Inputs & Outputs
Where your signal enters and exits the channel strip.
XLR / TRS Combo Jack
The combo jack at the top of each channel accepts both XLR (3-pin balanced) and TRS (1/4" tip-ring-sleeve) connectors. XLR is preferred for microphones over long cable runs — the balanced connection rejects noise. TRS accepts balanced line-level sources such as direct boxes and keyboards.
Line In & Direct Out
A separate Line In jack (often 1/4" TRS) bypasses the preamp and feeds the channel at unity gain — used for line-level sources like playback devices or stage boxes. The Direct Out is a pre-fader send that copies the channel signal to a recorder, broadcast feed, or digital snake.
PAD Switch (−20 dB)
The PAD attenuates the incoming signal by 20 dB before it hits the preamp. Engage it when miking very loud sources — kick drums, guitar amp cabs, brass instruments — that would otherwise overload the input even with gain at minimum.
Phase Reverse (Ø)
Flipping the phase switch inverts the polarity of the signal, swapping the positive and negative halves of the waveform. Use it to fix phase cancellation when two microphones pick up the same source (e.g. top and bottom snare mics). Always listen before and after — trust your ears.
48V Phantom Power
Phantom power supplies +48 V DC on pins 2 and 3 of the XLR connector, powering condenser microphones and active DI boxes. Always verify phantom is off before connecting a ribbon microphone — some vintage ribbons can be damaged. Dynamic microphones and passive DIs are unaffected by phantom.