Mackie MDR24/96 Operation Manual page 10

This chapter explains how to set up and configure the MDR24/96 for use in your
studio. Two application examples show how to interface the MDR24/96 with
analog and digital recording consoles.
Of course, there's more to a studio than a recorder and some musicians. At a
minimum, you'll need the following to make the MDR24/96 feel at home:
• Three Mackie 8-channel I/O (input/output) cards.
• A console with a minimum of 24 tape sends (buses or direct outputs) and
returns (line inputs or monitor returns). If your analog console has only 8
tape sends, use Y-cord splitters to send Tape Out 1 to MDR24/96 Inputs 1,
9 and 17; Tape Out 2 to MDR24/96 Inputs 2, 10, and 18, and so forth.
• Cables to connect the MDR24/96 to the console: 3 or 6 multi-channel
snakes or fiber optic cables, depending on your I/O setup.
• All the stuff that typically connects to a console: microphones,
instruments, outboard equipment, control room monitors, and so on.
This section describes how to install the I/O cards and how to connect the
MDR24/96 to your console. Before you begin, you should choose a location for
your MDR24/96 considering the following:
• If you're not using the Remote 24 or Remote 48, position the front panel
within convenient reach of your normal recording/mixing position. Be
aware that although analog and AES/EBU cables can be fairly long, TDIF
and Remote 24/Remote 48 cables are limited to about 10 meters. ADAT
Optical cables can reach up to about 15 meters.
• The MDR24/96 requires a reliable AC power source with a good ground.
Do not use a ground lift adapter or plug the MDR24/96 into an
ungrounded receptacle. Remember, this is a computer. Using an
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to power the MDR24/96 is a good idea
to avoid an unexpected shutdown and protect it from transient line voltages.
Before applying power to the MDR24/96, make sure that the Voltage Selector
switch next to the AC inlet jack on the rear panel is set to the line voltage used
in your region. Powering-on the MDR24/96 with the Voltage Selector switch
set incorrectly can cause an electrical and fire hazard that may result in
irreparable damage to the unit.
Warning!