“I’m using a mixer that has channel inserts, but no direct outs. I wish to use this mixer to send mic signals to my PC DAW. Is it safe to split the signal from the insert send, such that I can simultaneously feed the DAW input, as well as return the signal back to the mixer for monitoring purposes? If this is safe, does anyone make a cable for this purpose? Or do I make my own?”
First let’s clarify some terminology. Most DAW systems do not have mic level inputs so I think when you say you want to send “mic signals” to your DAW you are intending to send them at line level, after they pass through the mic preamp in your mixer. In that case it is safe to pull the signal from your inserts just as you would direct outs (inserts are almost always taken after the mic amp). Similarly you can route signals from your DAW outputs back into those same insert returns. The net result of this is simply that you are “inserting” your DAW’s I/O on those channels of your mixer. When you play back tracks on the DAW they will appear on those mixer channels almost as if they were connected to the line inputs (the main difference being the trim [gain] control will not have any effect on the level). It is important, however, to be aware of where things like equalization and aux sends appear in the signal path of your mixer. They each may appear before or after your insert point, and thus will only be available for that part of the operation. Probably not a show stopper, but something you should consider before you invest time and money in cables to set your system up that way. Speaking of cables, there are a wide variety of insert cables available, so it’s likely you can find what you need right off the shelf. If your DAW has all 1/4 inch I/O then you simply need insert cables that terminate to 1/4 inch connectors, which are very common. One will connect to the input and the other to the output – obviously the TRS connector will connect to the insert point. Some mixers have the insert send and return on separate connectors. There’s no functional difference; it just makes things even easier.