I'm now involved with theatre that needs to do some work on improving the set-up within its sound mixing area.

We have an 18 channel Allen & Heath desk plus 1 effects unit and 3 stereo Compressors. This processing kit is sufficient for the theatre's needs/productions. There is also an unused configurable jackfield (normalled/semi-normalled etc) in the rack.

I'm thinking of now using the current jackfield set up semi-normalised to access the mixing desk channel insert points, group insert points and main insert. (Just accessing all the Desk Inserts!)

I'm then thinking of buying another jackfield set-up un-normalled for the compressor inputs and outputs to be able to patch the desk input points as required.

I'm thinking about leaving the effects unit off of the jackfield to make life easy and wire it permanently from a spare Post Fade AUX and bring the return back into a spare pair of line input channels.
Also if we then get a graphic EQ we could have the option of patching that into ie the main insert points or not should we choose.

I can't see the point of wiring the Effects unit on the jackfield in this scenario? Am I missing something?

The other option I guess is too leave the jackfield (as it currently is) and just hardwire the insert points manually on the back of the desk as required?

Just wondered if these ideas would logistically and operational make sense and be valid with other such live sound environments/set-ups?

Regards

Sorry if this is obvious, but could you not just plug 6 Y-leads into the comps and dangle the ends near the desk to connect as required? Or even buy and insert loom?

Or is it a GL2 desk with all inputs on the underside?

What do you use the 6 channels of compression for? Tell us about your setup and the sort of shows you put on, then you might get some useful advice!

The theatre is used for both a variety of live music and some stage shows.Any Compression used would be applied/connected on inserts on individual channels or groups for typical Compression reasons.
I was just simply interested to know how other small live music venues/theaters who have minimal outboard might set-up for accessibility/interconnection purposes (Jackfield/no jackfield/just jackfield for inserts etc).

I could leave x6 trailing inserts leads to plug into the back of the desk as the insert connections are accessible.
There might be sound engineers who come into the theatre and I just thought this might be frowned upon.....

I reckon I'll go with my original thoughts.
Sorry if this post is a bit vague or if I can't get my question across properly......

Cheers for the replies anyhow.