"I'm using the insert sends on my Mackie mixer to drive the inputs of the audio interface for my computer, but am having trouble getting enough level to it. I've been using a standard 1/4" cable, which I think is correct. What am I doing wrong?"

You are correct that you can use a standard TS (tip/sleeve - as opposed to TRS) to connect the insert sends of your Mackie to a recorder. Just push it in until you get to the first click (not all the way in) and you'll get signal.

As for the level there are a couple of things that could be causing your problem. You didn't say what type of inputs your audio interface has. If they are inputs that require a nominal signal level of +4 dBu then you are going to have trouble driving it hard enough from those Mackie inserts as they are more in the range of -10 dBV gear. How do you tell? The best way is to consult the documentation that came with your system. However, you can generally assume that if the connectors are XLR or TRS it is +4 dBu, whereas if they are RCA phono type connectors or unbalanced 1/4" (TS) it will operate at -10 dBV.

(For much, much more on the differences between +4 dBu and -10 dBV check out our dB paper in the inSync Summits area of our website.)

One possible solution to this would be to see if you can switch the converter inputs to -10 dBV operation, or just anything lower than +4 dBu. Often a switch, or jumper inside the unit can be moved to make a change such as this, or it can be done with the software that came with your system. Otherwise you are going to need a gain stage between the Mackie and your interface. There are several good solutions for this that your Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help you with.

Your other problem could simply be that you aren't driving the Mackie hard enough. Make sure you are getting a good, strong signal into the channel. The insert send is taken before the channel fader so it will not be affected by that setting. You need to make sure you turn the preamp gain up enough to get a strong signal out of that insert.