MODE (NORMAL (AFL)/LEVEL SET (PFL)) LEVEL SET LED
You may have already seen this in the SOLOTo quote step 6 of the Level-Setting
discussion, but in case you missed it: TheProcedure , OPush in the MODE switch in
1642-VLZ PROOs solo system comes in two flavors:the output section (LEVEL SET (PFL) mode) N
the LEVEL SET LED will light.� When the solo
U
NORMAL (AFL) (sometimesMODE switch is engaged, itOs in LEVEL SET
LEFT RIGHT
0 dB=0 dBu
OOMAXOO+20called SIP, or solo-in-place)(PFL) mode, the mode you must be in to set
PHONESTAPE IN28
10levels. Now, when you engage any solo switch,
7LEVEL SET (PFL) (sometimesthis LED will be a Ogreen light� to set levels. If
TAPE TO4
MAIN MIXOOMAX
CONTROL ROOM2called PFL, or pre-fader-listen)you tried to set levels during NORMAL (AFL)
0
mode, the meter display would be at the
TAPE2
OOMAXIn NORMAL (AFL), the soloedmercy of the channel fader, and that would be
SOLO4
SUBS 127channelOs signal is sent directly toa big problem.
10
MODELEVEL
SET20the C-R OUTS, PHONES output
NORMAL (AFL)SUBS 34
LEVEL SET(PFL)30 SOLO (LEVEL)
and meter display just as it would
RUDE SOLO LIGHTMAIN MIX
CRSOURCEsound to the channelOs assign-This knob controls the level of the signals
ment switches: post-EQ,coming from the SOLO system. ItOs range is off
post-fader and post-PAN. The only difference iswhen fully down, unity at the center detent,
that SOLO works regardless of the channelOs as-with 10dB additional gain turned fully up. After
signment positions, and that makes it reallythe SOLO level is determined, the SOLO signals
handy N you can check out a channel beforewill proceed to take over the C-R OUTS,
you assign it.PHONES output and meter display .
NORMAL (AFL) is the preferred mode dur-Once again, LEVEL SET (PFL) SOLO taps
ing mixdown: If the channel has somethe channel signal before the fader. If you
midrange boost at 4.2kHz, is panned a smidgenhave a channelOs fader set way below OU�
to the left, and its fader is at �5dB, thatOs ex-(unity gain), LEVEL SET (PFL) SOLO wonOt
actly what youOll hear if you SOLO duringknow that and will send a unity gain signal to
NORMAL (AFL) mode. ItOs just as if you tookthe C-R OUTS, PHONES output and meter
the time to MUTE all the other channels.display. That may result in a startling level
LEVEL SET (PFL) solo is the key player in theboost at these outputs, depending on the
all-important Level-Setting Procedure . ItOllposition of the SOLO level knob.
send the channelOs actual internal levels to the
RUDE SOLO LIGHT
meters so youOll know just whatOs going on, level-
wise. This procedure should be performed everyThis flashing LED (light emitting diode)
time a new sound source is patched into aserves two purposes N to remind you that
channelOs MIC or LINE input jacks.youOre in SOLO, and to let you know that
LEVEL SET (PFL) is also the preferred modeyouOre mixing on a Mackie. No other company
for SR (sound reinforcement, or live sound), tois so concerned about your level of SOLO
preview channels before they are let into theawareness. We even force the soloed chan-
mix. It wonOt give you stereo placement, but willnelOs �20 LED to play along, so you can find
give you signal even if the fader is turned down.that rogue switch fast.
Remember, LEVEL SET (PFL) taps the chan-If you work on a mixer that has a SOLO
nel signal before the fader. If you have afunction with no indicator lights, and you
channelOs fader set way below OU� (unity gain),happen to forget youOre in SOLO, you can eas-
SOLO wonOt know that and will send a unityily be tricked into thinking that something is
gain signal to the C-R OUTS, PHONES outputwrong with your mixer. Hence the RUDE
and meter display. That may result in a star-SOLO LIGHT. ItOs especially handy at about
tling level boost at these outputs, depending3:00 in the morning, when no sound is coming
on the position of the SOLO level knob .out of your monitors, even though your multi-
track is playing back like mad.
24 |
ACEC
MACKIE
