How are stereo returns used?

[tootallll]

We have found a new church home. They really don't have a sound person, so I have been helping out quite a bit. The Allen & Heath GL2200 used in our new church home has much less functionality than the Crest HPW-28 mixer I had been using.

I am trying to to figure out how to best utilize the GL2200. Since there is nothing plugged into the stereo returns I'd like to utilize them in some way if possible. I am not familiar with stereo returns. How are are stereo returns used? I would imagine they could be used for stereo playback from cd/dvd/tapes...any other uses? There are four stereo channels not being used. We have 9 Sennheiser wireless mics, three keyboards, some kind of bongo drum, cd player, and a dvd player connected to the mono channels

I am trying to connect a TC Electronics M-One effects processor but don't know how since all the aux's on the board are utilized (I connected through two aux channels on my old board)...any suggestions?
Thanks!
Mike

[kbob]

You could either patch the cd et al through the stereo returns (losing some of the ability to control it), or do the same with the effects returns (both of which are commonly done in channel short situations...). So, couldn't find enough earplugs to make the trip our way again? lol

we're a bit louder now, I think...

But glad you found a new home!

[cmchamp]

Here's my recommendation.
All aux sends are utilized by something else, yes?
Then, you have two options assuming you want to use the M-One on vocals only.
If vocals are assigned to a buss - in this example, buss 1 - grab signal from either the XLR Buss Output, or the first click on the Buss 1 Insert. (This can also be done with a modified cable with a TRS on one end [the tip and ring jumpered] to TS on the other).
From here, into the TC M-One, out to your stereo returns.
Did we follow that as clear as mudd?
C

[Les]

I typically only use the stereo returns if I am short on actual channels. As long as I have channels open, either mono or stereo, I tend to leave the stereo returns unused.

If i am short on channels I tend to route the CD player there first providing I am only using it for background music and don't need the flexibility of a regular channel. I might also use it for a tape check return (I use tape check as a record deck, whether is be tape, cd, computer, etc). Not necessarily to play back for the audience but just have a place to listen to that for QC.

The next thing I route is the effects returns. Again, this is if I am short on real channels.

So, the long and short of it is, the stereo returns are the last inputs I usually use on a console. They do not offer near the features and flexibility of a mono or stereo input channel so I tend to use them less.

Unless you are short on channels I wouldn't bother using the stereo returns.

As far as the aux channels. What are all of the auxes used for? If one is a record mix, or a feed to nursery or lobby speakers then there are other outputs that could be used and you could feed the other sources from that.

[tootallll]

...kbob...the spl not a prob for me, I like it LOUD!...couldn't make the date. Hey, saw a post yesterday that CMN is coming to Orlando in 2009. This is the first I heard about it, very cool. Let me know what dates and how I can help!

...champ...clear as mud...I really would like to assign the M1 to an aux so I can add effects to other channels as needed. I'll investigate a little further and see if there is an aux I can free up. Maybe I'll drop subtle hints of how well a LS9 would work for us.

Yup, new church home and we're very happy. We felt right at home on our first visit and the church is just a couple blocks down the street from where we live. We know the Pastor and MoM as my wife and I have sung in their Christmas cantatas. The services are light contemporary with a small praise team, three keyboards, and as I mentioned some kind of bongo drum (the drum has an unusual name which I can't think of at the moment.)

We have two services with a total of about 150-200 in attendance. I worked the two services last Sunday doing both sound and video. I was given the opportunity that morning to change some backgrounds in their Easy Worship schedule with some loops I had with me and a welcome loop I made for Memorial Day. I guess it was well received as I was a bit embarrassed when introduced by the pastor to some of the current media team volunteers as someone they could learn a few things from...yikes.
God is Great!
Mike

[cmchamp]

At least you've got a HI/LOW EQ option on those stereo returns and the ability to route them to Aux1 and Aux2.
Freeing up an aux would be great.
I recently evaluated a system for a local church that went with my competition 3 years ago for a new install. They have a SoundCraft LX7, only 2 auxes are being utilized, but each of the 4 busses is being used as a send for audio recording, video recording, hearing assistance and nursery feed. All of those feeds could have been sent off one aux using a distribution amplifier.
I could go on and on, but I won't.
C.

[waynehoskins]

Perhaps that drum is a djembe?

I use stereo returns for CD and background music, things where I don't need it to go many places or to do much to it. Even if I have enough free holes elsewhere on the console, I still usually keep them there to get them out of the way.

The 2200 is a good console. My favorite still is the GL4K, very versatile. Perhaps you might be able to swing them to a larger GL-series board if you want to stay analog. And if you replace the GL2200, send it my way, they're useful.

[tootallll]

Originally Posted by waynehoskins

Perhaps that drum is a djembe?...

That's it...a djembe...it has a great sound!