Read This Page - Mackie 802-VLZ3 Owner's Manual

Read This Page!

We realize that you can hardly resist the
impulse to try out your new 802-VLZ3. All
we ask is that you read this page NOW,
and the rest can wait until you're good
and ready. But do read it — you'll be glad you did.
Level-Setting Procedure
Message to seasoned pros: do not set levels using
the old "Turn the gain up until the clip light comes on,
then back off a hair" trick. When a Mackie mixer clip
light comes on, you really are about to clip. We worked
and slaved to come up with a better system, one that
provides low noise and high headroom.
Adjusting input levels (Chs. 1–3 only)
On the first three channels, it's not even necessary
to hear what you're doing to set the optimal levels. But
if you'd like to: Plug headphones into the phones jack,
then set the phones knob about one-quarter of the way
up.
The following steps must be performed one channel at
a time:
1. Turn the gain, level and aux send knobs fully
down (counterclockwise).
2. Set the EQ knobs at the center detent.
3. Connect the signal source to the input.
4. Engage (push in) the solo switch.
5. Play something into the selected input. This
could be an instrument, a singing or speaking
voice, or a line input such as a CD player or
tape recorder output. Be sure that the volume
of the input is the same as it would be during
normal use. If it isn't, then you might have to
readjust these levels during the middle of the
set.
6. Adjust the channel's gain control so that the
meter display stays around "0" and never goes
higher than "+6."
7. If you'd like to apply some EQ, do so now and
return to step 6.
8. Disengage that channel's solo switch.
9. Repeat for each of channels 1 through 3. Note
that channel 3's gain control only affects the
mic input, not the line inputs.
Part No. SW0635 Rev. C 01/09
©2007-2009 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
(Based on a true story.)
Instant Mixing
Here's how to get going right away, assuming you have
a microphone and a keyboard:
1. Plug your microphone into channel 1's mic
input.
2. Turn on the 802-VLZ3.
3. Perform the level-setting procedure.
4. Connect cords from the main outs (XLR, 1⁄4" or
RCA, your choice) to your amplifier.
5. Hook up speakers to the amp and turn it on.
6. Turn up the 802-VLZ3's channel 1 level knob to
the center, and the main mix knob one quarter
of the way up.
7. Sing like a canary!
8. Plug your keyboard into stereo channel 5-6.
9. Turn that channel's level knob to the center.
10. Play like a madman and sing like a canary!
It's your first mix!
Other Notes
For optimum sonic performance, the channel level
knobs and the main mix knob should be set near the "U"
(unity gain) markings.
Always turn the main mix, control room/submix, and
phones level controls down before making connections
to and from your 802-VLZ3.
If you shut down your equipment, turn off your ampli-
fier or powered speakers first. When powering up, turn
them on last.
Save the shipping box! You may need it someday.
Please write your serial number here for future
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,
return authorization, make dad proud, etc.)
Purchased at:
Date of purchase:
Owner's Manual
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