U.420 4-Channel Line Mixer with FireWire Owner's Manual

28 Pages·2008·3.07 MB·English

4-Channel Line Mixer with FireWire
OWNER ’S MANUAL
1 2 3 4
LESVETEL LESVETEL
U GAIN U U GAIN U
-14 +14 -14 +14 POWER -14 +14 -14 +14
U EQ U U EQ U
HIGH L R HIGH
OL
KILL +10 KILL +10 KILL +10 KILL +10
U U 10 U U
7
MID 4 MID
KILL +10 KILL +10 0 KILL +10 KILL +10
U U 4 U U
10
LOW 20 LOW
KILL +10 KILL +10 KILL +10 KILL +10
AUX AUX
OO MAX OO MAX OOFW INMAX OOPHONEMSAX OO MAX OO MAX
U LEVEL U U LEVEL U
LOOP
OUT
OO MAX OO MAX OO MAX OO MAX
OO MAX
Important Safety Instructions
r
e
x
i 1. Read these instructions. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
M manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
2. Keep these instructions.
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury

e 3. Heed all warnings. from tip-over.
n 4. Follow all instructions. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
i periods of time.
L 5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
l 6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
e when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-
n 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
manufacturer’s instructions. fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
n
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
a 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
h stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no
C object filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
on the apparatus.
- plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
4 A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. 16. The AC adapter is used as the power disconnect device and should
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the remain readily accessible to the user.
0
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
2 17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
4 applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
U plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the of Communications.
apparatus.
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 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 communications du Canada.
PORTABLE CART WARNING 18. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing
loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced
Carts and stands - The hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
Component should be used sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s
only with a cart or stand
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified
that is recommended by
the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.
the manufacturer.
A Component and cart
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits
combination should be
could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially danger-
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and ous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all
uneven surfaces may cause persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pres-
the Component and cart sure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation.
combination to overturn.
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.
CAUTION AVIS
Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, Typical
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN In Hours Slow Response Example
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR 8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) 4 95 Subway Train
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL 3 97
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN 2 100 Very loud classical music
ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER 1.5 102
L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU 1 105 Dave screaming at Steve about deadlines
D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE
A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE 0.5 110
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
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 WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or
l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur
suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution. electric shock, do not expose this apparatus
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance to rain or moisture.
(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.

U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer
Contents O
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................2 TOP PANEL FEATURES ...........................................12 n
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INTRODUCTION ......................................................4 CHANNEL CONTROLS .....................................12
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FEATURES ...............................................................4 10. LEVEL SET LED .........................................12 ’s
GETTING STARTED ...................................................5 11. INSTRUMENT SWITCH .............................12
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HOOKUP DIAGRAMS...............................................6 12. GAIN ......................................................12
a
REAR PANEL FEATURES .........................................10 3-BAND EQ ...................................................13
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1. INSTRUMENT/LINE INPUT .........................10 13. HIGH EQ .................................................13
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2. LINE INPUTS ..............................................10 14. MID EQ ...................................................13 a
3. PHONO INPUTS .........................................10 15. LOW EQ ..................................................13 l
4. GND TERMINAL .........................................10 16. AUX ........................................................13
5. AUX OUTPUTS ...........................................10 17. LEVEL ......................................................13
6. MAIN OUTS ...............................................11 CONTROL SECTION ........................................14
7. HEADPHONES OUTPUT ..............................11 18. POWER LED .............................................14
8. DC INPUT ..................................................11 19. METERS ..................................................14
9. FIREWIRE CONNECTION .............................11 20. FW IN .....................................................14
21. FW LOOP OUT .........................................14
22. PHONES LEVEL ........................................15
23. MAIN LEVEL ............................................15
24. FAIRY DUST .............................................15
APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION ....................16
APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS..................................18
APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL INFO...............................19
APPENDIX D: FIREWIRE ........................................21
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION .....................................24
U.420 LIMITED WARRANTY...................................27
Need help with your new U.40 Mixer?
• Visit www.mackie.com and click Support to find:
FAQs, manuals, addendums, and user forums.
• Email us at: [email protected].
• Telephone [phone]-11 to speak with one of our splendid
technical support representatives, (Monday through Friday,
from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).
Part No. SW0556 Rev. D 02/08
©2007-2008 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Owner’s Manual
r Introduction FEATURES
e
x • 4 stereo line-level input channels.
i
M Thank you for choosing a Mackie U.420 mixer. It • Built-in FireWire 2x2 interface provides easy
contains all your favorite features in a ultra-compact input from computer to the main mix, and easy

e 4-channel line mixer, along with a built-in FireWire outputs to the computer from the main mix. It
n interface, and a phono input for turntablists. has 24-bit resolution, and 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96
i kHz sample rates.
L The U.420 is equally at home in recording studio ap-
plications or in live performances: • Separate FireWire modes for live performance
l
e or overdubbing.
In the studio, the mixer offers Mackie-quality sound
n • Ultra-compact design, with functional and
to sub-mix outboard gear and bring it into the computer.
n ergonomic controls.
It has 4 stereo inputs that can accept any stereo device
a
• 3-Band EQ on each channel, with kill position.
h from synths, samplers, or a turntable. Channel 1 accepts
C an instrument connection without the need for a DI box. • Phono preamplifier on channel 4 accepts
phono-level stereo signals from a turntable.
- In live performances, the mixer will enable you to
4 • Instrument-level input option on channel 1.
sub-mix synths, computers, samplers, pedal boards,

0 turntables, cd-players, and effects on stage. Bands • Stereo aux bus allows a separate mix to be sent
2 and solo artists from DJs, electronic artists and singer to stage monitors or external processors.
4 songwriters can use the mixer to sub-mix their creative
• TRS stereo main outputs.
U. tools and deliver them to the sound board. The mixer’s
• TRS stereo headphone output.
aux bus allows you to set up a separate mix to feed stage
monitors or external processors. • TRS stereo aux bus outputs.
• Level-set LEDs and gain controls allow easy
You will find that the U.420 mixer is a very useful
optimization of each channel.
piece of equipment, and we hope you will love it, just as
much as we did making it for you. • Stereo main meters with overload lights.
• Large, easy to use, main level control.
• External power supply.
• Includes Tracktion, our professional, easy-to-
use, totally-amazing music production software.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Please read the safety instructions on page 2 first.
The getting started guide on page 5 will help you get the
mixer set up fast so you can start using it right away.
Right after that are the ever popular hook-up diagrams
that show you some typical setups.
The features section describes every knob, button,
and connection point on the mixer, roughly following
the signal flow through the mixer from top to bottom.
For more information about a feature, locate its number
in the appropriate illustration, and find it in the nearby
Please write your serial number here for future
paragraphs.
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,
return authorization, etc.) This icon marks information that is critically
important or unique to the mixer. For your
own good, read them and remember them.

This icon leads you to in-depth explanations
Purchased at:
of features and practical tips. They usually

have some valuable nuggets of information.

Appendix A shows service and repair information.

Appendix B is a section on connectors.
Date of purchase:
Appendix C shows the specs and a block diagram.
Appendix D shows details of the FireWire interface.
4
U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer
Getting Started Set the Levels O
w
To set the gain controls, it’s not even necessary to
n
hear what you’re doing at the outputs of the mixer. If
READ THIS PAGE!!
e
you want to listen while you work, plug headphones into
r
Even if you never read manuals, please the phones jack on the front panel, then set the phones ’s
knob up a little.
read and digest the safety instructions M
on page 2, and this page before you 1. Play something into the selected input. Be sure
a
begin using your mixer. that the volume of the input source is the same as
n
it would be during normal use. If it isn’t, you might
u
have to readjust these levels during the middle of a
Zero the Controls
a
set.
l
1. Unplug the mixer’s external power supply from the 2. Adjust the channel’s rotary gain control so that the
mixer. level set LED comes on while you are playing, and
goes off when you stop. As a rough guide, adjust the
2. Turn down all the gain, aux, and level controls, and
gain until the LED is on for about half the time dur-
center all the EQ controls.
ing your performance. (The LED indicates that the
3. Set all push button switches to their “out” positions. signal level is 0 dBu.)
4. In the center section, turn down the large level 3. Repeat for any other channels.
knob, FW in knob, and phones level knob.
Instant Mixing
Connections
1. To get sound out of the speakers, turn up the
If you already know how you want to connect the channel’s level control to the U (unity gain) position,
mixer, go ahead and connect the inputs and outputs and slowly rotate the large main control to a comfort-
the way you want them. If you just want to get sound able listening level.
through the mixer, follow these steps:
2. Sing and play. You’re a star! Bring in the other
1. Plug a signal source into the mixer. This could be a: channels, and generally have fun.
• Turntable into the phono input. 3. Grease the frying pan with hog fat and turn up the
heat just enough to not fill the kitchen with fine
• Line-level source such as a CD player into a
blue smoke.
line-level input.
• A guitar plugged into channel 1’s left input, 4. Cook the sausages until golden brown, and serve
with the instrument switch pressed in. with black pudding and a pint of warm beer.
2. Connect cords from the main outs to your powered
speakers or amplifier. FireWire
3. Plug in the mixer’s external power supply, and con-
1. See Appendix D, on page 21 for details of getting
nect it to a live AC outlet to turn on the mixer.
started with FireWire.
4. If you have powered speakers, turn them on. Other-
2. There is a nice section about recording with
wise, hook up your speakers to your amp and turn it
FireWire on page 22.
on. Adjust your powered speaker or amplifier level
controls to however the manufacturer recommends. 3. There is no step 3. Well, only this one, and it is not
(This is usually all the way up.) very informative. (Tech writers just love numbered
lists.)
4. There is no step 4 either.
Other Nuggets of Wisdom
• Always turn down the main level control and phone
level control before making any connections.
• When you shut down your equipment, turn off the
amplifiers first. When powering up, turn on the
amplifiers last.
5
Owner’s Manual
r Hookup Diagrams
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x
i
M

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n HR824
i Powered
L Monitors

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e Drum machine
Effects/ Sampler
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Headphones
C
-
4

0
2
4
. GND MOAUITN(MOLNO)AOUUXT L 4 L(MONO)3 L(MONO)2 L(MONO) 1
U PHONO
L
POWER
18V,1.5A
R R R R R
R
ground wire
Laptop
Turntable with phono-level out Keyboard
This diagram shows a stereo synth, and a drum machine connected to channels 1 & 2, and a turntable
connected to the phono inputs of channel 4. The stereo aux output sends signals to the effects/sampler,
and the wet signal is returned into channel 3.
The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie HR studio monitors for control room listening, and the
mixer’s Big Knob controls their volume. The headphone out has its own level control, independent of the
Big Knob.
A laptop is connected via FireWire. The U.420 provides stereo mains to the computer for record-
ing with most DAW applications like Tracktion, Cubase, or Sonar. This is independent of the Big Knob
as well. Additionally, there is a stereo return from the laptop that has its own mix level control into the
mains.
The FireWire loop through switch on the top of the mixer makes overdubbing a breeze. In its normal
out position, you can play back the mix from your DAW and it will not create a feedback loop. Only the
analog inputs 1-4 will be available for recording. Track it!
Oh, and don’t forget this FireWire return can be used for any playback software application like
Ableton Live, Tracktor, or iTunes.
Production studio

U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer
O
w
SRM450
Powered n
Speakers
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r
Guitar ’s

M
SRM450 Powered a
Drum machine
Stage Monitor n
u
a
Headphones l
GND MOAUITN(MOLNO)AOUUXT L 4 L(MONO)3 L(MONO)2 L(MONO) 1
PHONO
L
POWER
18V,1.5A
R R R R R
R
ground wire
Laptop
Turntable with phono-level out Keyboard
This diagram shows a guitar connected to channel 1, plus a stereo synth and drum machine connected
to channels 2 & 3. A turntable is connected to the phono inputs on channel 4. Use the left aux send to
connect to a Mackie SRM450 for stage monitoring. The U.420 will automatically sum the stereo signal to
mono if you use the left aux output only.
The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie SRM450s for the audience’s listening pleasure. The
mixer’s Big Knob controls their volume. The headphone out has its own level control, independent of the
Big Knob.
A laptop is connected via FireWire. The U.420 provides stereo mains to the computer for recording
with most DAW applications like Tracktion, Cubase or Sonar. Perfect for recording your set. Any play-
back software applications like Ableton Live or Tracktor can easily be part of your performance by utiliz-
ing the FireWire stereo return that has its own mix level control into the mains.
The FireWire loop through switch on the top of the mixer allows you to send your FireWire return
through the FireWire output for recording. So use Ableton Live and your analog inputs to perform, and
record it all at the same time on Tracktion or your DAW of choice. The switch should be pressed in to
allow loop through of the FireWire return to the FireWire record output.
Live performance system
7
Owner’s Manual
r
e Personal Stereo Monitors
(SRM150 powered monitors)
x
This diagram shows an acoustic
i
M Acoustic guitar connected to channel 1, plus
Guitar
a stereo performance synth like a

e Nord Lead on channel 2, a good
n Main Mix organ like a Korg CX-3 on chan-
to
i front-of-house Electronic Piano nel 3, and an electronic piano on
L mixer
channel 4 (with a dab of chanel #5

l behind each ear for good measure).
e
n
The main outputs are fed to the
n
FOH (front of house) mixer for the
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POWER
C 18V,1.5A R R R R R pair of SRM150s on mic stands for
R
- stereo stage monitoring.
4
A laptop is connected via
0
FireWire. This laptop is loaded with
2
Organ Nord Lead awesome virtual instruments like
4
those in applications such as Logic,
.
U
and a USB keyboard is connected
Keyboard Controller
for real-time performance.
Laptop
Keyboardist’s submixer
This diagram shows a stereo keyboard
workstation, a groovy analog synth, an
HR824
studio electronic piano, and an electric organ con-
monitors
nected to channels 1–4.
Aux to Electronic Piano
studio mixer The main outputs are fed to a pair of
Mackie HR studio monitors for local monitor-
ing, and the mixer’s Big Knob controls their
volume. The headphone output has its own
level control, independent of the Big Knob.
GND MOAUITN(MOLNO)AOUUXT L 4 L(MONO)3 L(MONO)2 L(MONO)1 The stereo aux out sends signals to the main
PHONO
L
POWER studio recording console for tracking.
18V,1.5A R R R R R
R
A laptop is connected via FireWire. This
laptop is loaded with awesome virtual
instruments like those in applications such as
Logic, and a USB keyboard is connected for
real-time performance and recording.
Laptop The FireWire loop through switch on top
Headphones
Rhodes of the mixer makes overdubbing a breeze.
In it’s normal out position, you can playback
Keyboard Controller the mix from your DAW and it will not
Keyboard workstation Analog Synth create a feedback loop. Only the analog
inputs 1-4 will be available for recording.
Track it!
Keyboard recording station
8
U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer
O
w
Digital Video n
Camcorder
e
HR824 r
Powered ’s
Monitors

M
a
n
u
a
Headphones l
GND MOAUITN(MOLNO)AOUUXT L 4 L(MONO)3 L(MONO)2 L(MONO) 1
PHONO
L
POWER
18V,1.5A
R R R R R
R
Video out
DV Recorder 1
iPodTM Docking Station Video out
Desktop computer and large display
DV Recorder 2
Video Monitor
This diagram shows a DV camcorder audio connected to channel 1, DVR decks connected to channels
2 and 3, and an iPod docking station connected to channel 4.
The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie HR studio monitors for local monitoring, and the mixer’s
Big Knob controls their volume. The headphone output has its own level control, independent of the Big
Knob.
A Mac with a cinema display is connected via FireWire to the mixer. The computer audio comes from
a video production application like Final Cut Pro for monitoring during editing. The audio inputs can also
be recorded through the mixer’s FireWire connection.
Video edit bay
9
Owner’s Manual
r Rear Panel Features
e
x
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n
i
L

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e GND MOAUITN(MOLNO) AOUUXT L 4 L(MONO)3 L(MONO) 2 L(MONO) 1
n PHONO
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n POWER
18V,1.5A
R R R R R
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R
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-
4

0
1. INSTRUMENT/LINE Input . PHONO Inputs
2
4
. These inputs accept either 1/4" TRS balanced or TS Channel 4’s RCA jacks accept stereo phono-level
U
unbalanced connectors. signals from turntables. Check that your turntable has
a phono-level output and a moving-magnet cartridge.
Unlike the other inputs, channel 1’s left input can
Turntables usually have a ground wire that needs to be
accept direct instrument-level signals such as from
connected to the ground terminal [4].
guitars, without the need for a DI box. For this to work,
press channel 1’s instrument switch [11]. The guitar or The turntable’s stereo phono-level signals are re-
other instrument will appear on both left and right of equalized and converted to line-level signals by the fine
channel 1. (The right input is disconnected internally.) RIAA preamplifiers inside the mixer.
If the instrument switch is out, then these inputs are The phono inputs are internally disconnected
just like the other channel line-level inputs described if anything is plugged into channel 4’s line
below. inputs.
Do not connect line-level sources to these
. LINE Inputs
phono-level inputs, or the phono preamplifiers
may be overloaded. Use the line-level inputs
These line-level inputs accept either 1/4" TRS bal-
[2] instead.
anced or TS unbalanced connectors.
4. GND Terminal
You can connect stereo line-level sources such as CD
players, MP3 players, keyboards, drum machines, tape
players, and all manner of line-level goodies. You might This terminal is provided to connect a ground wire
need to purchase some RCA to 1/4" mono adapters, de- from your turntable to the mixer. Most turntables pro-
pending upon your source component. These are readily vide a ground wire for the purpose of eliminating hum in
available at your local music, electronics, or grain and the audio signals.
feed store.
Rotate this terminal counter-clockwise to loosen it,
These are stereo inputs; the left signals appear on the wrap the end of the ground wire clockwise around the
left main mix bus, and the right signals appear on the terminal, and hand-tighten the terminal for a secure
right main mix bus. ground connection.
If you have a mono source component, then connect
5. AUX Outputs
it to the left input, and the mono source will appear
equally on the left and right of the main mix. (This does
These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a balanced line-level
not apply to channel 4.)
output signal from the stereo aux bus. Use these to
connect to the inputs of an external effects processor,
another PA system, or stage monitors. You can also use
unbalanced 1/4" TS connectors.
10
U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer