ASSIGN TO MAIN MIXWhy? You want the METERS to reflect what
the engineer is listening to, and as weOve cov-
ered, the engineer is listening either to theLetOs say youOre doing a live show. Intermis-
CONTROL ROOM outputs or the PHONESsion is nearing and youOll want to play a
outputs. The only difference is that while thesoothing CD for the crowd to prevent them
listening levels are controlled by the CON-from becoming antsy. Then you think, OBut I
have the CD player plugged into the TAPE in-
TROL ROOM / PHONES fader, the METERSputs, and that never gets to the MAIN
read the SOURCE mix before that control, giv-OUTPUTS!� Oh, but it does. Simply engage this
ing you the real facts at all times, even if youOreswitch and your SOURCE matrix selection,
not listening at all.after going through the CONTROL ROOM /
You may already be anPHONES fader, will feed into the MAIN MIX,
expert at the world of O+4�just as if it were another stereo channel.
(+4dBu=1.23V) and O�10�Another handy use for this switch is to en-
(�10dBV=0.32V) operatingable the ALT 3-4 mix to become a submix of
levels. Basically, what makesthe MAIN MIX , using the CONTROL
a mixer one or the other is the relative 0dB VU
(or 0VU) chosen for the meters. A O+4� mixer,ROOM/PHONES fader as its level control.
with a +4dBu signal pouring out the back willSide effects: (1) Engaging this switch will
actually read 0VU on its meters. A O�10� mixer,also feed any soloed channels into the MAIN
with a �10dBV signal trickling out, will read,MIX, which may be the last thing you want. (2)
you guessed it, 0VU on its meters. So when isIf you have MAIN MIX as your SOURCE matrix
0VU actually 0dBu? Right now!selection and then engage ASSIGN TO MAIN
MIX, the MAIN MIX lines to the SOURCE ma-
At the risk of creating another standard,trix will be interrupted, to prevent feedback.
MackieOs compact mixers address the need ofThen again, why on earth would anyone want
both crowds by calling things as they are Nto assign the MAIN MIX to the MAIN MIX?
0dBu (0.775V) at the output shows as 0dB VU
METERS � MANY DISPLAYS IN ONE!on the METERS. What could be easier? By the
way, the most wonderful thing about standardsThe MS1402-VLZOs peak metering system is
is that there are so many to choose from.made up of two columns of twelve LEDs. De-
Thanks to the MS1402-VLZOs wide dynamicceptively simple, considering the multitude of
range, you can get a good mix with peaks flash-signals that can be monitored by it.
ing anywhere between �20 and +10dB on theIf nothing is selected in the SOURCE matrix
METERS. Most amplifiers clip at about +10dB,
and some recorders arenOt so forgiving either. and no channels are in SOLO, the METERS
For best real-world results, try to keep yourwill just sit there and look stupid. To put them
peaks between O0� and O+7.�to work, you must make a selection in the
Remember, audio meters are just tools toSOURCE matrix (or engage a SOLO switch).
help assure you that your levels are Oin the
ballpark.� You donOt have to stare at them
(unless you want to).
23 |
ACEC
