ONYX 400F

•When connecting an unbalanced output to a bal- anced input, be sure that the signal high (hot) connections are wired to each other. The unbal- anced ground (earth) connection should be wired to the low (cold) and the ground (earth) connec- tions of the balanced input. If there are ground-loop problems, try disconnecting the unbalanced ground (earth) connection from the balanced input ground

(earth) connection, leaving the unbalanced ground connected to the balanced input low (cold) con- nection only.

In some cases, you may have to make up special adapters to interconnect your equipment. For example, you may need a balanced XLR female connected to an unbalanced 1/4" TS phone plug. Many common adapters can be found at your local electronics supply store.

TRS Send/Receive Insert Jacks

Mackie’s single-jack inserts are three-conductor 1/4" TRS phone jacks. They are unbalanced, but have both the preamp output (send) and input (return) signals in one connector.

The sleeve is the common ground (earth) for both signals. The send from the preamp to the external unit is carried on the tip, and the return from the unit to the preamp is on the ring.

 

ring

 

SEND to processor

tip

(TRS plug)

“from ti

sleeve

 

this plug connects to one of the

“to ring”

mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.

RETURN from processor

Using the Send Only on an Insert Jack

If you insert a 1/4" TS (mono) 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 preamp).

This allows you to tap out the channel’s signal at that point in the circuit without interrupting normal operation.

Note: Do not overload or short-circuit the signal you are tapping from the preamp. That will affect the internal signal.

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.

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)

Mults and “Y”s

A mult or “Y” connector allows you to route one output to two or more inputs by simply providing parallel wiring connections. You can make “Y”s and mults for the outputs of both unbalanced and balanced circuits.

Remember: Only mult or “Y” an

output into several inputs. If you need

to combine several outputs into one

input, you must use a mixer, not a mult or a “Y.”

Y-Cord Splitter

 

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ONYX 400F