TRS Send/Receive Insert Jacks

The insert jacks on both the LM-3204 input channels 1-4 and on the left and right main buses are the three-conductor, TRS type 1⁄4" phone. They are unbalanced, but have both the mixer output (send) and the mixer input (re- turn) signals in one connector (See Figure B).

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

Using the Send Only on an Insert Jack

If you insert a TS (mono) 1/4" plug only partially (to the first click) into an LM-3204 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.

MONO PLUG

Direct out with no signal interruption to master.

Insert only to first click

MONO PLUG

Direct out with signal interruption to master.

Insert all the way in to the "second click"

STEREO

PLUG

RING TIP

For use as an effects loop.

(TIP= send to effect, RING = return from effects)

Figure E

ring

SEND

tip

tip

shield

 

this plug connects to the CR-1604

"ring"

 

RETURN

Figure F

Note: Do not overload or short-circuit the signal you are tapping from the mixer. That will affect the internal signal in the LM-3204.

MACKIE STEREO INPUTS AND RETURNS: Mono, Stereo, Whatever

The LM-3204 stereo line inputs, stereo AUX sends 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 cir- cuit, and will show up in the center of the stereo pair of buses it’s assigned to, or 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.)

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 sev-

eral inputs. If you need to

combine several outputs into one input, you must

use a mixer, not a mult or a “Y.”

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