Question

I have setup my studiolive 32.4.2ai so that all connections run thru a patch bay / snake system.  A 16 channel snake runs from drum room to xlr inputs 1-16 on SL. Another 16 channel snake in control room runs to xlr inputs 17-32 on SL. All 32 line inputs are left unused. The 32 insert jacks are run to a patch bay system. All aux sends are also on patch bay system. Question I have is with using external preamps with this setup. Would I connect the  external preamp output to the return of a specific channel insert I wanted to use, or would I need to connect it to the line input of that specific channel and unplug the snake xlr cable from that channel? Or is there another way to do this? I am assuming you can't use the xlr input and the 1/4" line input at the same time. Any help or suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

You're writing in the AR mixer's section...

Using the line input on the SL AI series mixers deactivates the microphone preamp, so it's either or. The line input will "kill" the XRL input. You don't need to unplug the XLR connector, but to keep your set-up organized it is always better to use 1 cable for 1 connection... If you need to search for the reason of a problem, double connections are not really helpful. Using the inserts works, but the line in - technically seen - is the better choice. Keep your set-up simple. Use the preamps and send their line signal to the board. Remember that the line inputs of your mixer are balanced (symmetric TRS).