MIXER ANATOMY: CHAPTER 2

In recording applications, the TAPE INPUT jacks provide a convenient way to play back your mixes through the Control Room monitors. You’ll be able to listen to a mix, then rewind and try another pass without repatching or disturbing the mixer levels. In sound reinforcement applications, you can use these jacks to feed intermission music from a tape or CD player without tying up a mixer channel.

If your mixdown recorder has balanced XLR outputs at the “pro” operating level of +4 dBu, then in order to use the TAPE INPUTs, you will have to adapt the connector type, as well as attenuating the signal level by approximately 10 dB to avoid overloading.

If the recorder has an output level control, just turn it down. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase or build an in-line attenuator. Alternately, you can connect the recorder outputs through an XLR-TRS cable to a channel line input.

Control and routing of the TAPE inputs varies among models. Check the Control Room Source controls in the Master section for particulars.

Auxiliary Return Inputs

Auxiliary Returns are line-level inputs designed for connecting the outputs of effects devices. They can also be used to connect extra line-level audio sources. They’re balanced 1/4" TRS jacks, and will accept signals from just about any pro or semi-pro effects device on the market.

Typically, Auxiliary Returns from effects are routed to the main L/R busses, but on certain models, they can also be easily routed to AUX sends or subgroup busses for more flexibility.

Talkback Microphone Input

Some Mackie consoles are equipped with a connector for a dedicated talkback microphone. A mic plugged into this XLR jack can be routed to the main mix, allowing you to speak to the audience (“And now, let’s give a warm welcome to The SLOUGH- TONES - YEAH!!”) or via AUX Sends 1-2 to stage monitors or headphones (“Hey Flash! Your D string is flat!”).

The talkback mic has its own volume control and routing switches located in the Master area of the console.

The 8-Bus console has the talkback mic built into the console. Just push the button and talk. In addition to communication with the players, the Talkback mic on the 8-Bus console can be sent to the

 

 

 

 

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Compact Mixer Reference Guide

 

 

 

bus outputs to slate the tape. (“Purple Tears, take seventeen.”)

The Onyx series mixers let you have it both ways. There’s a built-in talkback mic as well as a connector for an external talkback mic. It has 48 V phantom power (always applied), so you can use a condenser mic if you wish. Remember, though, that it’s not a good idea to “hot plug” a mic to a connector that has phantom power. Turn your mixer off before plugging or unplugging your talkback mic whether it’s a condenser or a dynamic. It could save your mic!

Don’t feel left out if your console isn’t equipped with dedicated talkback circuitry. You can accomplish the same thing by plugging a mic into a spare input channel and routing it to wherever you want to be heard.

Main Outputs

When we speak of the main outputs, we’re talking about outputs from the left and right (stereo) bus- ses. These outputs are controlled by the MAIN MIX fader. This is where the fully mixed audio enters the real world.

The MAIN OUTPUTS on XLR connectors are dif- ferential, providing an extra 6 dB of output level, up to +28 dBu.

The Main outputs are duplicated on impedance balanced 1/4" TRS jacks. These provide up to +22 dBu output level, and work equally well when connected to either balanced or unbalanced inputs.

When connected to a balanced input using a TRS plug, they appear to the input as a balanced output with nearly all the benefits of a differential, balanced source. When connected to an unbalanced input, they appear as an unbalanced source, at the same output level as the balanced TRS outputs.

The PPM series mixers, since they’re intended primarily for use with their own internal amplifiers, have only 1/4" unbalanced jacks for the main mix outputs.