A: The DPS24 has a full 28 analog inputs arranged in 2 banks of 12 inputs, plus 2 x RCA tape inputs and 2 AUX inputs for bringing in sub-mixers, etc.. Each input channel has a XLR-1/4” balanced combo jack (Inputs A) and a separate line level input (Inputs B) inputs that can be selected with a push button switch located at the top of each channel strip. This virtually eliminates the need for continual re-patching by allowing you to have many devices connected while allowing you to easily select the source for that input channel.
Additionally, the first 4 input channels provide switchable phantom power and balanced inserts on separate SEND/RETURN jacks (TRS) that can also be used as DIRECT channel outs and/or direct ADC inputs. The direct ADC inputs are great if you have invested in external mic-preamps. Just connect the mic-pre to the balanced ADC input on any of the first 4 inputs and the signal goes directly to the A/D converter and bypasses the DPS24’s input stage. There’s no longer any reason to take the output of your external mic-preamp and plug it into an additional unnecessary input stage on the recorder.