SoundCraft M-SERIES User Manual page 15

USER GUIDE
STEREO RETURNS RET-1/2/3/4
These accept RCA phono jacks to allow easy connection to hi-fi equipment or DAT players. The input is
unbalanced, and ideal for pre-show music sources or signals that do not require any EQ or effects. These
can also be used as effect returns using cables described later in this document.
STEREO INPUTS STE-1/2/3/4
These accept 3-pole `A' gauge jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which will automatically ground the 'cold' input.
Use these inputs for sources such as keyboards, drum machines, synths, tape machines or as returns from
processing units. The input is BALANCED for low noise and immunity from interference, but you can use
UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the jacks as shown, although you should then keep cable lengths as
short as possible to minimise interference pick-up on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded if the
source is unbalanced.
Mono sources can be fed to both paths by plugging into the Left jack only.
MIX INSERTS
The unbalanced, pre-fade Mix insert point is a break in the output signal path to allow the connection of, for
example, a compressor/limiter or graphic equaliser. The Insert is a 3-pole 'A' gauge jack socket which is
normally bypassed. When a jack is inserted, the signal path is broken, just before the mix fader.
The mix signal appears on the TIP of the plug and is returned on the RING. A 'Y' lead may be required to
connect to equipment with separate send and return jacks as shown below:
MIX & SUB OUTPUTS
The MIX and SUB outputs are on 3-pole 'A' gauge jack sockets, wired as shown, and incorporate impedance
balancing, allowing long cable runs to balanced amplifiers and other equipment.
AUX OUTPUTS
The Aux outputs are on 3-pole 'A' gauge jack sockets, wired as shown on the left, and are balanced, allowing
long cable runs to balanced amplifiers and other equipment.
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