If you insert a TS (mono) 1⁄4" plug only partially (to the first click) into a Mackie insert jack, the plug will not activate the jack switch and will not open the insert loop in the circuit (thereby allowing the channel signal to continue on its merry way through the mixer).
This allows you to tap out the channel or bus signal at that point in the circuit without interrupting normal operation.
If you push the 1⁄4" TS plug in to the second click, you will open the jack switch and create a direct out, which does interrupt the signal in that channel. See Figure F.
NOTE: Do not overload or
MONO PLUG
Channel Insert jack
Direct out with no signal interruption to master.
Insert only to first “click.”
MONO PLUG
Channel Insert jack
Direct out with signal interruption to master.
Insert all the way in to the second “click.”
STEREO
PLUG
Channel Insert jack
For use as an effects loop.
(TIP= SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect.)
Figure F
Stereo line inputs and stereo AUX returns are a fine example of the Mackie philosophy (which we just made up) of Maximum Flexibility with Minimum Headache. The inputs and returns will automatically be mono or stereo, depending upon how you use the jacks. Here’s how it works:
A mono signal should be patched into the input or return jack labeled Left (MONO). The signal will be routed to both the left and right sides of the return circuit, and will show up in the center of the stereo pair of buses it’s assigned to, or it can be “panned” with the Balance control.
A stereo signal, having two plugs, should be patched into the LEFT (MONO) and the RIGHT input or return jacks. A jack switch in the RIGHT jack will disable the mono function, and the signals will show up in stereo.
A mono signal connected to the RIGHT jack will show up in the right bus only. You probably will only want to use this sophisticated effect for special occasions (weddings, bar mitzvahs, Rush Limbaugh’s birthday party, etc.)
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