METERS AUX TALK
The 1604-VLZ PROOs peak metering system isFirst of all, there is no particular alliance
made up of two columns of twelve LEDs. Decep-between AUX SEND 1 and AUX RETURN 1.
tively simple, considering the multitude of signalsTheyOre just numbers. TheyOre like two com-
that can be monitored by it. If nothing is selectedplete strangers, both named Fred.
in the SOURCE matrix and no channels are inSends are outputs, returns are inputs. The
SOLO, the meter display will just sit there. ToAUX knob taps the signal off the channel
put them to work, you must make a selection inand sends it to the AUX SEND outputs .
the SOURCE matrix (or engage a SOLO switch).AUX 1 and 2 are sent to the AUX SENDS 1
Why? You want the meter display to reflectand 2 master knobs before the AUX SEND
what the engineer is listening to, and as weOveoutputs and AUX 3 through 6 are sent directly.
covered, the engineer is listening either to theThese outputs are fed to the inputs of a re-
C-R OUTS or the PHONES output. The onlyverb or other device. From there, the outputs of
difference is that while the listening levels arethe external device are fed back to the mixerOs
controlled by the CTL ROOM/PHONES knob,AUX RETURN inputs . Then these signals are
the meter display reads the SOURCE mix be-sent through the AUX RETURN level controls,
fore that control, giving you the real facts at alland finally delivered to the MAIN MIX .
times, even if youOre not listening at all.So, the original Odry� signals come from the
When the solo MODE switch is set to LEVELchannels to the MAIN MIX and the affected
SET (PFL) (down) , all soloed signals will beOwet� signals come from the AUX RETURNS to
sent to the left meter only. That, combinedthe MAIN MIX, and once mixed together, the
with LEVEL SET LED , are along the path ofdry and wet signals combine to create a glori-
enlightenment known as the Level-Settingous sound. Armed with this knowledge, letOs
Procedure . During NORMAL (AFL) mode,visit the Auxiliary World:
the meters will behave normally.
AUX SENDS (MASTER)
Meters vs. Reality
These knobs provide overall level control of AUX
You may already be anSENDS 1 and 2, just before theyOre delivered to their
expert at the world of O+4�AUX SEND outputs . This is perfect for control-
(+4dBu=1.23V) and O�10�ling the level of stage monitors, since youOll be using
(�10dBV=0.32V) operatingAUX 1 and 2 for this, with their PRE switches en-
levels. Basically, what makes a mixer one orgaged . AUX SENDS 3 through
the other is the relative 0dB VU (or 0VU) cho-6 have no such control N theyOll
1604-VLZPRO12V
16-CHANNEL MIC/LINE MIXER0.5A
sen for the meter display. A O+4� mixer, with ajust send their mixes directly toWITH PREMIUM XDRTM MIC PREAMPLIFIERS
LAMP
+4dBu signal pouring out the back will actu-their respective AUX SEND out-
UUU
ally read 0VU on its meter display. A O�10�puts at unity gain.
111TO AUXSEND 1
mixer, with a �10dBV signal trickling out, willThis knob goes from off (turned
OO+10OO+20OO+15EFFECTS TO
read, you guessed it, 0VU on its meter display.fully down), to unity gain at theUUUMONITORS
TO AUXSEND 2
So when is 0VU actually 0dBu? Right now!center detent, with 10dB of extra222
OO+10OO+20OO+15
At the risk of creating another standard,gain (turned fully up). As with
AUX
SENDUASSIGN OPTIONS
MackieOs compact mixers address the need ofsome other level controls, you may
13
both crowds by calling things as they are: 0dBunever need the additional gain, but�
SOLOOO+20MAIN MIXTO SUBS123�4
(0.775V) at the output shows as 0VU on theif you ever do, youOll be glad you2U
SOLO
meter display. What could be easier? By thebought a Mackie.4
C-R / PHNSRETURNS
PHAN PWROO+20ONLYSOLO
way, the most wonderful thing about standardsThis is usually the knob you
STEREO AUX RETURN
is that there are so many to choose from.turn up when the lead singer
ULEFT RIGHT
0 dB=0 dBu
Thanks to the 1604-VLZ PROOs wide dy-glares at you, points at his stage
28
namic range, you can get a good mix withmonitor, and sticks his thumb in10
OOMAXOO+20
CTL ROOM / PHONES
peaks flashing anywhere between �20 andthe air. (It would follow suit that ifTAPE IN7
4
+10dB on the meter display. Most amplifiersthe singer stuck his thumb down,2
TAPETAPE TO
MAIN MIX
clip at about +10dB, and some recorders arenOtyouOd turn the knob down, but0
SUBS 1�22
so forgiving either. For best real-world results,that never happens.)
4
OOMAXLEVEL
try to keep your peaks between O0� and O+7.�SOLOSET7
SUBS 3�4
10
Please remember: Audio meter displays are
20
MAIN MIXMODE
just tools to help assure you that your levels30
CTL ROOMNORMAL (AFL)RUDE
are Oin the ballpark.� You donOt have to stare atSOURCELEVEL SET(PFL)SOLOLIGHT
them (unless you want to).
25 |
ACEC
