Mackie DL1608 Reference Guide V1.2
16
Gain Knobs
The gain knobs adjust the input sensitivity of the mic and mic/line inputs. This allows signals
from the outside world to be adjusted to run through each channel at optimal internal operating
levels. All 16 channels may accept a balanced mic or line-level signal using an XLR connector, while
channels 13 – 16 also accept 1/4” line-level signals. The gain knobs are analog controls, and are
therefore NOT recallable.
If a balanced mic or line-level signal is connected to any channel, there is 0 dB of gain with the knob fully
down, ramping up to 60 dB of gain fully up.
If a 1/4” line-level signal is connected to channels 13 – 16, there is 20 dB of attenuation with the knob fully
down and 40 dB of gain fully up, with unity gain “U” at 10:00
This 20 dB of attenuation can be very handy when inserting a hot signal from a line-level source. Without
this “virtual pad,” there is more chance of channel clipping.
Because of the low-noise, high-headroom Onyx mic preamps, it is possible to use the DL1608
strictly as a wireless system and store the mixer away (in an equipment room, for example).
Just make sure to LOWER the gain knobs a touch to gain extra headroom before clipping.
Sig / OL LEDs
This dual-colored LED will illuminate green when the channel’s input signal is present, indicating signal.
It will remain lit so long as there is signal above –20 dBu present in that channel.
This dual-colored LED will illuminate red when the channel’s input signal is too high, indicating a signal
overload. This should be avoided, as distortion will occur. If the OL LED comes on regularly, check that
the gain knob is set correctly for the input device. The signal is at –3 dB before hard clip begins.
Phones Output Jack
This 1/4” TRS connector supplies the output to stereo headphones. The volume is controlled with the
phones knob located right below the output jack.
The phones output follows standard conventions:
Tip = Left channel
Ring = Right channel
Sleeve = Ground
Phones Knob
This knob is used to adjust the volume from the phones output jack, from off to maximum gain (max).
The phones knob is an analog control, and is therefore NOT recallable.
Warning:
The headphone amp is loud and could cause permanent hearing damage.
Even intermediate levels may be painfully loud with some headphones. BE CAREFUL!
Always turn the phones knob all the way down before connecting headphones, soloing
a channel or doing anything new that may affect the headphone volume. Then turn it up slowly as
you listen carefully.
SLEEVE
TIP
SLEEVE
TIP
RING
RING
TIP
SLEEVE
RING