User manual | 1402-VLZ3 14-Channel Mic/Line Mixer Owner`s Manual

1402-VLZ3

14-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

UNBAL

LINE IN 1

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10 dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 2

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10 dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 3

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10d

IC GAIN

LINE IN 4

LOW CUT

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

UNBAL

LINE IN 5

LOW CUT

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 6

LOW CUT

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

LEFT/ MONO

RIGHT ALL BAL/UNBAL

TAPE

INPUT

TAPE

OUTPUT

BAL/UNBAL

MONO

AUX SEND

MONO

MAIN OUT

MONO

UNBAL

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

LEVEL

LINE IN 7-8

LEVEL

LINE IN 9-10

LEVEL

LINE IN 11-12

LEVEL

LINE IN 13-14

AUX

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+15

O O

+10

O O

+20

O O

U dB

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

L R

SOLO dB

O O

L R

SOLO dB

O O

L R

SOLO dB

O O

L R

SOLO dB

O O

L R

SOLO dB

O O

L R

SOLO dB

O O

L R

7-8

SOLO dB

O O

L R

9-10

SOLO dB

O O

L R

11-12

SOLO dB

O O

L R

13-14

MUTE

ALT 3–4

SOLO

O O

C-R/SOURCE

MAIN MIX

ALT 3–4

TAPE

NORMAL (AFL)

LEVEL SET (PFL)

O O

+20

LEFT RIGHT

0dB=0dBu

LEVEL

SET

SOLO

MODE

RUDE

LIGHT

48V PO WER

CTL ROOM dB

/SUBMIX dB

MAIN MIX

O O

2

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifi ers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type

plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.

A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.

The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fi t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specifi ed by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specifi ed by the

manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

PORTABLE CART WARNING

Carts and stands - The

Component should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

A Component and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the Component and cart combination to overturn.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long

periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel. Servicing is required

when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no

object fi lled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on the apparatus.

16. This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must

be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third grounding prong).

17. This apparatus has been equipped with an all-pole, rocker-style AC

mains power switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain readily accessible to the user.

18. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is

applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Com mu ni ca tions.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits

radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des com mu ni ca tions du Canada.

19. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing

loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to suffi ciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specifi ed the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation.

Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.

Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA,

In Hours Slow Response

Typical

Example

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC

ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN

ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER

L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU

D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated

"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle

équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance

(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.

1402-VLZ3

1.5

0.5

0.25 or less

100

102

105

110

115

Duo in small club

Subway Train

Very loud classical music

Dave screaming at Steve about deadlines

Loudest parts at a rock concert

WARNING — To reduce the risk of fi re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Read This Page!

We realize that you must be dying to try out your new 1402-VLZ3. All we ask is that you read this page NOW, and the rest later — you’ll be glad you did.

WARNING: Before you plug the AC power cord into the mixer, make sure the VOLTAGE

SELECTOR switch is set to the same voltage as your local AC mains supply (see page 12).

Other Nuggets of Wisdom

For optimum sonic performance, the channel faders and MAIN MIX faders should be set near the “U” (unity gain) markings.

Always turn the MAIN MIX and CONTROL ROOM/

SUBMIX faders down before making connections to and from your 1402-VLZ3.

If you shut down your equipment, turn off your amplifi er fi rst. When powering up, turn on your amplifi er last.

Save the shipping box! You may need it someday.

Level-Setting Procedure

Message to seasoned pros: do not set levels using the old “Turn the GAIN up until the clip light comes on, then back off a hair” trick. When a Mackie mixer clip light comes on, you really are about to clip. We worked and slaved to come up with a better system, one that provides low noise and high headroom.

Adjusting input levels (Chs. 1–6 only)

On the fi rst six channels, it’s not even necessary to hear what you’re doing to set optimal levels. But if you’d like to: Plug headphones into the PHONES jack, then move the CONTROL ROOM/SUBMIX fader up a little.

The following steps must be performed one channel at a time:

1. Turn the GAIN, AUX SEND knobs and FADERS fully down.

2. Set the EQ knobs at the center detent.

3. Connect the signal source to the input.

4. Engage (push in) the channel's SOLO switch.

5. Engage the AFL/PFL switch in the master section. A green LEVEL SET light will turn on.

6. Play something into the selected input. This could be an instrument, a singing or speaking voice, or a line input such as a CD player or tape recorder output. Be sure that the volume of the input is the same as it would be during normal use. If it isn’t, you may have to readjust these levels during the middle of the set.

7. Adjust the channel’s GAIN control so that the display on the LED meters stays around “0” and never goes higher than “+7.”

8. If you apply some EQ, repeat step 7.

9. Disengage that channel’s SOLO switch.

10. Repeat for channels 1 through 6.

Instant Mixing

Here’s how to get going right away, assuming you have a microphone and a keyboard:

1. Plug your microphone into channel 1’s MIC input.

2. Turn on the 1402-VLZ3.

3. Perform the Level-Setting Procedure.

4. Connect cords from the MAIN OUTS (XLR, 1⁄4" or RCA, your choice) to your amplifi er.

5. Hook up speakers to the amp and turn it on.

6. Turn up the 1402-VLZ3’s channel 1 fader to the

U mark, and the MAIN MIX fader one quarter of the way up.

7. Sing like a canary!

8. Plug your keyboard into stereo channel 7-8.

9. Turn that channel’s fader to the U mark.

10. Play like a madman and sing like a canary!

It’s your fi rst mix!

Please write your serial number here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, make dad proud, etc.)

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

Part No. 0019815 Rev. A

Printed on enviro-friendly, self-perpetuating, thinly-sliced sheets of fossilized

Albatross guano, eco-harvested from the wooded slopes of Mount Woodinville.

Owner’s Manual

3

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie professional compact mixer. The 1402-VLZ3 is equipped with our precision-engineered XDR

Extended Dynamic Range premium studio-grade mic preamp.

Now that you have your 1402-VLZ3, fi nd out how to get the most from it. That’s where this manual comes in.

How To Use This Manual

Since many of you folks will want to hook up your

1402-VLZ3 immediately, the fi rst pages you will encounter after the table of contents are the ever-popular hookup diagrams. These show typical mixer setups for

Recording and Stereo PA.

After this section is a detailed tour of the entire mixer.

Every feature of the 1402-VLZ3 is described “geographically;” in other words, in order of where it is physically placed on the mixer’s top or rear panel. These descriptions are divided into the fi rst three sections, just as your mixer is organized into three distinct zones:

Patchbay: The patchbay along the top and back, where you connect things.

Channel Strip: The eight channel strips on the left where you adjust each channel.

Output Section: The output section on the right.

Throughout these sections you’ll fi nd illustrations, with each feature numbered. If you’re curious about a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate illustration, notice the number attached to it, and fi nd that number in the nearby paragraphs.

This icon marks infor mation that is critically

important or unique to the 1402-VLZ3. For your own good, read them and remember them. They will be on the fi nal test.

This icon will lead you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. While not mandatory, they usually have some valuable nuggets of information.

Appendix A is a section on troubleshooting and repair information.

Appendix B is a section on connectors: XLR connectors, TRS balanced connectors, TS unbalanced connectors, and Insert connectors.

Appendix C shows the technical specifi cations, and a block diagram showing the internal signal path and general goings-on within the mixer.

Appendix D was removed after it became bloated and painful.

4

1402-VLZ3

Need help with your new mixer?

• Visit www.mackie.com and click Support to fi nd:

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), manuals, addendums, and user forums.

• Email us at: [email protected]

• Telephone 1-800-898-3211 to speak with one of our splendid technical support representatives, (Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).

Important Safety Instructions .................................. 2

Introduction ............................................................ 4

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 6

Patchbay Description ............................................... 8

1. MIC INPUTS (Channels 1–6) ...................... 8

PHANTOM POWER ................................... 8

2. LINE INPUTS (Channels 1–6) ..................... 8

3. LOW CUT (Channels 1–6) .......................... 9

4. GAIN (Channels 1–6) ............................... 9

5. STEREO LINE INPUTS ................................ 9

6. +4/–10 LEVEL (Stereo Channels only) ....... 9

EFFECTS: SERIAL OR PARALLEL? ................ 9

7. STEREO RETURNS ................................... 10

8. AUX SEND 1&2 ...................................... 10

9. TAPE INPUT ........................................... 10

10. TAPE OUTPUT ........................................ 10

11.

⁄

" MAIN OUTS ..................................... 10

12. PHONES ................................................ 11

13. XLR MAIN OUTS ................................... 11

14. XLR MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL SWITCH .......... 11

15. CONTROL ROOM .................................... 11

16. ALT 3–4 OUTPUT ................................... 11

17. CHANNEL INSERT (Channels 1–6 ) ........... 11

18. POWER CONNECTION ............................. 12

19. FUSE ...................................................... 12

20. VOLTAGE SELECTOR ................................ 12

21. POWER SWITCH ..................................... 12

22. PHANTOM SWITCH ................................ 12

Channel Strip Description ....................................... 13

“U” LIKE UNITY GAIN ............................ 13

23. CHANNEL FADER ..................................... 13

24. SOLO ..................................................... 13

25. MUTE/ALT 3–4 ...................................... 13

26. PAN ........................................................ 14

CONSTANT LOUDNESS ! ! ! ...................... 14

3-BAND EQ ............................................ 14

27. LOW EQ ................................................. 14

28. MID EQ .................................................. 14

29. HI EQ ..................................................... 15

MODERATION DURING EQ ...................... 15

31. AUX 1 and 30. AUX 2 SEND ..................... 15

Output Section ...................................................... 16

32. MAIN MIX FADERS ................................... 16

33. CONTROL ROOM SOURCE MATRIX ............ 16

34. CONTROL ROOM/SUBMIX ....................... 16

35. SOLO MODE (AFL/PFL) .......................... 17

36. RUDE SOLO LIGHT .................................. 17

37. ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX ............................ 17

38. METERS – MANY DISPLAYS IN ONE! ....... 17

A WORD ABOUT AUX ............................. 18

39. PRE/POST (AUX 1) ............................... 18

40. AUX 1 MASTER ...................................... 18

41. STEREO RETURNS ................................... 18

42. RETURN TO AUX 1 ................................. 19

JACK NORMALLING ................................ 19

Appendix A: Service Information ............................ 20

Appendix B: Connections ........................................ 21

Appendix C: Technical Information .......................... 24

Specifi cations .................................................. 24

Block Diagram................................................. 25

Track Sheet ..................................................... 26

1402-VLZ3 Limited Warranty ................................ 27

Owner’s Manual

5

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS

Vocal Mics

Direct

Boxes

Stereo Guitar Effects

Keyboard or other line level input

Drum

Machine

L R

AUX SEND

MAIN OUT

MONO

8 R

MONO

12 R

MONO

14 R

MAIN OUT

Out

Mono Compressor

Stereo Compressor

Digital Delay

Multi Effect

Processor

Powered

Studio Monitors

Headphone Distribution Amp

Headphones for Studio

Powered

Studio Monitors for Studio

6

1402-VLZ3

Recording System

Vocal Mics

Stereo Guitar Effects

Keyboard or other line level input

Drum

Machine

(record)

Out

(play)

Direct

Boxes

Headphones

This setup can be easily reconfigured to become a Mono PA setup.

A. Stereo sources should feed the left mono side of channel input only.

B. Pan each channel hard left.

C. Connect Mono PA system to

Left main output.

MONO

10 R

11 L

MONO

12 R

14 R

L R

AUX SEND

MAIN OUT

Out

Mono Compressor

Stereo Compressor

Mono EQ

Mono Power

Amplifier

Multi Effect

Processor

Stage Monitors

MAIN OUT

SRM450

Powered

Speaker

Stereo

SRM450

Powered

Speaker

SWA1501

Powered

Subwoofer

SWA1501

Powered

Subwoofer

Live Stereo PA System

Owner’s Manual

7

Patchbay Description

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

LINE IN 1

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10 dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 2

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10 dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 3

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10d

IC GAIN

LINE IN 4

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 5

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 6

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

LEFT/MONO

RIGHT ALL BAL/UNBAL

TAPE

INPUT

TAPE

OUTPUT

BAL/UNBAL

2 R

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

AUX SEND

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

MAIN OUT

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

LEVEL

LINE IN 9-10

LEVEL

LINE IN 11-12

LEVEL

LINE IN 13-14

At the risk of stating the obvious, this is where you plug everything in: microphones, line-level instruments and effects, headphones, and the ultimate destination for your sound: a tape recorder, PA system, etc.

See Appendix B for further details and drawings of the connectors you can use with the 1402-VLZ3. Also see the Channel Strip description on page 13 for details of the signal routing from the XLR and Line inputs.

1. MIC INPUTS (Channels 1–6)

We use phantom-powered, balanced microphone inputs just like the big studio mega-consoles, for exactly the same reason: This kind of circuit is excellent at rejecting hum and noise. You can plug in almost any kind of mic that has a standard XLR male mic connector.

Professional ribbon, dynamic, and condenser mics will all sound excellent through these inputs. The

1402-VLZ3’s mic inputs will handle any kind of mic level you can toss at them, without overloading. Be sure to perform the Level-Setting Procedure on page 3.

Not every instrument is made to connect directly to a mixer. Guitars commonly need a Direct Injection (DI) box to connect to the mixer's MIC inputs. These boxes convert unbalanced line-level signals from your guitar, into balanced mic-level outputs, and provide signal and impedance matching. They also let you send your gifted guitar renditions over long cables or audio snakes, with minimum interference and high-frequency signal loss.

Ask your dealer or guitar maker about their recommendations for a good DI box.

PHANTOM POWER

Most modern professional condenser mics are equipped for Phantom Power, which lets the mixer send low-current DC voltage to the mic’s electronics through the same wires that carry audio. (Semi-pro condenser mics often have batteries to accomplish the same thing.) “Phantom” owes its name to an ability to be “unseen” by dynamic mics (Shure SM57/SM58, for instance), which don’t need external power and aren’t affected by it anyway.

The 1402-VLZ3’s phantom power is globally controlled by the PHANTOM switch on the rear panel. (This means the phantom power for channels 1-6 is turned on and off together.)

Never plug single-ended (unbalanced) micro phones or instruments into the MIC input jacks if the PHANTOM power is on.

Do not plug instrument outputs into the

MIC input jacks with PHANTOM power on

unless you know for certain it is safe to do so.

2. LINE INPUTS (Channels 1–6)

These six line inputs share circuitry (but not phantom power) with the mic preamps, and can be driven by balanced or unbalanced sources at almost any level.

You can use these inputs for virtually any signal you’ll come across, from instrument levels as low as –40 dB to operating levels of –10 dBV to +4 dBu, since there is 40 dB more gain available than on channels 7–14.

To connect balanced lines to these inputs, use a 1⁄4"

Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) plug, the type found on stereo headphones.

To connect unbalanced lines to these inputs, use a

1⁄4" mono (TS) phone plug or standard instrument cable.

LINE IN inputs 1–6 are a good place to connect older instruments that need more gain. You can correct weak levels by adjusting the corresponding channel’s GAIN control.

8

1402-VLZ3

3. LOW CUT (Channels 1–6)

Each LOW CUT switch, often referred to as a High

Pass Filter (all depends on how you look at it), cuts bass frequencies below 75 Hz at a rate of 18 dB per octave.

We recommend that you use LOW CUT on every microphone application except kick drum, bass guitar, bassy synth patches, or recordings of earthquakes.

These aside, there isn’t much down there that you want to hear, and fi ltering it out makes the low stuff you do want much more crisp and tasty. Not only that, but LOW

CUT can help reduce the possibility of feedback in live situations and it helps to conserve the amplifi er power.

Another way to consider LOW CUT’s function is that it actually adds fl exibility during live performances. With the addition of LOW CUT, you can safely use LOW equalization on vocals. Many times, bass shelving EQ can really benefi t voices. Trouble is, adding LOW EQ also boosts stage rumble, mic handling clunks and breath pops. LOW CUT removes all those problems so you can add low EQ without losing a woofer.

Here’s what the combination of LOW EQ and LOW

CUT looks like in terms of frequency curves:

5. STEREO LINE INPUTS

(Channels 7–8, 9–10, 11–12 and 13–14)

These fully balanced inputs are designed for stereo or mono, balanced or unbalanced signals, from –10 dBV to

+4 dBu. They can be used with just about any professional or semi-pro instrument, effect or tape player.

In the stereo audio world, an odd-numbered channel usually receives the “left signal.” For example, you would feed the 1402-VLZ3’s line inputs 7-8 a stereo signal by inserting the device’s left output plug into the channel 7 jack, and its right output plug into the channel 8 jack.

When connecting a mono device (just one cord), always use the LEFT (MONO) input (jacks 7, 9, 11, or 13) and plug nothing into the RIGHT input (jacks 8, 10, 12 or 14)— this way the signal will appear on both sides.

This trick is called “jack normalling.”

6. +4/–10 LEVEL (Stereo Channels only)

This switch adjusts the input sensitivity of the line inputs on channels 7 to 14. If the sound source is a "–10" device, engage this switch. If you are unsure, leave the switch up, and perform the Level Setting Procedure, substituting this switch for the GAIN knob to fi nd the best position for it.

+15

+10

–5

–10

–15

100

Low Cut

+15

+10

–5

10k

20k

–10

–15

100

Low Cut with Low EQ

10k

20k

4. GAIN (Channels 1–6)

If you haven’t already, please read the Level-Setting

Procedure.

GAIN adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic and line inputs connected to channels 1 through 6. This allows signals from the outside world to be adjusted to optimal internal operating levels.

-10 dBV

IC GAIN

If the signal originates through the

XLR jack, there will be 0 dB of gain with the knob fully down, ramping to

60 dB of gain fully up.

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

Through the 1⁄4" input, there is 15 dB of attenuation fully down and 45 dB of gain fully up, with a “U” (unity gain) mark at 10:00.

This 15 dB of attenuation can be very handy when you are inserting a very hot signal, or when you want to add a lot of EQ gain, or both. Without this “virtual pad,” this

scenario might lead to channel clipping.

EFFECTS: SERIAL OR PARALLEL?

The next two sections toss the terms “serial” and

“parallel” around like hacky sacks. Here’s what we mean by them:

“Serial” means that the entire signal is routed through the effects device. Examples: compressor/limiters, graphic equalizers. Line-level sources can be patched through a serial effects device before or after the mixer, or preferably through the insert jacks located on the rear panel (CHANNEL INSERT [17] send/return).

Dry Signal

“Parallel” means that a portion of the signal in the mixer is tapped off to the device (AUX SEND), processed and returned to the mixer (STEREO RETURN) to be mixed with the original “dry” signal. This way, multiple channels can all make use of the same effects

device. Examples: reverb, digital delay.

Aux

Send

Aux

Return

Output

Section

Signal Processor

(e.g., Reverb)

Wet Signal

Channel Path

Mix

Stage

Processed

Signal

Dry Signal(s)

Owner’s Manual

9

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

MIC

XDR

MIC PRE

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

BAL

UNBAL

LINE IN 1

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10 dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 2

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10 dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 3

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10d

IC GAIN

LINE IN 4

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 5

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

LINE IN 6

LOW CUT

75 Hz

18dB/OCT

-10dBV

IC GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

0 60

+15dB -45dB

GAIN

LEFT/MONO

RIGHT

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

8 9 10 11

1 INPUT OUTPUT

BAL/UNBAL

L L

AUX SEND

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

MAIN OUT

MONO

BAL

UNBAL

LEVEL

LINE IN 7-8

LEVEL

LINE IN 9-10

LEVEL

LINE IN 11-12

LEVEL

LINE IN 13-14

10 7. STEREO RETURNS

This is where you connect the outputs of your parallel effects devices (or extra audio sources). These balanced inputs are similar to the stereo LINE IN [2] inputs (without EQ, Aux Sends, Pan, Mute, and Solo).

The circuits will handle stereo or mono, balanced or unbalanced signals, either instrument level, –10 dBV or +4 dBu. They can be used with just about any pro or semipro effects device on the market. The signals coming into these inputs can be adjusted using the STEREO

RETURN [41] knobs before passing onto the main mix bus (see page 18).

One Device: If you have just one parallel effects device (two cords), use STEREO RETURN 1 left and right, and leave RETURN 2 unplugged. That way, the unused

RETURN 2 level control can be used to feed RETURN 1 to your stage monitors, via the RETURN TO AUX 1 [42] switch.

Mono Device: If you have an effects device with a mono output (one cord), plug that into STEREO

RETURN 1 left/mono, and leave the right unplugged.

The signal will be sent to both sides, magically appearing in the center as a mono signal. This won’t work with

STEREO RETURN 2 — you’ll need a Y-cord.

Use these jacks for convenient tape playback of your mixes. You’ll be able to review a mix, then rewind and try another pass, without repatching or disturbing the mixer levels. You can also use these with a tape or CD player to feed music to a PA system between sets.

WARNING: Engaging both the TAPE and

ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX buttons in the CON-

TROL ROOM SOURCE [33] matrix can create a feedback path between TAPE INPUT and TAPE OUT-

PUT. Make sure your tape deck is not in record, recordpause, or input monitor mode when you engage these switches, or make sure the CONTROL ROOM / SUBMIX fader [34] is fully down (off).

10. TAPE OUTPUT

These unbalanced RCA connections tap the main mix output to make simultaneous recording and PA work more convenient. Connect these to your recorder’s inputs. (See also MAIN MIX [32] on page 16.)

Mono Out: If you want to feed a mono signal to your tape deck or other device, simply use an RCA Y-cord to combine these outputs. Do not attempt this with any other outputs on the 1402-VLZ3.

8. AUX SEND 1&2

The AUX SEND [31] knobs in the channel sections tap a portion of each channel's signal to provide an output here to feed external parallel effects processors or stage monitoring. See the AUX SEND details on page 15.

These 1⁄4" jacks are also balanced outputs capable of delivering 22 dBu into a 600 ohm balanced or unbalanced load.

9. TAPE INPUT

These RCA jacks are designed to work with semipro as well as pro recorders. To compensate for typically low levels, signals coming in here will be automatically boosted by 6 dB.

Connect your tape recorder’s outputs here, using good quality hi-fi (RCA) cables.

11. ⁄

" MAIN OUTS

These outputs feed the main mix out into the waiting world. You can feed your amplifi ers this way, or through the XLR MAIN OUTS [13].

These balanced outputs are capable of delivering 22 dBu into a 600 ohm balanced or unbalanced load.

To use these outputs to drive balanced inputs, connect 1⁄4" TRS (Tip–Ring–Sleeve) phone plugs like this:

Tip = + (hot)

Ring = –(cold)

Sleeve = Ground

For most music recording and PA applications, unbalanced lines are perfectly acceptable. To use these outputs to drive unbalanced inputs, connect 1⁄4" TS

(Tip-Sleeve) phone plugs like this:

Tip = + (hot)

Sleeve = Ground

1402-VLZ3

14 15 16 17

12. PHONES

This stereo jack will drive any standard headphone to very loud levels. Walkperson-type phones can also be used with an appropriate adapter. To learn how signals are routed to these outputs, see SOURCE MATRIX

[33] on page 16. If you’re wiring your own cable for the

PHONES output, follow standard conventions:

Tip = Left channel

Ring = Right channel

Sleeve = Common ground

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 earphones. BE

CAREFUL! Always move the CTL ROOM/ SUBMIX fader all the way down before connecting headphones. Keep it down until you’ve put the phones on. Then turn it up slowly. Why? “Engineers who fry their ears fi nd themselves with short careers.”

13. XLR MAIN OUTS

These line-level outputs connect the main mix to the outside world. Connect them to the balanced inputs of a power amplifi er or powered speakers. See page 16 for details of the main mix.

These low-impedance outputs are fully balanced and capable of driving +4 dBu lines with up to 28 dB of headroom. This output is 6 dB hotter than other outputs.

3-4 stereo bus (see MUTE/ALT 3-4 on page 13), Soloed channels, or the Tape input. The volume is adjustable with the CONTROL ROOM/SUBMIX [34] fader.

These 1⁄4" jacks are balanced outputs capable of delivering 22 dBu into a 600 ohm balanced or unbalanced load.

16. ALT 3–4 OUTPUT

The output here is the sum of any channels that have the MUTE/ALT 3-4 [25] switch pressed in (see page 13 for the tender details).

These 1⁄4" jacks are balanced outputs capable of delivering 22 dBu into a balanced or unbalanced load.

17. CHANNEL INSERT (Channels 1–6 )

These rear-panel jacks are where you connect serial effects such as compressors, equalizers, de-essers, or fi lters. Since most people don’t have more than a few of these gadgets, we’ve included inserts for just the fi rst six channels. If you want to use this kind of processing on channels 7 through 14, simply patch through the

processor before you plug into the 1402-VLZ3.

The channel insert points are after the GAIN [4] and

LOW CUT [3] controls, but before the channel’s EQ

[27] controls and FADER [23]. The send (tip) is lowimpedance (120 ohms), capable of driving any line-level device. The return (ring) is high-impedance (over 2.5 k ohms) and can be driven by almost any device.

SEND to processor tip ring sleeve

(TRS plug)

“tip”

14. XLR MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL SWITCH

Engaging this switch reduces the level of the balanced XLR main outputs by 40 dB, so you can feed the

microphone input of, say, another mixer. (You can safely connect the XLR outputs into an input that provides 48V phantom power.)

15. CONTROL ROOM

These outputs are provided so you can listen to something other than the main mix. The source is selected using the SOURCE MATRIX [33] switches (see page

16). You can choose to listen to the main mix, the Alt

This plug connects to one of the mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.

RETURN from processor

“ring”

See Appendix B for details and drawings about Insert cables, and a diagram showing three ways to use the jacks.

Besides being used for inserting external devices, these jacks can also be used as channel direct outputs; post-GAIN, post-LOW CUT, and pre EQ. In fact, Mackie mic preamps have become so famous, that people buy these mixers just to have six of these in their arsenal.

Owner’s Manual

11

21 22

18. POWER CONNECTION

Just in case you lose the cord provided with the 1402-

VLZ3, its power jack accepts a standard 3-prong IEC cord like those found on most professional recorders, musical instruments, and computers. that the VOLTAGE SELECTOR [20] slide switch is set to the same voltage as your local AC mains supply.

WARNING: Before you plug the AC power cord into the 1402-VLZ3, you must make sure

WARNING: Disconnecting the plug’s ground pin can be dangerous. Please don’t do it.

21. POWER SWITCH

Press the top of this rocker switch inwards to turn on the mixer. The power LED on the top surface of the mixer will glow with happiness, or at least it will if you have the mixer plugged in to a suitable live AC mains supply.

Press the bottom of this switch to turn off the mixer, whenever you feel that this would be a safe thing to do.

Half-way through Mad Mike's Heavy Metal guitar solo might not be such a good time.

As a general guide, you should turn on your mixer fi rst, before the power amplifi er or powered speakers, and turn it off last. This will reduce the possibilities of any turn-on, or turn-off thumps in your speakers.

19. FUSE

The 1402-VLZ3 is fused for your (and its own) protection. If you suspect a blown fuse, disconnect the cord, pull the fuse drawer out (located just below the cord receptacle) and replace the fuse with a 500 mA (0.5 amps) SLO BLO 5x20 mm, available at electronics stores or your dealer. If your local voltage is 220-240

VAC, use a 250 mA fuse.

If two fuses blow in a row, something is very wrong.

Please call our toll-free number 1-800-898-3211 from within the U.S. (or call the distributor in your country) and fi nd out what to do.

22. PHANTOM SWITCH

This global rocker switch controls the phantom power supply for condenser microphones plugged into channel

MIC [1] inputs (see page 8).

Press the top of the switch inwards to engage phantom power to the six MIC inputs. Press the bottom of the switch to turn it off.

When turned on (or off), the phantom power circuitry takes a few moments for voltage to ramp up (or down).

This is perfectly normal.

20. VOLTAGE SELECTOR

WARNING: Before you plug the AC power cord into the 1402-VLZ3, you must make sure that this slide switch is set to the same voltage as your local AC main supply. Only slide the voltage switch with the power cord unplugged.

Use a small fl at-headed screwdriver to slide the switch if needed. The switch allows you to use the mixer in different countries and voltages, meet interesting people from other cultures, and entertain them with your unique blend of Rockabilly Funkadelia Thrash Metal.

12

1402-VLZ3

Channel Strip Description

The ten channel strips look alike, and function identically. The only difference is that the six on the left are for individual mics or mono instruments, and have more gain available, while the next four are for either stereo or mono line-level sources. (Each of the stereo channel strips is actually two complete circuits. The controls are linked together to preserve stereo.) We’ll start at the

bottom and work our way up…

The 1402-VLZ3 has "dual-mode solo." The SOLO

MODE [35] switch in the Master section determines which mode you'll be hearing. With the switch up, you'll get "AFL" (After-Fader-Listen), which is post-FADER, post-PAN, making it ideal for mixdown soloing. With the switch down, you're in "PFL" (Pre-Fader-Listen), used in the Level Setting Procedure.

“U” LIKE UNITY GAIN

Soloed channels are sent to the SOURCE mix, which ultimately feeds your control room, phones and meters.

Whenever SOLO is engaged, all SOURCE selections

(MAIN MIX, ALT 3-4 and TAPE) are defeated, to allow the soloed signal to do just that — solo!

Mackie mixers have a “U” symbol on almost every level control. This “U” stands for “unity gain,” meaning no change in signal level. Once you have adjusted the input signal to line-level, you can set every control at

“U” and your signals will travel through the mixer at optimal levels. What’s more, all the labels on our level controls are measured in decibels (dB), so you’ll know what you’re doing level-wise if you choose to change a control’s settings.

+15

-15

+15

-15

+15

-15

+15

L R

MUTE

ALT 3–4

AUX

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

PAN

SOLO

You won’t have to check it here and check it there, as you would with some other mixers. In fact, some don’t even have any reference to actual dB levels at all! Ever seen those “0–10” fader markings? We call these AUMs (Arbitrary Units of Measurement), and they mean nothing in the real world. You were smart — you bought a Mackie.

23. CHANNEL FADER

These faders control the channel’s level… from off, to unity gain, on up to 10 dB of additional gain. Channels 1 through 6 use mono faders, and channels 7 through 14 use stereo faders, and may feel slightly different. Not a problem.

24. SOLO

This lovable switch allows you to hear signals through your headphones or control room without having to route them to the main mix or ALT 3-4 mix. You don’t even have to have the channel’s fader turned up. Folks use solo in live work to preview channels before they are let into the mix, or to just check out what a particular channel is up to anytime during a session.

You can solo as many channels at a time as you like.

Solo is also the key player in the

Level- Setting Procedure on page 3.

25. MUTE/ALT 3–4

The dual-purpose MUTE/ALT 3–4 bus is a Mackie signature. When Greg was designing our fi rst product, he had to include a MUTE switch for each channel. MUTE switches do just what they sound like they do. They turn off the signal by “routing” it into oblivion. “Gee, what a waste,” Greg reasoned. “Why not have the mute button route the signal somewhere else useful… like a separate stereo bus?” So MUTE/ALT 3–4 really serves two functions — muting (often used during a mixdown or live show), and signal routing (for multitrack and live work) where it acts as an extra stereo bus.

To use this as a MUTE switch, all you have to do is not use the ALT 3–4 [16] outputs. Then, whenever you assign a channel to these unused outputs, you’ll also be disconnecting it from the main mix, effectively muting the channel.

To use this as an ALT 3–4 switch, all you have to do is connect the ALT 3–4 outputs to whatever destination you desire. Two popular examples:

When doing multitrack recording, use the ALT 3–4 outputs to feed your multitrack. With most decks, you can mult the ALT 3–4 outputs, using Y-cords or mults, to feed multiple tracks. So, take ALT OUTPUT L and send it to tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7, and ALT OUTPUT R and send it to tracks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Now, tracks that are in Record or

Input modes will hear the ALT 3–4 signals, and tracks in

Playback or Safe modes will ignore them.

When doing live sound or mixdown, it’s often handy to control the level of several channels with one knob.

That’s called subgrouping. Simply assign these channels to the ALT 3–4 mix, engage ALT 3–4 in the SOURCE

[33] matrix, and the signals will appear in the control room and headphones. If you want the ALT 3–4 signals to go back into the main mix, engage the ASSIGN TO

MAIN MIX [37] switch, and the CONTROL ROOM/

SUBMIX fader [34] controls the levels of all channels assigned to ALT 3–4.

Owner’s Manual

13

14

Another way to do the same thing is assign the channels to the ALT 3–4 mix, then patch out of the ALT

OUTPUT L and R back into an unused stereo channel

(7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14). If that’s your choice, don’t ever engage the MUTE/ALT 3–4 switch on that stereo channel, or you’ll have every dog in the neighborhood howling at your feedback loop.

Another benefi t of the ALT 3–4 feature is that it can act as a “AFL” (After-Fader-Listen): just engage a channel's MUTE/ALT 3–4 switch and the ALT 3–4 switch in the SOURCE matrix and you’ll get that channel, all by itself, in the control room and phones.

MUTE/ALT 3–4 is one of those controls that can bewilder newcomers, so take your time and play around with it. Once you’ve got it down, you’ll probably think of a hundred spiffy uses for it!

O O

+15

L R

MUTE

ALT 3–4

AUX

O O

+15

12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15 +15

PAN

SOLO d

26. PAN

PAN adjusts the amount of channel signal sent to the left versus the right outputs. On mono channels

(ch. 1–6 or 7–14 with connections to the left input only) these controls act as pan pots. On stereo channels

(7–14) with stereo connections to

L and R inputs, the PAN knob works like the balance control on your home stereo.

PAN determines the fate of the main mix and ALT 3–4 mix. With the PAN knob hard left, the signal will feed either MAIN OUT L (bus

1) or ALT OUTPUT L (bus 3), depending on the position of the

ALT 3–4 [25] switch. With the knob hard right, the signal feeds MAIN

OUT R (bus 2) or ALT OUTPUT R

(bus 4).

CONSTANT LOUDNESS ! ! !

The 1402-VLZ3’s PAN controls employ a design called

“Constant Loudness.” It has nothing to do with living next to a freeway. As you turn the PAN knob from left to right (thereby causing the sound to move from the left to the center to the right), the sound will appear to remain at the same volume (or loudness).

If you have a channel panned hard left (or right) and reading 0 dB, it must dip down about 4 dB on the left

(or right) when panned center. To do otherwise (the way Brand X compact mixers do) would make the sound appear much louder when panned center.

3-BAND EQ

The 1402-VLZ3 has 3-band equalization at carefully selected points — LOW shelving at 80 Hz, MID peaking at 2.5 kHz, and HI shelving at 12 kHz. “Shelving” means that the circuitry boosts or cuts all frequencies past the

specifi ed frequency. For example, rotating the LOW EQ knob 15 dB to the right boosts bass starting at 80 Hz and continuing down to the lowest note you never heard.

“Peaking” means that certain frequencies form a “hill” around the center frequency — 2.5 kHz in the case of the MID EQ.

27. LOW EQ

This control gives you up to 15 dB boost or cut below 80 Hz. The circuit is fl at (no boost or cut) at the center detent position. This frequency represents the punch in bass drums, bass guitar, fat synth patches, and some really serious male singers.

+15

+10

–10

+15

+10

–5

–15

100

Low EQ

Used in conjunction with the LOW CUT [3] switch, you can boost the LOW EQ without injecting a ton of subsonic debris into the mix.

–5

–10

–15

100

Low EQ with Low Cut

10k

20k

10k

20k

28. MID EQ

Short for “midrange,” this knob provides 15 dB of boost or cut, centered at

2.5 kHz, also fl at at the center detent. Midrange EQ is often thought of as the most dynamic, because the frequencies that defi ne any

+15

+10

–5

–10

–15

100

Mid EQ

10k

20k

particular sound are almost always found in this range.

You can create many interesting and useful EQ changes by turning this knob down as well as up.

1402-VLZ3

29. HI EQ

This control gives you up to 15 dB boost or cut above

12 kHz, and it is also fl at at the detent. Use it to add sizzle to cymbals, and an overall sense of transparency, or edge to keyboards,

vocals, guitar and bacon

frying. Turn it down a little to reduce sibilance, or to hide tape hiss.

+15

+10

–5

–10

–15

100

High EQ

10k

20k

MODERATION DURING EQ

With EQ, you can also screw things up royally. We’ve designed a lot of boost and cut into each equalizer circuit, because we know everyone will occasionally need that. But if you max the EQs on every channel, you’ll get mix mush. Equalize subtly and use the left sides of the knobs (cut), as well as the right (boost). Very few gold-record-album engineers ever use more than about

3dB of EQ. If you need more than that, there’s usually a better way to get it, such as placing a mic differently (or using a different kind of mic entirely).

Each AUX send level ranges from off through unity

(the center detent position) on up to 15 dB of extra gain

(when turned fully clockwise). Chances are you’ll never need this extra gain, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you do.

Channel 7–14 AUX pots control the mono sum of the channel’s stereo signals for each AUX send. For instance, channel 7 (L) and 8 (R) mix together to feed that channel’s AUX send knobs.

We recommend going into a stereo reverb in mono and returning in stereo. We have found that on most “stereo” reverbs the second input just ties up an extra AUX send and adds nothing to the sound. There are exceptions, so feel free to try it both ways. If your effects device is true stereo all the way through, use AUX 1 to feed its left input and AUX 2 to feed the right input.

Still with us? Good for you. Here come the tricky parts, the output, or master section where the mixing is really done. We have even started it on a shiny new page:

31. AUX 1 and 30. AUX 2 SEND

These knobs allow you to tap a portion of each channel signal out to another source for parallel effects processing or stage monitoring. AUX send levels are controlled by the channel’s AUX 1 and AUX 2 knobs and by the AUX 1 MASTER [40].

These are more than just effects and monitor sends.

They can be used to generate separate mixes for recording or “mix-minuses” for broadcast. By using AUX 1 in the PRE [39] mode, these mix levels can be obtained independently of the channel’s fader.

AUX 1 (when in post mode) and AUX 2, are post-LOW

CUT, post-EQ and post-fader. That is, the sends obey the settings of these controls. AUX 1 in PRE mode follows the EQ and LOW CUT settings only. PAN and LEVEL

(FADER) have no effect on the PRE send (see diagram below).

LEVEL

PAN

MAIN / ALT

INPUT GAIN LO CUT

“Pre vs. Post”

Signal Flow Diagram

INSERT EQ

"PRE" SIGNAL

"POST" SIGNAL

"POST" SIGNAL OBEYS

MUTE STATUS

AUX 2 KNOB

AUX 1 KNOB

TO AUX SEND 2 LEVEL

TO AUX SEND 1 LEVEL

AUX SEND 1 PRE/POST SWITCH

(IN MASTER SECTION)

Owner’s Manual

15

Output Section

O O

+10

C-R/SOURCE

MAIN MIX

ALT 3–4

TAPE

ASSIGN

TO MAIN MIX

SOLO

MODE

NORMAL (AFL)

LEVEL SET (PFL)

O O

+20

LEFT RIGHT

0dB=0dBu

LEVEL

SET

RUDE

SOLO

LIGHT

48V PO WER

CTL ROOM dB

/SUBMIX dB

MAIN MIX

O O

+20

33. CONTROL ROOM SOURCE MATRIX

Typically, the engineer sends the main mix to an audience (if mixing live) or a mixdown deck (if recording).

But what if the engineer needs to hear something other than the main mix? With the 1402-VLZ3, the engineer has several choices of what to listen to. This is one of those tricky parts, so buckle up.

Via these SOURCE switches, you can choose to listen to any combination of main mix, ALT 3-4 and TAPE. By now, you probably know what the main mix is. ALT 3-4 is that additional stereo mix bus. Tape is the stereo signal coming in from the TAPE INPUT [9] jacks.

Selections made in the source matrix deliver stereo signals to the control room, phones and meter display.

With no switches engaged, there will be no signal at these outputs and no meter indication.

The exception to that is the SOLO function. Regardless of the source matrix selection, engaging a channel’s

SOLO [24] switch will replace that selection with the solo signal, also sent to the control room, phones and meter. This is what makes the Level-Setting Procedure so easy to do.

WARNING: Engaging both the TAPE and ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX buttons in the

SOURCE matrix can create a feedback path between TAPE INPUT and TAPE OUTPUT. Make sure your tape deck is not in record, record-pause, or input monitor mode when you engage these switches, or make sure the CONTROL ROOM / SUBMIX [34] fader is fully down.

Now you know how to select the signals to send to the engineer’s control room or phones. From there, these signals all pass through the same level control:

16 32. MAIN MIX FADERS

These faders control the levels of signals sent to the main outputs: XLR [13], 1⁄4" TRS [11], and TAPE [10].

All channels and STEREO RETURNS that are not muted or turned fully down will end up in the main mix.

Fully down is off, the "U" is unity gain, and fully up

provides 10 dB additional gain. This additional gain will typically never be needed, but once again, it’s nice to know it’s there. This is the fader to move down at the end of the song when you want The Great Fade-Out.

34. CONTROL ROOM/SUBMIX

This fader controls the levels of both the control room outputs and phones outputs. The fader ranges from off, through unity gain at the "U", to 10 dB of extra gain when fully up.

When MAIN MIX is your control room source selection, those signals will now pass through two level controls on the way to your control room amp and phones

— the MAIN MIX [32] faders and this CONTROL ROOM

/ SUBMIX fader. This way, you can send a nice healthy level to the main output (MAIN MIX fader at “U”), and a quiet level to the control room or phones (CONTROL

ROOM / SUBMIX fader wherever you like it).

When ALT 3-4 or TAPE is selected, or SOLO is engaged, this fader will be the only one controlling these

levels (channel controls not withstanding).

1402-VLZ3

Whatever your selection, you can also use the control room outputs for other applications. Its sound quality is just as impeccable as the main outputs. It can be used as additional main mix output, which may sound silly since there are already three, but this one has its own level control. However, should you do something like this, be sure that you do not engage a SOLO switch, as that will interrupt your SOURCE selection.

35. SOLO MODE (AFL/PFL)

Engaging a channel’s SOLO [24] switch will cause this dramatic turn of events: Any existing SOURCE [33] matrix selections will be replaced by the SOLO signal, appearing at the control room outputs, phones outputs, and meter. The audible SOLO levels are then controlled by the CONTROL ROOM / SUBMIX [34] fader. The

SOLO levels appearing on the right meter display are not controlled by anything — you wouldn’t want that.

You want to see the actual channel level on the meter display regardless of how loud you’re listening.

With this SOLO MODE switch in the up position, you're in AFL mode, meaning After-Fader-Listen. You'll hear the output of the soloed channel and it will follow the GAIN, EQ, FADER and PAN settings. It's similar to muting all the other channels, but without the hassle.

Use AFL mode during mixdown.

With the SOLO MODE switch in the down position, you're in PFL mode, meaning Pre-Fader-Listen (post

EQ). This is required for the Level Setting Procedure, and is handy for quick spot-checks of channels, especially ones that have their faders turned down.

In either mode, SOLO will not be affected by a channel's MUTE/ALT [25] switch position.

36. RUDE SOLO LIGHT

This fl ashing Light Emitting Diode serves two purposes — to remind you that at least one channel is in SOLO, and to let you know that you’re mixing on a

Mackie. No other company is so concerned about your level of SOLO awareness. If you work on a mixer that has a solo function with no indicator lights, and you happen to forget you’re in solo, you can easily be tricked into thinking that something is wrong with your mixer.

Hence the RUDE SOLO LIGHT. It’s especially handy at about 3 a.m. when no sound is coming out of your monitors but your multitrack is playing back like mad.

37. ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX

Let’s say you’re doing a live show. Intermission is nearing and you’ll want to play a soothing CD for the crowd to prevent them from becoming antsy. Then you think,

“But I have the CD player plugged into the TAPE inputs, and that never gets to the main outputs!” Oh, but it does. Simply engage this switch and your SOURCE [33] matrix selection, after going through the CONTROL

ROOM / SUBMIX [34] fader, will feed into the main mix, just as if it were another stereo channel.

Another handy use for this switch is to enable the ALT

3-4 mix to become a submix of the main mix, using the

CONTROL ROOM/SUBMIX fader as its level control.

Side effects: (1) Engaging this switch will also feed any soloed channels into the main mix, which may be the last thing you want. (2) If you have MAIN MIX as your SOURCE matrix selection and then engage ASSIGN

TO MAIN MIX [37], the main mix lines to the SOURCE matrix will be interrupted to prevent feedback. Then again, why on earth would anyone want to assign the main mix to the main mix?

38. METERS – MANY DISPLAYS IN ONE!

The 1402-VLZ3’s peak metering system is made up of two columns of twelve LEDs. Deceptively simple, considering the multitude of signals that can be monitored by it.

If nothing is selected in the SOURCE [33] matrix and no channels are in SOLO [24], the meters will just sit there and do nothing. To put them to work, you must make a selection in the SOURCE matrix (or engage a

SOLO switch).

Why? You want the meter display to refl ect what the engineer is listening to, and as we’ve covered, the engineer is listening either to the control room outputs or the phones outputs. The only difference is that while the listening levels are controlled by the CONTROL ROOM

/ SUBMIX [34] fader, the meters read the SOURCE mix before that control, giving you the real facts at all times, even if you’re not listening at all.

Thanks to the 1402-VLZ3’s wide dynamic range, you can get a good mix with peaks fl ashing anywhere between –20 and +10 dB on the meters. Most amplifi ers 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 “+7”.

You may already be an expert at the world of “+4” (+4 dBu=1.23 V) and “–10” (–10 dBV=0.32 V) operating levels. Basically, what makes a mixer one or the other is the relative 0 dB VU (or 0 VU) chosen for the meters.

A “+4” mixer, with a +4 dBu signal pouring out the back will actually read 0 VU on its meters. A “–10” mixer, with a –10 dBV signal trickling out, will read 0 VU on its meters. So when is 0 VU actually 0 dBu? Right now!

Owner’s Manual

17

At the risk of creating another standard, Mackie’s compact mixers address the need of both crowds by calling things as they are — 0 dBu (0.775 V) at the output shows as 0 dB VU on the meters. What could be easier?

By the way, the most wonderful thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from.

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).

So, the original “dry” signals go from the channels to the main mix and the affected “wet” signals go from the STEREO RETURN to the main mix, and once mixed together, the dry and wet signals combine to create a glorious sound. So, armed with this knowledge, let’s visit the Auxiliary World:

A WORD ABOUT AUX

Sends are outputs, Returns are inputs. The AUX [30] and [31] knobs tap the signal off the channel and sends it to the AUX SEND [8] outputs. The AUX 1 signal is sent to the AUX 1 MASTER [40] knob before going to the AUX SEND 1 output and the AUX 2 signal goes directly to the AUX SEND 2 output.

These outputs can be fed to the inputs of a reverb or other device. From there, the outputs of this external device are fed back to the mixer’s STEREO RETURN [7] jacks. Then these signals are sent through the STEREO

RETURN [41] level controls, and are fi nally delivered to the main mix.

39. PRE/POST (AUX 1)

Besides being used to work effects into your mix, Aux

Sends serve another critical role — that of delivering cue mixes to stage monitors, so musicians can hear what they’re doing. On the 1402-VLZ3, AUX SEND 1 can play either role, depending on the position of this switch.

With the AUX 1 SELECT switch up (disengaged),

AUX SEND 1 will tap a channel pre-fader [23] and pre-

MUTE/ALT 3-4 [25], meaning that no matter how you manipulate those controls as they feed the main mix, the AUX SEND will continue to belt out that channel’s signal. This is the preferred method for setting up stage monitor feeds. EQ settings will affect all AUX SENDs.

With the switch down, the AUX SEND 1 becomes an ordinary effects send — post-fader and post-MUTE/ALT

3-4. This is a must for effects sends, since you want the levels of your “wet” signals to follow the “dry” level.

O O

+10

O O

+20

C-R/SOURCE

MAIN MIX

ALT 3–4

TAPE

ASSIGN

TO MAIN MIX

NORMAL (AFL)

LEVEL SET (PFL)

O O

+20

LEFT RIGHT

0dB=0dBu

LEVEL

SET

SOLO

MODE

RUDE

SOLO

LIGHT

48V PO WER

CTL ROOM dB

/SUBMIX dB

MAIN MIX

40. AUX 1 MASTER

The AUX 1 MASTER provides overall level control of

AUX SEND 1, just before it’s delivered to the AUX SEND

1 [8] output. (AUX SEND 2 has no such control.) This knob goes from off (turned fully down), to unity gain at the center detent, with 10 dB of extra gain (turned fully up). As with some other level controls, you may never need the additional gain, but if you ever do, you’ll be glad you bought a Mackie.

This is usually the knob you turn up when the lead singer glares at you, points at his stage monitor, and sticks his thumb up in the air. (It would follow suit that if the singer stuck his thumb down, you’d turn the knob down… but that never happens.)

41. STEREO RETURNS

These two controls set the overall level of effects received from STEREO RETURN [7] inputs 1 and 2. These controls are designed to handle a wide range of signal levels, from off, to unity gain at the detent, with 20 dB gain fully clockwise, to compensate for low-level effects.

Typically, these knobs can just live at the center detent, and the effects device’s output control should be set at whatever they call unity gain (check their manual). If that turns out to be too loud or too quiet, adjust the effects device’s outputs, not the mixer. That way, the mixer’s knobs are easy to relocate at the center detent.

18

1402-VLZ3

Signals passing through these STEREO RETURN level controls will proceed directly to main mix, with one exception (see next paragraph). The STEREO RETURNs do not have MUTE/ALT 3-4 switches, so if you want these signals to get to the ALT 3-4 mix, you’ll have to patch the effects device’s outputs into one of the stereo channels, and MUTE/ALT [25] those channels.

42. RETURN TO AUX 1

If you want to add reverb or delay to the stage monitor mixes, this is the switch for you. The implementation leading up to the switch is the tricky part:

With the switch up, STEREO RETURN 1 and 2 behave normally — they deliver their signals into the main mix.

With the switch down, STEREO RETURN 1 still behaves normally, but STEREO RETURN 2 will feed AUX SEND 1 instead of the main mix.

Still with us? Good. So far, with the switch down, we have STEREO RETURN 1 feeding the main mix and

STEREO RETURN 2 feeding AUX SEND 1. Now, suppose you only have one effects device, and you want it to feed both the main mix and AUX SEND 1. That’s where “jack normalling” comes in:

JACK NORMALLING

Jack normalling (not to be confused with Jack

Normalling, Chicago Cubs utility infi elder, 1952-61, .267

LBA) is a feature found on almost every mixer, keyboard and effects device. These jacks have special springloaded pins that connect to the signal pins, but when something is plugged into the jack, that connection is broken.

These normalling pins can be used in all sorts of ways.

The ubiquitous phrase “LEFT (MONO)” means that if you plug a signal into the LEFT side and have nothing in the RIGHT side, that signal is also fed to the right input, courtesy of jack normalling. As soon as you plug something in the RIGHT side, that normalled connection is broken.

How does all this relate to the RETURN TO AUX 1 switch? STEREO RETURN 1’s inputs are normalled to

STEREO RETURN 2. If you have one effects device, plug it into STEREO RETURN 1. Plug nothing into STEREO

RETURN 2. Now the signals feeding the STEREO RE-

TURN 1 inputs will also be sent to the STEREO RETURN

2 inputs.

Engage the RETURN TO AUX 1 switch, and now the

STEREO RETURN 2 knob will become an additional

AUX SEND 1 knob for the signal at STEREO RETURN 1.

Say that ten times! Once again, STEREO RETURN 1 will behave normally, as always.

Congratulations! You’ve just read about all the features of your 1402-VLZ3. You’re probably ready for a cold one. Go ahead. The rest of the manual can wait.

Owner’s Manual

19

Appendix A: Service Information

Warranty Service Repair

Details concerning the Limited Warranty are spelled out on page 27 of this manual.

Service for Mackie products is available at a factoryauthorized service center. Service for Mackie products living outside the United States can be obtained through local dealers or distributors.

If you think your 1402-VLZ3 has a problem, please check out the following troubleshooting tips and do your best to confi rm the problem. Visit the Support section of our website (www.mackie.com) where you will fi nd lots of useful information such as FAQs, documentation and user forums. You may fi nd the answer to the problem without having to send your mixer away.

If your 1402-VLZ3 needs service, follow these instructions:

1. Review the preceding troubleshooting suggestions.

Please.

Troubleshooting

2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-898-3211, 7 am to 5 pm

PST, to explain the problem and request a Service

Request Number. Have your serial number ready.

You must have an Service Request Number before you can obtain warranty service.

Bad Channel

3. Keep this owner’s manual and the detachable linecord. We don’t need them to repair the unit.

• Is the MUTE/ALT 3–4 switch in the correct position?

• Is the fader turned up?

• Try unplugging any INSERT devices (Channels

1–6 only).

• Try the same source signal in another channel, set up exactly like the suspect channel.

Bad Output

4. Pack the unit in its original package, including endcaps and box. This is VERY IMPORTANT. Mackie is not responsible for any damage that occurs due to non-factory packaging.

5. Include a legible note stating your name, shipping address (no P.O. boxes), daytime phone number,

Service Request Number, a copy of your sales receipt, and a detailed description of the problem, including how we can duplicate it.

• Is the associated level knob (if any) turned up?

• If it’s one of the MAIN OUTS, try unplugging all the others. For example, if it’s the 1⁄4"

Left Main out, unplug the RCA and XLR Left outputs. If the problem goes away, its not the mixer.

• If it’s a stereo pair, try switching them around.

For example, if a left output is presumed dead, switch the left and right cords, at the mixer end. If the problem switches sides, it’s not the mixer.

Noise

6. Write the Service Request Number in BIG PRINT on top of the box. Units sent without the SR number will be refused.

7. Tech Support will tell you where to ship the unit for repair. We suggest insurance for all forms of cartage.

8. You will need to contact the authorized service center for their latest turn-around times. The unit must be packaged in its original packing box, and must have the Service Request Number on the box.

Once it’s repaired, the authorized service center will ship it back by ground shipping, pre-paid (if it was a warranty repair).

• Turn the channel GAIN and STEREO RETURN knobs down, one by one. If the sound disappears, it’s either that channel or whatever is plugged into it, so unplug whatever that is. If the noise disappears, it’s from your whatever.

Note: Under the terms of the warranty, you must ship or drop-off the unit to an authorized service center.

The return ground shipment is covered for those units deemed by us to be under warranty.

Power

Note: You must have a sales receipt from an authorized

Mackie dealer for your unit to be considered for warranty repair.

• Unplug the power cord and check the fuse.

20

1402-VLZ3

Appendix B: Connections

“XLR” Connectors

Mackie mixers use 3-pin female “XLR” connectors on all microphone inputs, with pin 1 wired to the grounded

(earthed) shield, pin 2 wired to the “high” (”hot” or positive polarity) side of the audio signal and pin 3 wired to the “low” (“cold” or negative polarity) side of the signal. See Figure A. This is all totally aboveboard and in full accord with the hallowed standards dictated by the AES (Audio Engineering Society).

Use a male “XLR”-type connector, usually found on the nether end of what is called a “mic cable,” to connect to a female XLR jack.

You can cook up your own adapter for a stereo microphone adapter. “Y” two cables out of a female 1⁄4" TRS jack to two male XLR plugs, one for the Right signal and one for the Left.

• Balanced mono circuits. When wired as a balanced connector, a 1⁄4" TRS jack or plug is connected tip to signal high (hot), ring to signal low (cold), and sleeve to ground (earth).

• Unbalanced Send/Return circuits. When wired as send/return “Y” connector, a 1⁄4" TRS jack or plug is connected tip to signal send (output from mixer), ring to signal return (input back into mixer), and sleeve to ground (earth).

SHIELD

HOT

⁄

" TS Phone Plugs and Jacks

COLD

SHIELD

3 1

“TS” stands for Tip-Sleeve, the two connections available on a “mono” 1⁄4" phone jack or plug. See Figure C.

COLD

HOT

SHIELD

COLD

HOT

SLEEVE

TIP

SLEEVE

TIP

Figure A: XLR Connectors

SLEEVE

Figure C: TS Plug

⁄

" TRS Phone Plugs and Jacks

“TRS” stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve, the three

connections available on a “stereo”

⁄

" or “balanced” phone jack or plug. See Figure B.

Figure B:

⁄

" TRS Plugs

RING SLEEVE

TIP

SLEEVE RING TIP

RING

TIP

SLEEVE

TRS jacks and plugs are used in several different applications:

• Stereo Headphones, and rarely, stereo microphones and stereo line connections.

When wired for stereo, a 1⁄4" TRS jack or plug is connected tip to left, ring to right and sleeve to ground (earth). Mackie mixers do not directly accept 1-plug-type stereo micro phones.

They must be separated into a left cord and a right cord, which are plugged into the two mic preamps.

TS jacks and plugs are used in many different

applications, always unbalanced. The tip is connected to the audio signal and the sleeve to ground (earth). Some examples:

• Unbalanced microphones

• Electric guitars and electronic instruments

• Unbalanced line-level connections

Switched

⁄

" Phone Jacks

Switches can be incorporated into 1⁄4" phone jacks, which are activated by inserting the plug. These switches may open an insert loop in a circuit, change the input routing of the signal or serve other functions. Mackie uses switches in the channel insert and bus insert jacks, input jacks and AUX returns. We also use these switches to ground the line-level inputs when nothing is plugged into them.

In most cases, the plug must be inserted fully to activate the switch. Mackie takes advantage of this in some circuits, specifying circumstances where you are to insert the plug only partially. See Special Mackie

Connections, on the next page.

Owner’s Manual

21

RCA Plugs and Jacks

RCA-type plugs (also known as phono plugs) and jacks are often used in home stereo and video equipment and in many other applications (Figure D). They are unbalanced and electrically identical to a 1⁄4" TS phone plug or jack (see Figure C). Connect the signal to the center post and the ground (earth) or shield to the surrounding “basket.”

Special Mackie Connections

The balanced-to-unbalanced connection has been anticipated in the wiring of Mackie jacks. A

⁄

" TS plug inserted into a

⁄

" TRS balanced input, for example, will automatically unbalance the input and make all the right connections. Conversely, a

⁄

" TRS plug inserted into a

⁄

" unbalanced input will automatically tie the ring (low or cold) to ground (earth).

TRS Send/Receive Insert Jacks

SLEEVE TIP SLEEVE TIP

Figure D: RCA Plug

Mackie’s single-jack inserts are the three- conductor,

TRS-type 1⁄4" phone. They are unbalanced, but have both the mixer output (send) and the mixer input

(return) signals in one connector. See Figure E.

Unbalancing a Line

In most studio, stage and sound reinforcement situations, there is a combination of balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs on the various pieces of equipment. This usually will not be a problem in making connections.

• When connecting a balanced output to an unbalanced input, be sure the signal high (hot) connections are wired to each other, and that the balanced signal low (cold) goes to the ground (earth) connection at the unbalanced input. In most cases, the balanced ground

(earth) will also be connected to the ground

(earth) at the unbalanced input. If there are ground-loop problems, this connection may be left disconnected at the balanced end.

• When connecting an unbalanced output to a balanced input, be sure that the signal high

(hot) connections are wired to each other. The unbalanced ground (earth) connection should be wired to the low (cold) and the ground

(earth) connections of the balanced input. If there are ground-loop problems, try connecting the unbalanced ground (earth) connection only to the input low (cold) connection, and leaving the input ground (earth) connection disconnected.

• In some cases, you will have to make up special adapters to interconnect your equipment. For example, you may need a balanced XLR female connected to an unbalanced 1⁄4" TS phone plug.

tip ring sleeve

(TRS plug)

This plug connects to one of the mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.

Figure E

SEND to processor

“tip”

RETURN from processor

“ring”

The sleeve is the common ground (earth) for both signals. The send from the mixer to the external unit is carried on the tip, and the return from the unit to the mixer is on the ring.

Using the Send Only on an Insert Jack

If you insert a TS (mono) 1⁄4" plug only partially (to the fi rst click) into a Mackie insert jack, the plug will not activate the jack switch and will not open the insert loop in the circuit (thereby allowing the channel signal to continue on its merry way through the mixer).

This allows you to tap out the channel or bus signal without interrupting normal operation.

If you push the 1⁄4" TS plug in to the second click, you will open the jack switch and create a direct out, which does interrupt the signal in that channel. See Figure F on the next page.

NOTE: Do not overload or short-circuit the signal you are tapping from the mixer. That will affect the internal signal.

22

1402-VLZ3

MONO PLUG

Channel Insert jack

Direct out with no signal interruption to master.

Insert only to first “click.”

A stereo signal, having two plugs, should be patched into the LEFT (MONO) and the RIGHT input or return jacks. A jack switch in the RIGHT jack will disable the mono function, and the signals will show up in stereo.

A mono signal connected to the RIGHT jack will show up in the right bus only. You probably will only want to use this sophisticated effect for special occasions.

MONO PLUG

Channel Insert jack

Direct out with signal interruption to master.

Insert all the way in to the second “click.”

STEREO

PLUG

Channel Insert jack

For use as an effects loop.

(TIP = SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect.)

Figure F

Mackie Stereo Inputs and Returns: Mono,

Stereo, Whatever

Stereo line inputs and stereo returns are a fi ne example of the Mackie philosophy (which we just made up) of Maximum Flexibility with Minimum Headache.

The inputs and returns will automatically be mono or

stereo, depending upon how you use the jacks. Here’s how it works:

A mono signal should be patched into the input or return jack labeled Left (MONO). The signal will be routed to both the left and right sides of the return circuit, and will show up in the center of the stereo pair of buses it’s assigned to, or it can be “panned” with the

Balance control.

Mults and “Y”s

A mult or “Y” connector allows you to route one output to two or more inputs by simply providing parallel wiring connections. You can make “Y”s and mults for the outputs of both unbalanced and balanced circuits.

Remember: Only mult or “Y” one output into several inputs. If you need to combine several outputs into one input, you must use a mixer, not a mult or a “Y.”

RING (IN)

RING (RETURN)

TIP (OUT)

RING

(RETURN)

TIP

(SEND)

TO MIXER

CHANNEL INSERT

TIP (SEND)

Y-cord insert cable

FROM

PROCESSOR

OUTPUT

PROCESSOR

INPUT

Y-cord splitter cable

Owner’s Manual

23

Appendix C: Technical Information

Specifi cations

Maximum Levels

Mic in:

Main Mix Noise

(20 Hz–20 kHz bandwidth, 1/4" Main out, channels 1–6 Trim @ unity gain, channel EQs fl at, all channels assigned to Main Mix, channels 1, 3 and 5 Pan left, 2, 4 and 6 Pan right.)

Main Mix fader down, channel faders down: –101 dBu

Main Mix @ unity, channel faders down: –91 dBu

(95 dB Signal to Noise Ratio, ref +4 dBu)

Main Mix fader @ unity, channel faders @ unity: –86 dBu

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)

(1 kHz @ +14 dBu, 20 Hz–20 kHz bandwidth)

Mic pre @ insert:

Tape in:

All other inputs:

Main Mix XLR out:

All other outputs:

Impedances

Mic in:

Channel Insert return:

All other inputs:

Tape out:

All other outputs:

0.0007%

Attenuation (Crosstalk)

(1 kHz relative to 0 dBu, 20 Hz–20 kHz bandwidth,

Line in, 1⁄4" Main Out, Trim @ unity.)

Main Mix fader down: –100 dBu

Channel Alt / Mute switch engaged:

Channel fader down:

–90 dBu

EQ

High Shelving

Mid Peaking

Low Shelving

Power Consumption

+22 dBu

+16 dBu

+22 dBu

+28 dBu

+22 dBu

2.5 kilohms

10 kilohms or greater

1.1 kilohms

120 ohms

±15 dB @ 12 kHz

±15 dB @ 2.5 kHz

±15 dB @ 80 Hz

120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 25 watts

Frequency Response

(Mic input to any output.)

20 Hz to 60 kHz:

20 Hz to 100 kHz:

+0 dB/–1 dB

+0 dB/–3 dB

Fuse Rating

100-120V:

220-240V:

500 mA slo blo, 5 x 20 mm

250 mA slo blo, 5 x 20 mm

Weight

Equivalent Input Noise (EIN)

(Mic in to Insert Send out, max gain.)

150 ohm termination: –129.5 dBu, 20 Hz–20 kHz

9.5 lb (4.5 kg)

Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)

(Mic in to Insert Send out, max gain.)

1 kHz: better than –70 dB

Dimensions (H x W x D)

12.9" x 14.0" x 3.2" (329 mm x 356 mm x 81 mm)

LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our products by incorporating new and improved materials, components, and manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve the right to change these specifi cations at any time without notice.

“Mackie,” and the “Running Man” are registered trademarks of

LOUD Technologies Inc. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.

24

1402-VLZ3

Block Diagram

20 10 7 4 2 0 2 4 7 10 20 30

N R

N L

MAI

ALT

LOG

SOLO/PFL

AFL

2 P

1 P

OST

OST AUX

AUX 1 PRE

AUX

75Hz HPF

Owner’s Manual

25

Track Sheet

TAPE INPUT

BAL OR

LEVEL +4

26

1402-VLZ3

BAL OR

V dB

SOLO LI

– 4A

– 4

– 4A

MID 2.5

MID 2.5kH

MID 2.5

1402-VLZ3 Limited Warranty

Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.

A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials, workmanship and proper operation of this product for a period of three years from the original date of purchase. If any defects are found in the materials or workmanship or if the product fails to function properly during the applicable warranty period, LOUD Technologies, at its option, will repair or replace the product. This warranty applies only to equipment sold and delivered within the U.S. by LOUD Technologies Inc. or its authorized dealers.

B. Failure to register online or return the product registration card will not void the three-year warranty.

C. Service and repairs of Mackie products are to be performed only at a factory-authorized facility (see D below).

Unauthorized service, repairs, or modifi cation will void this warranty. To obtain repairs under warranty, you must have a copy of your sales receipt from the authorized Mackie dealer where you purchased the product. It is necessary to establish the purchase date and determine whether your Mackie product is within the warranty period.

D. To obtain factory-authorized service:

1. Call Mackie Technical Support at 800/898-3211, 7 AM to

5 PM Monday through Friday (Pacifi c Time) to get a Service

Request Number. Products returned without a Service Request

Number will be refused.

2. Pack the product in its original shipping carton. Also include a note explaining exactly how to duplicate the problem, a copy of the sales receipt with price and date showing, and your return street address (no P.O. boxes or route numbers, please!). If we cannot duplicate the problem or establish the starting date of your Limited Warranty, we may, at our option, charge for service time.

3. Ship the product in its original shipping carton, freight prepaid to the authorized service center. The address of your closest authorized service center will be given to you by

Technical Support.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Service Request Number is plainly written on the shipping carton.

No receipt: no warranty service.

E. LOUD Technologies reserves the right to inspect any products that may be the subject of any warranty claims before repair or replacement is carried out. LOUD Technologies may, at our option, require proof of the original date of purchase in the form of a dated copy of the original dealer’s invoice or sales receipt. Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely with LOUD Technologies.

F. Any products returned to one of the LOUD Technologies factory-authorized service centers, and deemed eligible for repair or replacement under the terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced within thirty days of receipt. LOUD

Technologies and its authorized service centers may use refurbished parts for repair or replacement of any product.

Products returned to LOUD Technologies that do not meet the terms of this Warranty will not be repaired unless payment is received for labor, materials, return freight, and insurance. Products repaired under warranty will be returned freight prepaid by LOUD Technologies to any location within the boundaries of the USA.

G. LOUD Technologies warrants all repairs performed for 90 days or for the remainder of the warranty period.

This warranty does not extend to damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse, or to exterior appearance. This warranty is recognized only if the inspection seals and serial number on the unit have not been defaced or removed.

H. LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the quality or timeliness of repairs performed by an authorized service center.

I. This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and to anyone who may subsequently purchase this product within the applicable warranty period. A copy of the original sales receipt is required to obtain warranty repairs.

J. This is your sole warranty. LOUD Technologies does not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales representative, to assume any liability on behalf of

LOUD Technologies or to make any warranty for LOUD

Technologies Inc.

K. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS THE SOLE

WARRANTY GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.

AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS

AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF

MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR

PURPOSE. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE

SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THREE

YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE

FROM AN AUTHORIZED MACKIE DEALER. UPON

EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD,

LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL HAVE NO FURTHER

WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND. LOUD

TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY

INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE MACKIE

PRODUCT OR ANY WARRANTY CLAIM. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental, special, or consequential damages or a limitation on how long warranties last, so some of the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty provides specifi c legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Owner’s Manual