Mixer Inserts - Alesis NanoCompressor Reference Manual

• Stereo. Connect two 1/4" phone cords to the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] INPUTS of the
NanoCompressor from a stereo source , and two other 1/4" phone cords from
the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] OUTPUTS of the NanoCompressor to a stereo
amplification system or two mixer inputs.
Note: This hookup will work only for a stereo source, and should not be used on two
independent mono sources. This is because the NanoCompressor is designed for stereo linked
operation between the two channels, so the left input will reduce the level of the right input
and vice versa.

Mixer Inserts

If your mixer features individual channel or buss inserts, you can dedicate the
NanoCompressor to a specific channel or buss on the mixer. Insert jacks on the back of
a mixer provide a way of "inserting" external processing equipment into the signal
path. The insert occurs after the input amplifier, and before the channel fader;
essentially it is the same as connecting the source (instrument or microphone) into the
NanoCompressor before the mixer's channel input. If nothing is connected to the
channel's Insert jack, the signal passes through with no effect.
Usually, insert connections require a special, stereo-splitting Y-cord to be connected
(one stereo plug provides both send and return while two mono plugs connect
separately to the effects unit's input and output). These are known as TRS connectors
(tip-ring-sleeve). The tip of the stereo plug typically carries the send or output of the
insert jack, while the ring carries back the return. (You should check your mixer's
referance manual to see if it follows this polarity.) The sleeve represents a common
ground for both signals.
This involves connecting a 1/4" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) Y-cable to the Insert jack of a
single channel on a mixing console. The other end of the cable (which splits into two,
1/4" mono connectors) are connected to the [LEFT] input and [LEFT] output,
respectively. If you do not hear any audio after making these connections, swap the
input and output cables at the NanoCompressor, as these may be wired backwards.
Once the proper connection has been made, you must set the output level so that you
aren't clipping the mixer input. As a general rule, if the [REDUCTION] meter is
showing an average -6 dB of gain reduction, the [OUTPUT] knob should be set for
+6dB (one tick above the 0 marker).
NanoCompressor Manual
Connections
11