Introduction - Mackie HM-54 User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie HM-54 Four-Channel
Headphone Amplifier. This 1U rackmount unit features
left and right TRS main inputs, as well as left and right
TRS "direct inputs" on each of the four channels.
The front panel provides an input select switch for
each channel, allowing you to choose between the main
stereo mix or the stereo "direct input." In addition,
each channel has its own headphone level control and
two headphone jacks, one on the front for easy access
and one on the back panel for hard-wired rackmount
installations.
The HM-54 provides four separate headphone mixes,
each of which can be switched between the main stereo
mix or a custom mix, perhaps from a pair of subgroup
outputs on the mixer, routed to the left and right phones
input on the HM-54.
A Main Phones input jack allows you to use the
headphone output on the mixer as the main input to
the HM-54 instead of a left and right line-level output.
A Main Input Level control is used to adjust the overall
main input level.
The rugged construction of the HM-54 makes it a
roadworthy companion to your arsenal of gear either
inside or outside of a rack.
Please write your serial number here for future
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,
return authorization, etc.)
Purchased at:
Date of purchase:
4
HM-54
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
We know that many of you can't wait to get your
new headphone amp hooked up, and you're probably
not going to read the manual first (sigh!). So the first
section after this introduction is a Quick-Start Guide
called "Getting Started" to help you get the HM-54 set
up fast so you can start using it right away. Right after
that are the ever popular hook-up diagrams that show
typical setups for live sound and recording.
Then, when you have time, read the Features
Description section. This describes every knob, button,
and connection point on the HM-54.
Throughout this section you'll find illustrations with
each feature numbered. If you want to know more
about a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate
illustration, notice the number attached to it, and find
that number in the nearby paragraphs.
This icon marks information that
is critically important or unique to
the HM-54. For your own good, read
them and remember them. They will
be on the final test.
This icon leads you to in-depth
explanations of features and practical
tips. While not mandatory, they
usually have some valuable nugget of
information.
A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION
Appendix B is a section on connectors: balanced
connectors, unbalanced connectors, and the phones
connectors used on the HM-54.
More resources on our website at www.mackie.com.
THE GLOSSARY: A Haven of Non-Techiness for
the Neophyte
The "Glossary of Terms" is a fairly comprehensive
dictionary of pro-audio terms. If terms like "clipping,"
"noise floor," or "unbalanced" leave you blank, refer to
this glossary for a quick explanation.
ARCANE MYSTERIES ILLUMINATED
"Arcane Mysteries" discusses some of the down 'n' dirty
practical realities of microphones, fixed installations,
grounding, and balanced versus unbalanced lines. It's a
goldmine for the neophyte, and even the seasoned pro
might learn a thing or two.