If you only want to use the INSERT jack on the Mackie as a direct out, use a TS (mono - or Tip/Sleeve) 1/4" plug, and not a TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) plug.

Insert the TS plug only partially, to the first "click". This will not trip the jack switch, and will not open the insert loop of the channel circuit.

If you're attempting an insert function with the Mackie, you will need an "insert cable". This is simply a "Y" cable made with one TRS plug, and two TS plugs. The "send" leg of the "Y" is made between the Tip/Sleeve on the TRS, and the "return" leg to the Ring/Sleeve.

Check your Mackie manual for a nice illustration if you can make cables yourself.

:w:

You can, but your signal will be pre-fader. You should use an insert cable (TRS, on one end, and (2) tip/Ring phone plugs on the other), because that will normalize the connection properly, even though you won't use both connections

-Rick

Rick, your way might cause a problem if the signal needs to also continue on thru the mixer - In that case, either the first way or a male TRS/Female TS connector would let both work (mult, sort of) Kind of depends on whether Matt wants just direct outs for recording, or is using them to drive an FX box, or??? Matt, more details of what you're trying to do? Thanks... Steve

i basically bought the mixer for the pre amps instead of buying say a couple audio buddies or something like that and for monitoring.i just want to use the direct outs right to my recorder (akai dps12i) so i can get more mics on the drums. the only effect i will be using for now is an RNC compressor, for now i've just been putting that in the auxillery send.

In that case, any of the above methods will work, since you don't care whether the signal gets any further than the insert jacks. SLEEPYHEAD ALERT - I just reread about the RNC from the aux sends - If you're doing that, you need to complete the normal path thru the mixer, since the aux sends are 99% likely to come off AFTER the insert points. Two similar ways to do it: If you're handy with a soldering iron, get some TRS connectors and some (whatever Akai uses, RCA, TS, ?) and wire the TRS tip+ring to the center conductor of the other end (akai), this way you can make the cables any length you want - or, AMS was blowing out some of the Tascam low capacitance patch cables, mostly RCA - If the Akai is RCA, one of the Tascam cables would let you only have to wire the other end to a TRS jack. A no-solder way would be a phone/RCA adapter in the insert, with an RCA/RCA cable to the akai (I'm not at all familiar with the Akai, so I'm only guessing at the other end of the cable. ) Sonically, the cleanest way is the one with the least number of plug-in connections and the best quality cable - and at this point in the signal chain, it would be even more important to stay as clean as possible. Also, if you can afford Switchcraft, Neutrik, Belden, Canare, Mogami, etc, stay away from Radio Shack. Yeah, they fill a need, but I have seen their cable-mount RCA connectors - There is enough metal in a Switchcraft 3502 to make 2 or 3 RS versions. However you decide to go, let us know and we'll all be more than glad to pick it apart for ya, each in our own endearing way... :=)... Steve