Using Inserts - Alesis 4 Reference Manual

Chapter 2 – Connections

Using Inserts

By using individual channel inserts, you can dedicate the MidiVerb 4 to a specific
channel (or pair of channels) on the mixer. The Insert connections on the back of the
mixer provide a way of "inserting" external processing equipment into the signal path.
The insert occurs after the input amplifier, and before the main fader; essentially it is
the same as connecting the source (instrument or microphone) into the MidiVerb 4
before the mixer's channel input. However, some mixing console's inserts come after
the EQ section, and may therefore be different from the original signal. If nothing is
connected to the channel's Insert jack, the signal is not routed there.
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 an input and output). These are known as TRS connectors (tip-ring-
sleeve). The tip of the stereo plug carries the send or output of the insert jack, while the
ring carries back the return. The sleeve represents a common ground for both signals.
Mono. 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/CH.1] input and [LEFT/CH.1]
output, respectively. If you do not hear any audio after making these connections,
swap the input and output cables at the MidiVerb 4, as these may be wired backwards.
If the cable is color-coded, usually the red jack represents the send (which connects to
the MidiVerb 4's input) and black is the return (which connects to the output).
Dual Mono. Alternatively, you could have two channels' inserts connected to the
Left and Right Inputs, and process them separately within the MidiVerb 4 by using
one of the Dual Configurations (see chapter 3). Connect a 1/4" TRS Y-cable to the
Insert jack of a single channel on a mixing console. Connect the other end of the cable
(which splits into two, 1/4" mono connectors) to the [LEFT/CH.1] input and
[LEFT/CH.1] output. Connect another 1/4" TRS Y-cable to the Insert jack of another
single channel on a mixing console. Connect the other end of this cable to the
[RIGHT/CH.2] input and [RIGHT/CH.2] output. This hookup allows discrete
processing of the two channels, since separate effects are dedicated to each channel.
22 MidiVerb 4 Reference Manual