MAKING CONNECTIONS
Inputs and Outputs
1. XLR Microphone Jacks
These jacks accept typical 3-pin XLR
inputs for balanced and unbalanced
signals. They can be used in conjunction
with microphones – such as professional
condenser, dynamic or ribbon microphones
- with standard XLR male connectors, and
feature low noise preamplifiers, serving
for crystal clear sound replication. The
Helix Board 12 Plus mixers feature a
total of four standard XLR microphone
inputs.
NB. When these inputs are used with condenser microphones, the Phantom
Power should be activated. However, when Phantom Power button is
engaged, single ended (unbalanced) microphones and instruments should
not be used on the Mic inputs.
2. Line Inputs
This input accepts typical 1/4" TRS or TS inputs, for balanced or
unbalanced signals. They can be used in conjunction with various
line level devices, such as keyboards, drum machines, electric
guitars, and a variety of other electric instruments.
3. Stereo Channels
The Helix Board 12 Plus mixer features a couple
of stereo channels, thrown in for maximum
flexibility. Each of these stereo channels features
two 1/4" TRS phone jacks, for the addition
of various line level input devices, such as
electronic keyboards, guitars and external signal
processors or mixers. These Stereo Channels
can also be used as Mono channels, where the
signal from any 1/4" phone jack plugged into the
Left stereo input will be duplicated to the Right
input due to the miracle of jack normalizing (this
does not work in reverse, however).
4. Stereo AUX Return
These 1/4" TS inputs are for the return of audio to the Helix Board
12 Plus mixer, processed by an external signal processor. If really
needed, they can also be used as additional stereo inputs, with
a level control located on the face of the mixer. The Stereo AUX
Return can also accept Mono signals, where plugging the 1/4"
phone jack of any device into the Left input will cause the signal
to be duplicated to the Right input also (this does not work in
reverse, however). Signals processed by the built-in digital effects
processor are cut-off when any 1/4" phone jack is plugged into
the AUX return 2.
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5. AUX / Effects Send
These 1/4" TS outputs may be used to connect to an external digital
effect processor, or even to an amplifier and speakers (depending
on your desired settings), to the mixer. The AUX send is a pre-
fader signal, suitable for sending to monitors to allow performers to
monitor their music. The EFX send signal is post-fader, suitable
for sending to external effect processors, and then return back to
the AUX returns.
6. Main L and R Outputs
These two ports will output the final stereo balanced line level
signal sent from the main mixing bus. The primary purpose of
these jacks is to send the main output to external devices, which
may include power amplifiers (and in-turn, a pair of speakers),
other mixers, as well as a wide range of other possible signal
processors (equalizers, crossovers, etcetera).
7. Control Room Outputs
These two 1/4" Phone Jack outputs feed the signal altered by the
Control Room / Submix control on the face of the mixer. This output
has extensive use, as it can be used to feed the signal from the
mixer to an active monitor, enabling, for instance, the monitoring
of the audio signal from within a booth.
8. Phones
This stereo output port is suited for use with headphones, allowing
monitoring of the mix. The audio level of this output is controlled
using the Control Room / Submix rotary control.
9. Record Out
These outputs will accommodate RCA
cables, able to be fed to a variety of
recording devices.
10. 2T Return
This stereo RCA input is used to connect
the mixer with external devices, such as
tape and CD players, and feeds the signal
to the Main L-R mixing bus.
HELIX BOARD 12 PLUS