A no-input rig patches outputs back to inputs and is recorded live because settings are unrepeatable

A workable no-input setup uses almost any mixer, helped by having a few AUX sends and returns and an EQ section, and benefits from being old and noisy. Outputs (Control Room, Alt, AUX sends) are patched back into the mixer’s inputs to form the feedback loop, and optional pedals or Eurorack filters/VCAs can be inserted in the path to add filtering, amplitude shaping, and rhythm before recording. Because the sliders and pots are so sensitive that repeatability is challenging if not impossible, you record everything as you improvise so no unexpected ‘sonic jewels’ are lost. Take care with levels — very slight adjustments can cause unpredictable bursts of noise, which is dangerous on headphones.

Examples

Mackie 1402: Control Room Out to line inputs, Alt Out through a distortion pedal into a delay and back to inputs, mixer main outs into Eurorack VCFs and VCAs, then to the audio interface, recording the whole improvisation.

Assessment

Describe the routing principle of a no-input rig and explain why the session is recorded live in full.