Architecture Overview; Hardware; Software - Mackie DL1608 Reference Manual

Architecture Overview

At the very core, the DL1608 system consists of three separate parts: the DL1608 mixer, an iPad and the
Master Fader app. Each of these three components are equally important, none more so than the other.
You can play with each component separately, but you won't be able to accomplish much. Together,
though, you become Mr. Mix-A-Lot, the envy of engineers at every venue the world over. It's important
to note that the DL1608 is the digital mixer here, where one or more iPads become the interface. All D SP
processing and routing take place in the mixer itself, meaning it's not just a "dock". Let's take a quick
look at each, what they are and how they relate to each other.

Hardware

DL1608 Mixer — Every mixer in the universe has input and output jacks. The DL1608 is no different.
In addition to input and output jacks, this mixer contains 16 gain knobs and accompanying SIG/OL LEDs.
On the rear panel are the power connector and network connector. Power and 48V phantom power
switches and LEDs round out the mixer. Unlike most other mixers, though, the DL1608 doesn't have
traditional controls and won't work without an iPad and the Master Fader app. Feel free to make all
the connections you want, but you need more to control it. Mixer details begin on the next page.
iPad — The Apple iPad. Such a cool, innovative product, huh? Send and receive email, surf the web,
download and install apps for gaming, business, education, entertainment, social networking, sports,
travel, music and more. All this from nearly anywhere in the world! Hold on a second...what was that
last one? Music? Yep, music. This is where the Master Fader app comes into play. The iPad is a tool that
allows us to create the best user experience for you, a blank canvas for the Master Fader app.
So an iPad is sexy, fast and functional, but without the mixer and Master Fader app it's basically just
a smaller, more portable laptop.
An additional hardware component to add to the mix is a wireless router. One of the main
reasons for utilizing the DL1608 is for its wireless capabilities. It certainly is possible
without one, but then you would be missing out on one of the coolest features of
the DL1608. More on the router later.

Software

Master Fader App — There is a fantastic new way to mix and it's with the Master Fader app. Forgo the
burden of carrying around a big, bulky desk with hundreds of knobs. The DL1608 with iPad and Master
Fader app are the way to go! And with wireless capability, feel free to walk the venue creating mixes on
the fly utilizing the large, full-color screen touch UI. Mixing wirelessly on the fly on an app on an iPad?
That sounds out-of-this-world! It must be slow and difficult to comprehend, though, right? Wrong.
The Master Fader app is fast, fluid and intuitive. Don't believe us? Download and install the Master
Fader app for free and see for yourself...you don't even need a mixer to test drive the app!
One
DL1608
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Mixer
Missing
Match
Made in
Heaven
Impossible Piece
Mission
Missing
Master Fader App
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Mackie DL1608 Reference Guide V1.2
iPad
One