Mackie PPM1012 Tape Inputs, Tape Outputs, Main Inserts, Main Outputs, Main Mono Output

12. FX RTN 1 and FX RTN 2

These 1/4" TRS input connectors allow you to add the stereo processed output from external effects processors to the main mix. Adjustment of the incom- ing signals is made with the FX return faders [57]. The signals can also be muted and soloed (and so cued up in headphones) like any other input.

You can also use these inputs to add any stereo line- level signals to your main mix, so it could be another source, not just an effects processor. The inputs are similar to the channel line-level inputs, only without the gain control, channel EQ or pan. A sample of the FX 1 return can be added to monitor 1 and 2 using the FX 1 to mon 1 [56] and FX 1 to mon 2 controls.

13. TAPE INPUTS

These stereo unbalanced RCA inputs allow you to play a tape, CD or other line-level source whenever the band is taking a break. The input is only enabled when the break switch [51] is engaged, at which time, the main mix is bypassed, and only the tape input will play in the main loudspeakers.

14. TAPE OUTPUTS

These stereo unbalanced RCA outputs allow you to record the main stereo mix onto a tape deck, hard disk recorder, automatic CD burner, or a computer, for example. This lets you make a recording for poster- ity/archive/legal purposes whenever the band gets back together again.

The tape output is the stereo main mix, but it is not affected by the main fader [59], or the main graphic EQ [44].

15. MAIN INSERTS

These unbalanced 1/4" TRS jacks can be used for connecting serial effects processors such as compres- sors, equalizers, de-essers, or filters. The insert point is before the main mix master graphic EQ [44] and the main mix fader [59]. The main mix signals can go out of the insert jack to an external device, be processed (or whatever) and come back in on the same insert jack. To do this requires a special insert cable that must be wired thusly (just like a channel insert):

	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

Tip = send (output to effects device)

Ring = return (input from effects device)

Sleeve = common ground

16. MAIN OUTPUTS	Owner’s
These balanced 1/4" TRS and XLR outputs supply the
stereo main mix at line-level. You can connect these
outputs to the line-level inputs of external power ampli-
fiers running passive loudspeakers, or to the inputs of
powered loudspeakers. This is useful if you need more
power, or if you already have this equipment. Then you	Manual
speaker-level outputs [3] (when set to stereo mains).
can use the internal amplifiers to power other loud-
speakers, such as passive monitors, after setting the
amp mode switch [53] appropriately.
These line-level outputs play the same signal as the
17. MAIN MONO OUTPUT
These 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors supply a copy of
the main mix summed together in glorious living mono.
This is ideal for running a mono PA system, by connect-
ing to the inputs of an external power amplifier running
a passive loudspeaker, or directly to a powered loud-
speaker. Whatever adjustments you make to the main
mix, will affect this output. The output here can be
adjusted with the mono out control [55], and turned up
or down relative to the main left and right outputs.

When the low pass filter (LPF) switch [54] is en- gaged, the mono output passes only the frequency range below the frequency set by the low-pass control

[54].This allows you to use the mono output to run to the inputs of powered subwoofers, or to the inputs of amplifiers running passive subwoofers. (The main left and right outputs still play the full frequency range.) Tweaking the mono out control will allow you to balance the subwoofer output with the left and right mains.

18. HEADPHONE OUTPUT

This 1/4" TRS connector supplies the output to your stereo headphones.

In normal operation, you will hear the main left and right mix, and the headphones volume level can be ad- justed with the phones level control [19]. The main mix fader [59] will also affect the headphones level.

Whenever a solo switch [41] is engaged, you will only hear the soloed channel(s) in the headphones. This gives you the opportunity to audition the chan- nels before they are added to the main mix. (Solo signals reaching the headphones are not affected by the channel faders or main fader, therefore turn down the phones level first, as soloed channels may be loud.)

The phones output follows standard conventions:

Tip = Left channel

Ring = Right channel

Sleeve = Common ground

Owner’s Manual 13