How To Use This Manual - Mackie Digital 8 Bus Owner's Manual

first, and then get into the more detailed
information later on. That way, you can do a
minimal amount of reading to get started, and
read the in-depth sections as it becomes
necessary. Notice that the page numbers
include the chapter number. For example, page
6-23 is the 23rd page of chapter 6.
manual—as well as the index section in back—
will help you answer questions about specific
buttons and/or operations of the Digital 8•Bus.
a stand-alone console. However, it does provide
connections for a keyboard, mouse, and SVGA
monitor. Whenever an operation is described
that can be performed either from the console
surface or with the mouse/keyboard/monitor
combination, both methods of operation are
described. If you have a mouse, keyboard, and
monitor connected, you can compare the two
methods and decide which works best for you.
Chapter 1: Introduction
gentle guide to the features and manual of your
new console.
Chapter 2: Digital 8•Bus Description
D8B's top panel and rear panel here, along
with a diagram of the Remote CPU's rear
panel. Its numbered callouts are referenced to
the text in this section, which describes every
knob, button, control, and jack on the Digital
8•Bus. In addition, there's a picture of the
graphical user interface screen with a
description of each control.
Chapter 3: Start-Up
D8B, its system defaults, and how to change
system options.
Chapter 4: Making the Connections
make between the Digital 8•Bus and the various
external equipment that you may use with it.
From microphones to external effects to analog
or digital recorders, it's all covered here.
Chapter 5: Preparing for a Session
automation. Creating new sessions, saving files
to the hard drive or floppy drive, and creating
snapshots and locate points are some of the
topics discussed.
Chapter 6: Starting a New Session/Live Mix
when starting a recording session or a live mix.
You'll also find a few examples of typical hookups
you might use in a studio or live sound situation.
Automation is discussed in more detail.
1-4
Introduction

How To Use This Manual

This manual is designed to cover the basics
The contents section in the front of this
The Digital 8•Bus is designed to be used as
This is the section you are now reading, a
You'll find a large foldout diagram of the
This section discusses how to start up the
Here we discuss the kinds of connections you
This is a "getting started" guide for
This section discusses what you need to do
Chapter 7: Automation
This section discusses the various lovely
automation features and techniques, including
dynamic automation, snapshots, recording, and
the Mix Editor.
Chapter 8: Advanced Techniques
Once you become familiar with the Digital
8•Bus's basic functions, you might want to turn
here to learn some advanced techniques. Virtual
grouping, auto fading, mixing for surround
sound, and more are discussed in this section.
Chapter 9: Service
This section includes a troubleshooting
guide, and information on obtaining service for
your Digital 8•Bus.
Chapter 10: Appendices
These include a number of sections that go
into further detail about things covered
elsewhere in the manual. The glossary has a
generous helping of both analog and digital
terms used in this book and throughout the
audio world. Next comes a discussion of the
basic principles of digital audio, a "Digital 101"
course for those who find themselves in
unfamiliar territory and want to learn more.
Along the same line, other sections cover the
basics of synchronization, the Apogee UV22
encoding process, the IVL Vocal Studio,
various optional digital I/O cards that can be
installed in the Digital 8•Bus, and much more.
Index
Just as you'd expect, this section will help
you find information relating to specific
functions or features of the D8B.
Track Sheet
Since you can save all the settings on the
Digital 8•Bus to disk, in most cases there's no
reason to have a track sheet. But the Trim
controls are analog, non-automated knobs, so
we've provided a track sheet showing the Trim
knobs and the Mic/Line switches in case you
want to preserve their settings for future
reference.
Warranty/Registration Card
This section describes the limited warranty
that comes with your Digital 8•Bus. Please
take the time to fill out the registration card
attached to the back cover of this manual and
send it in. We'll pay the postage, and you'll
have Mackie's renowned tech support at your
fingertips.
Quick Start Guide and Quick Start Video
There are two companions to the Digital
8•Bus Owner's Manual: the Digital 8•Bus Quick
Start Guide and the Digital 8•Bus Quick Start
Video. Most of your fundamental questions
about hookup and operation can be answered
by referring to the Quick Start Guide or by
watching the video.