Mackie DX8 instruction manual Connections

Connections

Connecting Balanced Sources

Use high-quality three-conductor cable for balanced connections, such as Star Quad by Belden, Canare, Mogami, etc. The better the shield, the better the audio signal is protected from induced EMI and RFI.

Note: With screw-down connectors, it's best to use stranded wire that is not tinned. Solder can "flow" under the pressure of the screw-down terminal and cause the connection to become loose.

To connect a balanced mic or line-level signal: Strip the wire back about 1/4" inch, insert the wire as far as it will go into the appropriate hole in the supplied Phoenix-type connector, and tighten down the screw with a small slot-head screwdriver.

It is recommended that you use 20 or 22 gauge wire with the Phoenix-type connectors. The connectors are wired as follows:

Pin 1 = Ground (Shield) Pin 2 = Hot (+)

Pin 3 = Cold (–)

1 2 3

Gnd + –

Balanced Connection (Line Input Shown)

Note: To connect to the MIC inputs, turn the connector upside-down relative to the LINE input connector. Double check the wiring with the wiring graphics indicated on the rear panel.

Connecting Unbalanced Sources

It may be necessary to connect a 2-conductor unbalanced input to a balanced input on the DX8.

To connect an unbalanced line-level signal: Follow the instructions for connecting a balanced

line-level signal above, but wire the connector as follows:

Pin 1 = Ground (Shield) Pin 2 = Hot (+)

Pin 3 = Ground

1 2 3

Gnd +

Unbalanced Connection

Connecting the DIRECT OUTPUTS

This is a 15-pin D-Sub connector. The signals on the DIRECT OUTPUT are unbalanced. Use shielded, twisted pairs for the DIRECT OUTPUT cable to ensure the best rejection of external noise (EMI and RFI).

The DIRECT OUTPUT connector is wired as follows:

DIRECT OUTPUTS

	15	8	INPUT 1 HOT (+)
SIGNAL RETURN
			INPUT 2 HOT (+)
SIGNAL RETURN
			INPUT 3 HOT (+)
SIGNAL RETURN
			INPUT 4 HOT (+)
SIGNAL RETURN
			INPUT 5 HOT (+)
SIGNAL RETURN
			INPUT 6 HOT (+)
SIGNAL RETURN
			INPUT 7 HOT (+)
SIGNAL RETURN

9 INPUT 8 HOT (+) 1

DIRECT OUTPUTS Pinout Connection

Connecting the RECORD Outputs

These are RCA-type unbalanced connectors. Use high-quality shielded cable with RCA-type plugs for these connections.

Connecting the Bus A and B OUTPUTS

These are 3-pin Phoenix-type connectors that

provide a balanced line-level output signal from Bus A and Bus B. Use high-quality, three-conductor shielded cable for these connections.

DX8 – 12