Phantom Power Switch; Phones Level; Main Mix; Power Led - Mackie 402VLZ4 Owner's Manual

20. Phantom Power Switch

This global switch controls the phantom
power supply for condenser microphones
plugged into channel 1 and 2 mic [3] inputs.
Press this in if your microphone requires
phantom power. (The mixer can supply
the microphone's power through the XLR
connectors, using the same lines used for
the audio.) Check with the microphone
manufacturer if you are not sure. See the
phantom power discussion on page 13
before using this switch.
Press the switch in to engage phantom
power to both mic inputs. The LED next to
the switch will illuminate when phantom is
engaged. Press the switch again to turn it off.

21. Phones Level

This knob allows you to adjust the level of
the signals going to the headphones.
WARNING: When we say the
headphone amp is loud, we're not
kidding. It can cause permanent
ear damage. Even intermediate levels may
be painfully loud with some headphones.
BE CAREFUL! Always turn the phones
knob all the way down before connecting
headphones, or making any connections to
the mixer. Keep it down until you've put the
phones on. Then turn it up slowly.

22. Main Mix

This knob controls the levels of signals
sent to the main outputs. All channels that
are not turned fully down will wind up in the
main mix.
Fully counterclockwise is off, the center
is unity gain, and fully clockwise provides
12 dB of additional gain. This additional
gain will typically never be needed, but once
again, it's nice to know it's there.
This is the knob to turn down at the end
of the song to achieve "The Great Fade-Out."

23. Power LED

This LED will illuminate when the mixer
is turned on. It shows a general readiness of
the mixer to do something wonderful to your
musical world.
If the power switch [1] is off, or the power
to the unit is turned off, then the LED will
be off.

24. Meters

The 402VLZ4's peak metering system
is made up of two columns of eight LEDs.
It displays the signal level after the main
mix level control [22].
Thanks to the 402VLZ4's wide dynamic
range, you can get a good mix with peaks
flashing anywhere between –12 and +8 dB
on the meters. Most amplifiers clip at
about +10 dB, and some recorders aren't so
forgiving either. For best real-world results,
try to keep your peaks between "0" and "+8".
Remember, audio meters are just tools to
help assure you that your levels are "in the
ballpark." You don't have to stare at them
(unless you want to).
Congratulations! You've just read
about all the features of the 402VLZ4. You're
probably ready for a cold shower. Go ahead.
Owner's Manual
17