Front Panel Introduction; Gain Knobs; Sig / Ol Leds - Mackie DL806 Owner's Manual

Front Panel Introduction

Each DL1608 mixer is outfitted with 16 gain knobs, 16 sig / OL LEDs, one phones output jack and one
phones knob. Each DL806 mixer is outfitted with eight gain knobs, eight sig / OL LEDs, one phones output
jack and one phones knob. Let's take a look at each of these features, starting with the gain knobs.

Gain Knobs

The gain knobs adjust the input sensitivity of the mic and mic/line inputs. This allows signals
from the outside world to be adjusted to run through each channel at optimal internal operating
levels. All channels may accept a balanced mic or line-level signal using an XLR connector, while
channels 13-16 [on the DL1608; channels 5-8 on the DL806] also accept 1/4" line-level signals.
The gain knobs are analog controls, and are therefore NOT recallable.
If a balanced mic or line-level signal is connected to any channel, there is 0 dB of gain with the knob fully
down, ramping up to 60 dB of gain fully up.
If a 1/4" line-level signal is connected, there is 20 dB of attenuation with the knob fully down and 40 dB
of gain fully up, with unity gain "U" at 10:00
This 20 dB of attenuation can be very handy when inserting a hot signal from a line-level source. Without
this "virtual pad, " there is more chance of channel clipping.
Because of the low-noise, high-headroom Onyx mic preamps, it is possible to use the mixer
strictly as a wireless system and store the mixer away (in an equipment room, for example).
Just make sure to LOWER the gain knobs a touch to gain extra headroom before clipping.

Sig / OL LEDs

This dual-colored LED will illuminate green when the channel's input signal is present, indicating signal.
It will remain lit so long as there is signal above –20 dBu present in that channel.
This dual-colored LED will illuminate red when the channel's input signal is too high, indicating a signal
overload. This should be avoided, as distortion will occur. If the OL LED comes on regularly, check that
the gain knob is set correctly for the input device. The signal is at –3 dB before hard clip begins.
DL1608 Front Panel
11
DL806 and DL1608 Owner's Manual