Viewer's Question: How Would You Connect an Insert to a Patch Bay?

[@G_handle]

Okay... So there's really Two concerns with using "insert" jacks on mixers, or any Outboard gear (this also applies to side-chain inserts on most dynamic processors): A) Normal vs Half-Normal (vs Non-Normal or straight-through): which you just discussed and the graphics you showed explain quite well. I'd just say that: The 1/4-inch TRS Insert Jacks on most mixers are first of all Swiched, and second wired Ring-Send and Tip-Return. So switched means that when there is No plug inserted into the jack, the Tip & Ring are mechanically connected, so the send passes straight through the return and continues the circuit. When a TRS plug is fully inserted, the internal connection is broken and now passes send & return down the cable. However the reason for putting send on Ring, is that if you half insert a TS plug, you basically get a Direct Out, without breaking the internal connection or switch. So that internal 1/4-inch Insert Jack is effectively Both Normalled & Half-Normalled all at once. Sweet....however.... The problem is that the jack provides an Unbalanced Send & Return. B) Balanced vs Unbalanced: I heard no mention in this video about what is arguably the larger concern when trying to interface with a Patchbay. First, the video is 100% right that by taking an insert split y-cable, which has a TRS on one end & 2 TS on the other (he showed jacks, its easier to see with plugs) then (the trs sleeve is going to both ts sleeves, but the trs-tip is going one ts-tip, and the trs-ring is going to the other ts-tip) Now you have 2 separate connectors, one send and one return. So at the Patchbay, having Sends over Returns is exactly correct (Outs over Ins). But those cables are Unbalanced, and the Patchbay is Balanced. And so too will likely be whatever gear you patch into. So what happens when you mix Balanced and Unbalanced equipment? It depends....

[@MikeFoerster]

You bring up some good points.

[@jeffgutierrez8796]

Thank you.

[@nanocyde_artist]

I sidegraded from a Mackie 1642 to a 1604 just because it gave me inserts all the way across! Patchbay is on the way :)

[@spacepalace1]

Good Rock'N Morn'N!!! ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫