorder. The latter
method may be preferable as this allows the processors to be connected with
balanced connectors (the insert points are usually unbalanced). Connecting
the 5021 to the main insert points does however allow the processing to be
monitored as the processor is looped into the output stage of the mixer. If the
5021 is connected in-line, to hear the results of the processing the 2-track
mastering machine needs to be monitored. This is possible by connecting the
mastering recorder to the mixer’s 2-track return inputs and monitoring these
returns on the mixer.