Oct 2013 • All questions, answers and specifications subject to change.
1. What does a DL Series mixer do? What does the iPad do?
It’s simple. The mixer itself does all the heavy lifting.
Onyx mic pres amplify the signal. High-end AD converters
convert this to digital. The powerful DSP chip processes and
mixes this through the low latency mix engine. What’s missing?
Control. And that’s where the iPad comes in. It is the control
surface, controlling the DSP and mixer parameters but no audio
processing occurs in the iPad at all. All the magic happens in the
mixer itself which is powerful and able to produce undeniably
professional sound quality.
2. Is a DL Series mixer compatible with all versions of the
iPad? iPhone? iPod touch?
The DL Series mixers allow wireless control from all iPad models
with the Master Fader app: iPad (1
st
generation), iPad 2, iPad
(3
rd
generation), iPad (4
th
generation) and iPad mini.
There are both 30-Pin and Lightning versions of the DL1608 and
DL806 available so choose the model that works with your iPad.
Our patented tray design is built to accommodate changing form
factors via tray inserts and a modular design.
The 30-Pin versions allow docked control from iPad
(1
st
generation), iPad 2 and iPad (3
rd
generation). The included
tray insert fits the iPad (3
rd
generation) and iPad 2 like a glove
and the original iPad fits into the mixer without the tray insert.
The Lightning versions allow docked control from iPad
(4
th
generation) with the included tray insert. An optional
accessory tray also allows docked operation with an iPad mini.
Note the iPad (1
st
generation) has a slower processor and less
RAM than newer iPad models so it has less snappy meters
and will be slightly less responsive to dragging and other
commands. In addition, because the iOS6/7 is not compatible
with iPad (1
st
generation), there may be some features we
choose to add in a future release which will not work on the first
generation iPad. So if you are looking to purchase a used iPad,
get the iPad 2 or newer to ensure a full featured experience into
the future.
3. Is a DL Series mixer compatible with all versions of the
iPhone and iPod touch?
The My Fader app allows wireless control from iPod touch
(4
th
and 5
th
generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5,
iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. It’s perfect for on-stage performers
controlling their own mix or for FOH engineers looking for
pocketable wireless control. Note iOS6 is required for My Fader.
4. Can I convert my 30-pin DL Series mixer to lightning?
Lightning to 30-Pin?
We have a variety of conversion options available, please see
the following post for all the information.
5. How does the wireless setup work?
Wireless setup is easy. Simply connect a Wi-Fi router to the
Ethernet port on the back of the DL Series mixer. Connect the
iPad wirelessly to this network. Almost any off-the-shelf router
will work, but we recommend the AirPort Extreme or Airport
Express, as these allow easy setup from the iPad and can be
configured in detail using the free AirPort Utility app. We also
list some other officially approved and tested access points on
the DL Series website.
6. What apps can be used for playback or recording?
iPad applications can play back stereo audio to a DL Series
mixer over the dock connector via a dedicated channel labeled
“iPad” in the Mackie Master Fader control application. The main
L/R signal is also sent from the mixer hardware for recording.
While you can use the built-in Music app for playback and the
Master Fader app itself for recording, many users utilize other
3rd party applications for these purposes. This works for any
application that supports background audio playback/recording
which allows the user to switch back to the Master Fader app for
mixing. Many popular apps support this including Garage Band,
Auria and Multitrack DAW.
7. Are DL Series mixers rack-mountable?
Yes. There is an optional Rackmount Kit accessory available
through Mackie dealers. A Phillips screwdriver is all that is
required for installation and the finished hardware takes up
nine spaces in a standard 19” rack. Plus, leaving extra room for
cabling, a racked up DL Series mixer fits perfectly into most of
the flip-top racks on the market.
8. Can the iPad be removed from the tray while audio is
passing and the unit is powered on?
Yes. The audio processing is done entirely on the mixer
hardware; the iPad only does control. If the iPad is removed it
will switch over to wireless control automatically but audio will
continue to pass during the transition which only takes a second
or two. If wireless is not configured, the mixer still will continue
to pass audio until another iPad comes online to control it.
When power cycled, the mixer returns to its previous state.
Note that iPad playback and recording can only happen when
the iPad is docked and both will gracefully end when the iPad is
removed from the tray.
9. Can all six aux sends be pre DSP, pre fader or post fader?
Yes indeed! All six auxiliary sends are configurable for pre DSP/
pre fader/post fader operation. This is done on a per aux send
basis from the Mackie Master Fader control app.
10. What AD/DA converters are in a DL Series mixer?
What sample rate and bit depth are used?
The DL1608 and DL806 use 24-bit Cirrus Logic® AD/DA
converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted) operating
at 48 kHz. These are the same converters as the Onyx Blackbird
and Onyx-i series.
11. Does the Master Fader allow offline editing?
Yes. You can create snapshots, shows and presets offline with
the free Mackie Master Fader iPad app. Presets are only stored
on the iPad and can be recalled to a channel when desired.
Snapshots and Shows (groups of snapshots) are loaded onto
the mixer hardware which synchronizes them to all connected
iPads. These are then recalled from the hardware from any
connected iPad.
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