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AUX TALK

SENDS are outputs, RETURNS are inputs. Each channel's AUX [34] knobs tap the signal off the channel and send it to the AUX SEND [6] outputs. AUX 1 and 2 are sent to the AUX SENDS 1 and 2 [49] master knobs before the AUX SEND outputs; AUX 3 through 6 are sent directly.

These outputs can be fed to the inputs of a reverb or other device. From there, the outputs of the external device are fed back to the mixer’s STEREO RETURN [7] inputs. Then these signals are sent through the STEREO RETURN [51] level controls, and finally delivered to the main mix.

So, the original “dry” signals come from the channels to the main mix, and the affected “wet” signals come from the STEREO RETURNS to the main mix, and once mixed together, the dry and wet signals combine to create a glorious sound. Armed with this knowledge, let’s visit the Auxiliary World:

49. AUX SENDS (MASTER)

These knobs provide overall level control of AUX SENDS 1 and 2, just before they’re delivered to their AUX SEND [6] outputs. This is perfect for controlling the level of stage monitors, since you’ll be using AUX 1 and 2 for this, with their PRE [35] switches engaged. AUX SENDS 3 through 6 have no such control — they’ll just send their mixes directly to their respective AUX SEND outputs at unity gain.

These knobs go from off (turned fully down), to unity gain at the center detent, with 10 dB of extra gain (turned fully up). As with some other level controls, you may never need the additional gain, but if you ever do, you’ll be glad you bought a Mackie.

This is usually the knob you turn up when the lead singer glares at you, points at his stage monitor, and sticks his thumb in the air. (It would follow suit that if the singer stuck his thumb down, you’d turn the knob down, but that never happens.)

50. AUX SENDS SOLO

Once again, in live sound situations AUX SEND 1 and

2 are likely to feed your stage monitors. You’ll want to check the mix you’re sending them, and that’s what these two buttons are for. (AUX 3 through AUX 6 have no such switch.) Beside each switch is a green LED that, just like the channel’s –20 LED [28], helps you find the rogue SOLO switch.

The only thing different about AUX SENDS SOLO is that it’s not really PFL (pre-fader listen), and it’s not really SIP (solo-in-place), it’s actually AFL (after-fader listen). During NORMAL (AFL) [44] mode , you’ll get AUX SEND 1’s solo signal, post-AUX SENDS [49] master level, in the left side of the control room outputs, phones output and meter display, and AUX SEND 2 on the right side. (If you ever use AUX 1 and 2 to create a stereo monitor mix, you’ll understand why.) In LEVEL SET (PFL) mode, you’ll get the signal dead-center, but still post-AUX SENDS master level.

51. STEREO RETURNS (LEVEL)

These four controls set the overall level of effects received from the STEREO RETURN [7] input jacks. These controls are designed to handle a wide range of signal levels — each knob goes from off, to unity gain at the detent, to 20 dB gain fully clockwise, to compensate for low-level effects. Signals passing through these level controls will proceed directly to the MAIN MIX FADER [37], with exceptions that we’ll discuss in a moment.

Typically, these knobs can just live at the center detent, and the effects device’s output control should be set at whatever they call unity gain (check their manual). If that turns out to be too loud or too quiet, adjust the effects device’s outputs, not the mixer. That way, the mixer’s knobs are easy to relocate at the center detent.

Manual Owner’s

Owner’s Manual

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