MACKIE PROFX12V3 (01) PDF MANUAL

MACKIE PROFX12V3 (01) PDF SUMMARY:

What are the important safety instructions to remember?

1. Read the provided instructions.
2. Keep the provided instructions for later use.
3. Pay attention to all warnings listed.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use the device near water.
6. Clean the device only using a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings and install the device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat, including amplifiers.
9. Do not place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the device.
10. 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, while a grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for safety. If the provided plug does not fit into the outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
12. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Use the device only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified 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.
14. Unplug the device during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
15. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply 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.
16. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no object filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on the apparatus.
17. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
18. The 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).
19. The apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain readily accessible to the user.
20. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
21. The use of the apparatus is in tropical and/or moderate climates.
22. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
    • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
    • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
    • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
    • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
23. This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and the body.
24. 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 Communications.
25. This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
    • this device may not cause interference, and
    • this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
26. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level exposures shown in a provided chart. 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.

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What should you remember?

• Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods. Check the safety instructions for information on hearing protection.
• Save the shipping box and packing materials!
• Save the sales receipt in a safe place.

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How do you set up the ProFXv3 mixer quickly?

1. Turn down all knobs except the channel EQ and pan knobs, and set all the faders fully down.
2. Set all channel EQ knobs and pan knobs at their center detent.
3. Set all buttons to the “out” position.
4. Connect cords from the main outs to powered speakers (or to an amplifier connected to passive speakers).
5. Plug in the mixer’s power cord to a live AC outlet and turn on the mixer.
6. If you have powered speakers, turn them on. Otherwise, hook up passive speakers to an amp with speaker cables and turn it on. Adjust the powered speaker or amplifier level controls to however the manufacturer recommends.
7. Plug signal sources into the mixer:
   • Microphones plugged into the mic inputs. Engage phantom power if your mics need it.
   • Line-level sources such as keyboards, drum machines, or CD players plugged into the line-level inputs.
8. Be sure that the volume of the input is the same as it would be during normal use.
9. Turn the channel’s gain knob clockwise until the level set LED begins to illuminate.
10. Engage the channel’s L-R assign switch (ProFX12v3 / ProFX16v3 / ProFX22v3 / ProFX30v3) and turn up that channel’s fader to the “U” (unity gain) position.
11. Slowly bring up the main fader to a comfortable listening level.
12. Repeat steps 7 to 10 for the other channels.

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How to connect the power cord to the power connector on the mixer?

Attach the locking barrel connector (which resides at one end of the line cord) to the power connector on the mixer and rotate the ring clockwise to lock. Do not over-tighten! Screw until there is resistance, then stop. Connect the other end into a live grounded AC outlet.

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How to connect the detachable line cord to the power receptacle?

Connect the detachable line cord (included in the box with the mixer) to the power receptacle, and plug the other end of the line cord into an AC outlet.

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How to turn the mixer on and off?

Press the top of the rocker switch inwards to turn on the mixer. The front panel power LED will glow if the mixer is plugged into a suitable live AC mains supply. Press the bottom of this switch to turn the mixer off.

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What is a general guide to follow when turning on and off the mixer?

Turn on the mixer first, before any external power amplifiers or powered speakers, and turn it off last. This will reduce the possibility of any turn-on, or turn-off thumps in the speakers.

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How can you route computer output to the mixer?

A USB 3-4 switch is located on the last stereo channel of each mixer (the one with the 1/8" input). This allows you to route computer output (such as Spotify®, Apple Music®, Pandora®, YouTube®, etc.) down the last stereo channel of the board. This stereo signal may then be EQ’d, sent to auxiliaries (i.e. to feed monitors, headphones or effects) and is routable to mains and/or subgroups via the fader routing features that are available on all other channels. This signal may be sent to nearly any desired output or pair of outputs. The associated gain knob adjusts the USB input level to the mixer to achieve an optimal signal level.

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How can you route the computer’s DAW output to the mixer and blend that signal with the live inputs of the mixer in the headphones for latency-free monitoring?

A USB 1-2 blend knob and To Phones / Control Room switch is located near the lower-right side of each mixer. This allows you to route the computer’s DAW output (such as Pro Tools®, Tracktion®, Cubase®, Reaper®, etc.) to the mixer and blend that signal with the live inputs of the mixer in the headphones for latency-free monitoring.

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How is the main output wired?

Pin 1 = Shield (ground) Pin 2 = Positive (+ or hot) Pin 3 = Negative (– or cold)

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How to connect balanced lines to the main outputs?

To connect balanced lines to these outputs, use a 1/4" Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) plug.

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How is a 1/4" TRS Balanced Mono wired?

Sleeve = Shield Tip = Hot (+) Ring = Cold (–)

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How to connect unbalanced lines to the main outputs?

To connect unbalanced lines to these outputs, use a 1/4" mono (TS) phone plug.

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How is a 1/4" TS Unbalanced Mono wired?

Sleeve = Shield Tip = Hot (+)

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What should you never do with the ProFXv3’s input jack?

NEVER connect the output of an amplifier directly to a ProFXv3’s input jack. This could damage the input circuitry.

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How to connect a guitar directly to the mixer without using a DI Box?

Press the Hi-Z switch in first; then connect the output from the guitar to the channel’s 1/4" TRS input. The input impedance is optimized for direct connection and high-frequency fidelity is assured.

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What will happen if the Hi-Z switch is not pressed in?

Guitars may sound dull and muddy.

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How do you connect balanced lines to the inputs?

Use a 1/4" Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) plug.

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How do you connect unbalanced lines to these inputs?

Use a 1/4" mono (TS) phone plug.

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How to connect a mono source to the stereo line inputs?

Use the left (mono) input, and the mono signals will appear on both sides of the main mix.

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How does a standard insert cable must be wired?

Tip = send (output to effects device) Ring = return (input from effects device) Sleeve = common ground

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How can insert jacks be used as channel direct outputs?

Insert a TS (mono) 1/4" plug only partially (to the first click) into an insert jack. The plug will not activate the jack switch and will not open the insert loop in the circuit.

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What does the Low Cut Switch do?

All channels with a mic input have a low-cut switch (often referred to as a high-pass filter) that cuts bass frequencies below 100 Hz at a rate of 18 dB per octave.

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When should you use low-cut?

It is recommended that low-cut is used on every microphone application except kick drum, bass guitar, or bassy synth patches.

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How to conserve amplifier power?

Filtering out frequencies makes the low stuff crisper, helps reduce the possibility of feedback in live situations, and helps conserve amplifier power.

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How do you set the gain correctly?

Setting the gain correctly will ensure that the preamplifier’s gain is not too high (where distortion could occur), and not too low (where the quieter, exquisitely-delicate passages might be lost in background noise).

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What do the gain knobs and level set LEDs do?

The gain knobs (in conjunction with the level set LEDs) adjust the input sensitivity of the mic and line inputs. This allows signals from the outside world to be adjusted to run through each channel at optimal internal operating levels.

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What does the gain knob adjust for mono channels?

The gain knob adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic and line inputs. If the signal originates through the mic XLR jack, there will be 0 dB of gain with the knob fully down, ramping to 60 dB of gain fully up. Through the 1/4" mono line inputs, there is –20 dB of attenuation fully down and 40 dB of gain fully up, with unity gain “U” at 12:00.

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What does the gain control affect on hybrid channels?

The gain control just affects the microphone input.

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What should you do if one or more channels are distorting?

Check the level set LEDs. If they are on continuously, turn down the gain.

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How does the compressor work?

When the incoming signal exceeds the threshold level set by this knob, the signal level is automatically compressed. This reduces the dynamic range and reduces the chance of distortion due to overloading the input signals.

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How do you use the Hi EQ knobs?

Use it to add sizzle to cymbals, an overall sense of transparency, or an edge to keyboards, vocals, guitar and bacon frying. Turn it down a little to reduce sibilance or to mask tape hiss.

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What do the Aux Mon Knobs do?

These knobs tap a portion of each channel’s signal to set up a monitor mix feeding stage monitors, independent of the main mix. Adjust these controls on each channel until the band is happy with the stage monitor mix.

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What do the Pre-Fader Switches do?

Aux sends 1-2 are always pre-fader, designed for stage monitor applications. Aux send 3 may be set to pre- or post-fader, so they may be used for monitors or effects.

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What do the Aux FX Knobs do?

These knobs tap a portion of each channel’s signal to set up an FX mix feeding the internal FX processor, and to feed external processors via the FX send.

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What do the Mute Switches do?

Mute switches turn off the signal by “routing” it into oblivion.

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How do you use Assign Switches?

Used in conjunction with the channel’s pan knob, they are used to determine the destination of the channel’s signal. With the pan knob at the center detent, the left and right sides receive equal signal levels (main mix L/R, sub 1-2 and sub 3-4). To feed only one side or the other, turn the pan knob accordingly.

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What happens when a channel’s solo switch is engaged?

Any existing selection is replaced by the solo signal, appearing at the control room outputs, phones and at the left meter. The audible solo levels are then controlled by the CR and phones knobs. The solo levels appearing on the meters are not controlled by the CR and phones knob.

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What is the function of the Channel Faders?

It adjusts the level of each channel onto the main mix. The “U” mark indicates unity gain, meaning no increase or decrease of signal level.

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What does the USB Switch do?

When engaged, this switch overrides the 1/8" input and allows the USB return to flow through the signal path instead.

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How to adjust the monitor mix?

The monitor mix may be carefully adjusted in level using the aux mon controls. These tap a portion of each channel’s signal to provide a 1/4" TRS output here to feed external stage monitors.

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How to provide effects to monitors?

Use the mon controls to provide effects to monitors. Slowly add effects to the monitors by turning the mon knobs clockwise. Use the aux master knobs to monitor the amount sent.

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How to select a preset effect?

Rotate the endless control to select one of the 24 preset effects. When the rotation stops, that preset number will flash for 10 seconds. Push the control in prior to that in order to select the preset or let it revert back to the previously selected preset. The current preset number is shown in the display. Only one preset may be selected at a time.

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How to Mute/Un-Mute the Internal Effects?

When engaged, the internal effects processor is muted, and its output will not appear on the main mix or monitor mix. The adjacent mute LED will illuminate as a reminder that the effects are muted.

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What does the Blend Knob do?

The blend knob adjusts the level of all inputs (except the 1/8" input) and USB 1-2 Return to be delivered to the main outputs (and phones and control room if the adjacent switch is engaged). As an added bonus, this is all at zero-latency!

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How to use subs as master faders for a group of channels?

Unassign those channels from the main mix and reassign them to sub 1-2 and engage the main mix L-R switch located above the fader. Now you may ride the entire drum mix with a single fader – sub 1-2.

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What should you check if your mixer has a problem?

Check the troubleshooting tips and do your best to confirm the problem.

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What should you do if there is no power?

• Make sure the AC outlet is live (check with a tester or lamp).
• Is the power switch on? If not, try turning it on.
• Make sure the line cord is securely seated in the line cord socket and plugged all the way into the AC outlet.
• Is the power LED on the top panel illuminated? If not, make sure the AC outlet is live.
• The internal AC line fuse may be blown. This is not a user serviceable part.

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What should you do if there is hum?

Try disconnecting the cable connected to the input jack. If the noise disappears, it could be a “ground loop,” rather than a problem with the mixer. Try some of the following troubleshooting ideas:

• Use balanced connections throughout your system for the best noise rejection.
• Whenever possible, plug all the audio equipment’s line cords into outlets which share a common ground. The distance between the outlets and the common ground should be as short as possible.

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How can I diagnose a bad channel?

Try the same source signal in another channel, set up exactly like the suspect channel. Is phantom power required for your microphone?

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What should you do if there is no sound?

• Is the level knob for the input source turned all the way down? Verify that all the volume controls in the system are properly adjusted. Look at the level set LEDs and meters to ensure that the mixer is receiving a signal.
• Is the signal source working? Make sure the connecting cables are in good repair and securely connected at both ends. Make sure the master volume level is turned up sufficiently to drive the inputs of the speaker.
• Make sure the input source is not muted or has a processor loop engaged. If you find something like this, make sure the level is turned down before disengaging the offending switch.
• Is the main level turned up?
• Are the EQs set to reasonable levels?
• Are any aux returns maxed out?
• Unplug anything from the other line-level outputs, such as monitor out, just in case one of the external pieces has a problem.
• Make sure that you are not overdriving the amplifiers. Check the loudspeaker average load impedance is not less than the minimum the amplifier can handle. Check the speaker wiring.

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What should you do if there is noise?

• Turn the channel gains 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.
• Make sure none of the signal cables are routed near AC cables, power transformers, or other EMI-inducing devices.
• Is there a light dimmer or other SCR-based device on the same AC circuit as the mixer? Use an AC line filter or plug it into a different AC circuit.

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How to fit the bottom panels of the ProFX6v3 and ProFX10v3 with an optional microphone stand adapter?

1. Order the Atlas AD-11B mic stand adapter available from many a fine music store. (It is made and distributed by Atlas Sound.)
2. Use three Trilobular thread rolling screws 6-32 x 1/4" long to secure the adapter to the bottom of the mixer.