44
input, for example, will automatically unbalance
the input and make all the right connections.
Conversely, a
1
⁄
4
" TRS plug inserted into a
1
⁄
4
"
unbalanced input will automatically tie the ring
(low or cold) to ground (earth).
TRS Send/Receive Insert Jacks
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 F).
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 re-
turn 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 first 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 at that point in the circuit 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 E.
NOTE: Do not over-
load or short-circuit the
signal you are tapping
from the mixer. That will
affect the internal signal.
MACKIE STEREO INPUTS AND RETURNS:
Mono, Stereo, Whatever
Stereo line inputs and stereo AUX returns
are a fine example of the Mackie philosophy
(which we just made up) of Maximum Flex-
ibility with Minimum Headache. The inputs
and returns will automatically be mono or ste-
reo, 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 as-
signed to, or it can be “panned” with the
Balance control.
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 func-
tion, 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 (weddings, bar mitzvahs,
Rush Limbaugh’s birthday party, etc.)
Figure E
Direct out with no signal interruption to master.
Insert only to first “click.”
Channel Insert jack
Channel Insert jack
Channel Insert jack
Direct out with signal interruption to master.
Insert all the way in to the second “click.”
For use as an effects loop.
(TIP = SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect.)
MONO PLUG
MONO PLUG
STEREO
PLUG