Running Channel Effects on Carvin C1648

mellowinman · #1 03-02-2013, 03:07 PM

How do I use the "Insert" to use an effect only on one channel on this board? I use effects for several channels, using the effects send and return.

modulusman · #2 03-02-2013, 03:56 PM

Get one of these cables or something simular http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...e-insert-cable plug the single end into the insert of the channel. IIRC the red mono in is the return from the effects out the grey would be the effects input. I might have that backwards so if doesn't work then switch them.

mellowinman · #3 03-02-2013, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modulusman

Get one of these cables or something simular http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...e-insert-cable plug the single end into the insert of the channel. IIRC the red mono in is the return from the effects out the grey would be the effects input. I might have that backwards so if doesn't work then switch them.

When I plug the TRS cable all the way in, it mutes the channel. If I pull it 1/2 out, the channel is live. What am I doing wrong?

derrico1 · #4 03-02-2013, 07:06 PM

Is it a TRS insert cable? Have you tried switching the send/return ends of the insert cable at the effects unit's input and output? It could be as simple as that.

Alternatively, you could use a standard 1/4" cable inserted only to the first click, run that to the FX input, and return the FX output to a different channel on the mixer.

mellowinman · #5 03-02-2013, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrico1

Is it a TRS insert cable? Have you tried switching the send/return ends of the insert cable at the effects unit's input and output? It could be as simple as that.

Alternatively, you could use a standard 1/4" cable inserted only to the first click, run that to the FX input, and return the FX output to a different channel on the mixer.

It is a TRS cable. I did it the way Carvin said, and I tried reversing, and both got me a channel that made no sound. I like your suggestion, though, and I'm going to try it.

derrico1 · #6 03-03-2013, 05:09 AM

mellow, just to be sure: there are TRS cables and TRS insert cables. To use the mixer's insert points as inserts, you'll need to use an insert cable rather than a single-ended to single-ended TRS cable.

If you're using an insert cable and the channel's muting, the problem might be with the cable. Switch it to a different channel on the mixer. Still mutes? Check the connections on the cable's plugs.

If you're getting a muted channel with a functioning insert cable and a working effects unit, then there's a problem with the wiring or jack of that channel's insert point.

Zooberwerx · #7 03-03-2013, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowinman

How do I use the "Insert" to use an effect only on one channel on this board? I use effects for several channels, using the effects send and return.

JOOC, exactly what effect or processor do you plan on dedicating to only one channel? A vocal compressor is the first thing to come to mind.

A big 'ol +1 to the aforementioned TRS "Y" insert cable! I use one to tie-in a GEQ and Aphex 104 via the "Mains Insert" jack. If adding an external FX engine (reverb, delay, chorus, etc.), I'd strongly suggest utilizing some type of Aux Send / Return & empty mic channel configuration as opposed to channel inserts. In the Carvin's case, it appears you're limited to two Effects Send / Returns channels which can be used with either the internal or external processors. Despite the labeling, these are pretty much Aux channels and should function similarly.

Riis

mellowinman · #8 03-03-2013, 10:14 AM

This is the exact cable I bought:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STP201/

I put one end in the Insert jack, and connected the other ends to the input and output mono jacks in an Alesis Midiverb II, so that my wife could have one more effect unit, and could put extra delay on her vocal channel.

It didn't work, so I plugged it into the input and output mono jacks of my Lexicon MX200, and got the same results.

For now, I am taking your suggestion, and put a cable halfway in, and ran it to the Alesis, and then returned the Alesis to Return 3, and that is working, but I am stymied as to why the insert doesn't work as it should. I did try it on a few different channels.

?????

derrico1 · #9 03-03-2013, 10:35 AM

Since the FX work, you know the problem is either the routing, the cable, or the channel's insert.

If it were me, I'd double-check that the insert plug fully is inserted, and that (IIRC) the red plug goes to the FX in, and the gray plug to the FX out. If the FX meters show that it's getting signal from the board, then you've got the wiring right. If not, I'd start by switching the red and gray plugs.

I'd also double-check that I hadn't plugged either of the FX-end plugs into the FX's footswitch jack or somesuch. Then I'd test the cable w/ a multimeter. Those HOSA's aren't bullet-proof, and even if the cable's new it's possible that one of the connections is bad. (No knock on your homeboys at Sweetwater.)

If the cable seems good, I'd try the insert on a different channel's insert jack.

Zooberwerx · #10 03-03-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowinman

This is the exact cable I bought:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/STP201/

I put one end in the Insert jack, and connected the other ends to the input and output mono jacks in an Alesis Midiverb II, so that my wife could have one more effect unit, and could put extra delay on her vocal channel.

It didn't work, so I plugged it into the input and output mono jacks of my Lexicon MX200, and got the same results.

For now, I am taking your suggestion, and put a cable halfway in, and ran it to the Alesis, and then returned the Alesis to Return 3, and that is working, but I am stymied as to why the insert doesn't work as it should. I did try it on a few different channels.

?????

Same insert cable I'm using. Black TRS into the mic channel's insert jack, gray (tip/send) into the Alesis input, red (ring/ return) into the Alesis output. Given your success with the "1/4 half-click" trick, the send function is apparently working.

Open question to all: when using the true insert function, what other settings (gain, EQ, channel slider) influence the "send" signal to the external device? IOW, you would think that the MidiVerb's LEDs would reflect some level of signal presence at the input.

Riis

Zooberwerx · #11 03-03-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrico1

If it were me, I'd double-check that the insert plug fully is inserted, and that (IIRC) the red plug goes to the FX in, and the gray plug to the FX out. If the FX meters show that it's getting signal from the board, then you've got the wiring right. If not, I'd start by switching the red and gray plugs.

Just the opposite: gray is the send to the MidiVerb from the board, red is the return to the board. Had to check the package to make sure, myself!

Riis

derrico1 · #12 03-03-2013, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Just the opposite: gray is the send to the MidiVerb from the board, red is the return to the board. Had to check the package to make sure, myself!

Riis

Thanks! Haven't used those Hosa cables for a while.

mellowinman · #13 03-03-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Same insert cable I'm using. Black TRS into the mic channel's insert jack, gray (tip/send) into the Alesis input, red (ring/ return) into the Alesis output. Given your success with the "1/4 half-click" trick, the send function is apparently working.

Open question to all: when using the true insert function, what other settings (gain, EQ, channel slider) influence the "send" signal to the external device? IOW, you would think that the MidiVerb's LEDs would reflect some level of signal presence at the input.

Riis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

Just the opposite: gray is the send to the MidiVerb from the board, red is the return to the board. Had to check the package to make sure, myself!

Riis

I actually tried it both ways, both with the Alesis and the Lexicon. Pored over the user's manual for the Carvin. Plug inserted all the way in=no sound from that channel.

Resisted the urge to take ballpeen hammer to $900.00 mixing board.

modulusman · #14 03-03-2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowinman

I actually tried it both ways, both with the Alesis and the Lexicon. Pored over the user's manual for the Carvin. Plug inserted all the way in=no sound from that channel.

Resisted the urge to take ballpeen hammer to $900.00 mixing board.

Did you try it on another channel? If none of the inserts work then it isn't the board.

mellowinman · #15 03-03-2013, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modulusman

Did you try it on another channel? If none of the inserts work then it isn't the board.

Yup.

Tried it on several channels.

I know I have to be doing something wrong, but WHAT????

Zooberwerx · #16 03-03-2013, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowinman

I actually tried it both ways, both with the Alesis and the Lexicon. Pored over the user's manual for the Carvin. Plug inserted all the way in=no sound from that channel.

Resisted the urge to take ballpeen hammer to $900.00 mixing board.

I'm a Craftsman man, myself.

Back to an earlier statement I made. With the Y insert cable plugged into the mic channel insert, does the Midiverb "see" any input at all via the LEDs? I have run across bad cables NIB but that's rare.

Riis

mellowinman · #17 03-03-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

I'm a Craftsman man, myself.

Back to an earlier statement I made. With the Y insert cable plugged into the mic channel insert, does the Midiverb "see" any input at all via the LEDs? I have run across bad cables NIB but that's rare.

Riis

I think it did. It seems like we know the "Output" function is happening; but is the "Input" function? I'm leaning towards just calling it a day, and next time I'm out, grabbing another cable, just to see. I have the cable, the original package, and the receipt in the bag, ready to go back, just in case.

mellowinman · #18 03-12-2013, 10:10 PM

It was a brand new BAD CORD.

I'm so happy I can do a simple thing.

"Hey, look at me! I can use an INSERT channel!"

Doh de doh de doh...

Zooberwerx · #19 03-13-2013, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowinman

It was a brand new BAD CORD.

I'm so happy I can do a simple thing.

"Hey, look at me! I can use an INSERT channel!"

Doh de doh de doh...

That's a shame...I was really looking forward to the ballpeen hammer approach. Glad things worked out for the better. Hosa is definitely a bargain cable but I have yet to experience any problems.

Riis