Mackie DX8 instruction manual Quick Start, Start Up, Set the Levels

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LINE

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MIC + G

4. OPERATION

Quick Start

Reading the instruction manual is the only way to fully understand the features and functions of the DX8. However, the Quick Start provides a quick overview to get the DX8 set up and working fast.

Make sure the power switch is off while setting up and making connections to the DX8.

Make the Connections Determine which inputs to use for

program sources and which to use for microphones. Follow the wiring

diagram on the rear panel to make the connections.

Make use of the PHANTOM POWER switches if any of the microphones

require phantom power. Phantom power is present when the switch is in the UP position.

Make use of the supplied Phoenix connectors with appropriate wiring to connect to the amplifier inputs. Connect the power amplifier outputs to speakers appropriate for the amplifier’s specified output power.

Connect a personal computer loaded with the DX8-PC control software to the COMM PORT on the DX8. The RS-232 serial port from the computer can be connected to either COMM PORT on the DX8 (front panel or rear panel).

Start Up

Before turning on the DX8, set the TRIM controls all the way down.

Turn on the DX8 power switch. Open the DX8- PC control software on the computer and click On Line. This begins the communication between the DX8 and the computer.

Configure the DX8 for the current application. Set all the EQ controls flat. Adjust the input faders and the output faders all the way down.

Note: When the UP/DOWN buttons are pressed, the meters indicate the gain of the channel relative to its maximum gain. After five seconds, the meters revert to normal peak program metering.

Set the Levels

MIC and LINE Input Trim

The analog trim controls on the rear panel are not adjustable via the control software since these are in the analog domain, prior to the A/D converters. To adjust the MIC and LINE TRIM controls:

1.Start the program source playback for Input 1 or, if a microphone is connected, have someone speak into the microphone at a normal volume.

2.Adjust the Input 1 TRIM control so the meter indication is at or around –10 dB. The peaks should regularly hit, and occasionally exceed the –10 dB level. This provides plenty of headroom for transient peaks.

Input Mix Levels

After setting the MIC and LINE TRIM controls as instructed above, adjust the input mix levels to unity gain (Ctrl+click on the fader to set it to unity gain).

The control is at unity gain when both the –10 and –7 LEDs are lit. Adjust the input faders on the eight input channels individually to achieve a balanced mix.

MASTER A and B Output Levels

Before adjusting the MASTER A and B output faders, turn on the power amplifier.

If the power amplifier has level controls:

1.Turn the amplifier level controls all the way down.

2.Adjust the output faders to unity “U” on-screen. Have the program sources playing. The peaks on the master output meter should regularly hit, and occasionally exceed the –10 dB level. This provides a nominal +4 dBu level at the OUTPUTS.

3.Slowly increase the amplifier level controls to attain the volume level desired. If the volume gets too loud too fast, adjust the MASTER A and B output level controls to –15 dB or –20 dB. If the volume level isn’t loud enough, adjust the MASTER A and B output level controls to –5 or –10. Be careful that the peak level doesn't hit the OL (overload) indicator on the meter, which may run the risk of driving the output into clipping.

If the power amplifier doesn’t have level controls:

1.Slowly adjust the MASTER A and B output level controls until the –10 and –7 dB LED indicators light (or to unity “U” on-screen), or until the desired volume level is attained. If the volume level isn’t loud enough, adjust the MASTER A and B output level controls to –5 or –10. Be careful that the peak level doesn't hit the OL (overload) indicator on the meter, which may run the risk of driving the output into clipping.

DX8 – 14