Mackie DX8 instruction manual Setups, Audio

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Each individual channel is attenuated by an amount, in dB, equal to the difference, in dB, between that channel’s level and the sum of all the channel levels. This keeps the overall system gain constant, and allows the system to deliver maximum acoustic gain without feedback.

There are three parts to the automixing feature in the DX8.

AUTO: This button turns Automixing on or off for an individual channel in the Mix A or Mix B output. This also enables the automatic gating feature. When the signal level drops below a threshold (determined by the automix algorithm), the gate activates (closes) and reduces the gain by an amount determined by the control just above the AUTO button, and ranges from 0 dB (no gate) to –60 dB (full gating). This control is sometimes called attenuation depth.

The release time of the gate (how

fast the gate closes once the signal falls below the threshold) can be set to 0.5 seconds or 1.5 seconds with the buttons just below the AUTO button. The attack time is preset with a very quick response so the instant a signal appears at the input, the channel opens. This prevents the first word from being cutoff when someone begins to speak.

NOM: Each channel can be configured independently for each of the two mix outputs. The NOM button determines whether that channel is included in the automix calculations for the mix output. If the NOM button is selected on a channel (lit), then its gain is automatically and continuously adjusted by the automix algorithm.

ALC: This is an Automatic Level Control, and works like a “smart” compressor. The threshold is automatically calculated, and the release time is deliberately set to be very long to avoid the perception of “pumping.” The range control, located just above the ALC button, sets the range through which the ALC circuit works on the signal. It can be adjusted from 0 dB (no action), to –20 dB (the channel’s output level remains constant from the threshold to 20 dB above the threshold). This provides a safety

net in the event that a very loud signal should suddenly appear at the input.

MIX A and B Automixing Controls

The Mix A and Mix B outputs also

each have an ALC control. Click on the ALC button to turn it on, and adjust the range from 0 dB to –20 dB.

Each of the outputs have a MAX NOM selection, from one to eight. When 8 is selected, all eight of the inputs are included in the automixing calculations when NOM and AUTO is enabled. If 4 is selected, only four inputs are included in the automixing calculations. The first four active channels are included, and the

remaining channels are gated off until one of the first four active channels turns off.

You can also choose whether to have the last

active channel remain open (LAST), to have Input 1 remain open (INP 1), or to have no channels remain open (NONE) when there is no signal appearing at any of the inputs. This can be set independently for Mix A and Mix B outputs.

Setups

Audio In

Click this button to open the Audio Input window. Make the following settings and assignments in the Audio Input window:

Name: Enter a name for each channel with the keyboard. It will accept up to 32 characters.

Mute Groups: Assign each input to one of 8 mute groups. Use a Mute Group to turn off (mute) two or more channels at the same time. Mute Groups are controlled by either a Logic Input or a Selection Remote Control configured to operate a Mute Group.

Assign Fader A to Control Group: Assign input Bus A faders to one of 8 control groups.

Assign Fader B to Control Group: Assign input Bus B faders to one of 8 control groups.

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Contents DX8 Digital Audio Mixer Signal Processor With Automixing Table of Contents Introduction KEY FeaturesInput LED Display Front Panel FeaturesMode Rear Panel FeaturesOutputs A/B SIGNAL-FLOW DiagramTypical Stereo Application Application DiagramsZoneB Typical Two-Zone ApplicationSecondary Two DX8s in Church ApplicationWith Two-ZonesApplication BoardRoomTypical Stereo Application Application DiagramsTypical Two-Zone Application Two DX8s In Church ApplicationConnections Connecting the Logic I/O AC Power ConsiderationsConnecting the Remote BUS Start Up Quick StartSet the Levels Using Inputs Using the Digital Signal ProcessorsUsing the BUS a and B Inputs Using the Logic I/O Using the Record OutputDirect Outputs Outputs a and BLogic Inputs Front Panel LockLogic Outputs Upgrading the Software Connecting a PC Installing the SoftwareUpgrading the Firmware Menu Bar OverviewFile Quit Ctrl+QConfiguration File Firmware UpgradeAdvanced DX8 Unit InfoWindows Indicators and PresetsActive Logic Inputs Active Mute GroupsSave To Preset PresetsClear Edits On LineViews ButtonsAutomix CompressAudio SetupsStart LogicLogic Out Action DefinitionsChannel Strip Output DSP On/Off Buttons Output StripDX8 Block Diagram SpecificationsInputs / Outputs DX8 SpecificationsDX8 Disclaimer Service InformationAppendix a Logic Input Functions Appendix C Selection Remote Predefined Functions Mackie Designs Inc