Pre Fader; Efx 1 (Ext); Efx 2 (Int) - Mackie MIC/LINE MIXERS Owner's Manual & Warranty

PRE FADER

The aux send rule of thumb: For parallel
effects processing, use aux sends in post-fader
mode. For stage monitors, use pre-fader mode
(see diagram below).
With this switch disengaged (up), AUX 1
and 2 receive signals in post-fader mode: post-
low cut, post-insert, post-EQ, post-mute, and
POST-fader. Any changes made to the channel
controls will affect the AUX signal.
With this switch engaged (down), AUX 1 and
2 receive signals in pre-fader mode: post-low cut,
post-insert, post-EQ, post-mute, and PRE-fader.
Any changes made to the channel controls,
EXCEPT the fader, will affect the AUX signal.
In pre-fader mode, you can take the
drummer's vocals out of the main mix by turn-
ing his fader down, but since he still hears
himself in the monitors, he's happy.

EFX 1 (EXT)

EFX 1, designed for feeding the inputs of
parallel effects devices, behaves exactly like an
AUX
send, but it's always in post-fader
mode: Any changes made to the channel controls
will affect the EFX signal. The PRE FADER
switch has no effect on the EFX sends.

EFX 2 (INT)

EFX 2 is identical to EFX 1 with one big dif-
ference: In addition to feeding the EFX SEND
jacks, it also feeds the inputs to the EMAC
EFFECTS PROCESSOR
EMAC and just one outboard processor, patch
the outboard processor via EFX RETURN 1. You
can use EMAC and an outboard device via EFX
2; just remember that the sends (EFX 2 (INT)
, EFX 2 SEND ) and returns (TO MAIN
MIX ) control two devices. The PRE FADER
switch has no effect on the EFX sends;
they're always post-fader.
EQ
The CFX Mixer has low shelving, mid peak-
ing, and high shelving EQ. "Shelving" means that
the circuitry boosts or cuts all frequencies past
the specified frequency. For example, boosting
the LOW EQ knob boosts bass frequencies at
INPUT TRIM EQ MUTE
LO CUT INSERT
"PRE" SIGNAL
"Pre vs. Post" Auxiliary
Signal Flow Diagram
80Hz and below. "Peaking" means that only a
selected "hill" of frequencies surrounding a
center "hilltop" frequency is affected by the
EQ control.
Everything in moderation (including mod-
eration): with EQ, although you can bring
a sound to life, you can also screw things
up. If you max the EQs on every channel,
you'll get mix mush, not to mention driving
your mix levels near or beyond clipping. So
equalize subtly; use the left sides of the
knobs (cut) as well as the right (boost).
HI EQ
This control provides up to 15 dB of
boost or cut at 12kHz and above, and it is
also flat at the detent. Use it to add sizzle
to cymbals or an overall sense of transpar-
ency or edge to keyboards, vocals, guitar,
and bacon frying. Turn it down a little to
reduce sibilance or hide tape hiss.
MID EQ
Short for "midrange," this knob provides 15
dB of boost or cut, also flat at the center detent.
Midrange EQ is often considered the most
dynamic, because the frequencies that
define any particular sound are almost
always found in this range. You can create
as many interesting and useful EQ changes
by turning this knob down as well as up.
The mono channels employ a semi-
parametric mid-sweep EQ. In addition to being
. If you're using
able to set the amount of boost, you can "aim"
that boost at a specific frequency; anywhere
from 100Hz to 8kHz.
The stereo channels employ a 2-stage fixed-
frequency MID EQ. HI-MID is centered at 3kHz;
LOW-MID is centered at 400Hz.
LOW EQ
This control provides up to 15 dB of boost or
cut at 80Hz and below. The circuit is flat (no
boost or cut) at the center detent position.
This frequency represents the punch in bass
drums, bass guitar, fat synth patches, and high-
testosterone male singers.
When adding boost to the channel's low EQ,
simultaneously engaging the LOW CUT
switch can create an audible low frequency boost
GAIN
(FADER)
PAN
1-2
without boosting stage rumble, mic handling
clunks, and breath pops.
3-4
"POST"
SIGNAL
PRE-POST
AUX 1
AUX 2
EFX 1
EFX 2
TO AUX 1 MASTER SEND LEVEL
TO AUX 2 MASTER SEND LEVEL
TO EFX 1 MASTER SEND LEVEL
TO EFX 2 MASTER SEND LEVEL
+15
+10
+5
0
–5
–10
–15
20 100 1k 10k
Hz Hz Hz Hz
Hi EQ
+15
+10
+5
0
–5
–10
–15
20 100 1k 10k
Hz Hz Hz Hz
Mid EQ
+15
+10
+5
0
–5
–10
–15
20 100 1k 10k
Hz Hz Hz Hz
Low EQ
EQ
U
HI
12k
-15 +15
U
HI
MID
3k
-15 +15
U
LOW
MID
400Hz
-15 +15
U
LOW
80Hz
-15 +15
PAN
L R
17-18
ASSIGN
MUTE
Stereo Channel
13
20k
Hz
20k
Hz
20k
Hz