ONYX 1220

•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.

The balanced-to-unbalanced connection has been anticipated in the wiring of Mackie jacks. A 1/4" TS plug inserted into a 1/4" TRS balanced input, for example, will automatically unbalance the input and make all the right connections. Conversely, a 1/4" TRS plug inserted into a 1/4" unbalanced input will automatically tie the ring (low or cold) to ground (earth).

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 mixer output (send) and mixer input (return) signals in one connector.

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

mixer. 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)

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.

 

ring

 

SEND to processor

tip

(TRS plug)

“tip”

sleeve

 

this plug connects to one of the

“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 mixer).

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 1220