Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro, 1604-VLZ Pro, 1642-VLZ Pro, 1202-VLZ Pro User's Manual

MACKIE

HOOK-UP

GUIDE

VLZ-PRO

SERIES

OUR [IN]FAMOUS PRODUCT

HOOKUPS IN BYTE-SIZED MORSELS

Copyright © 2002 Mackie Designs Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PRINTING NOTE: These pages were built 21cm wide (8.26in) by 27.94cm (11in) tall to
accommodate the printers of both our North American users and our users around the
globe. This PDF will print at 100% on both “Letter” sized and “A4” sized paper (with room in
the left margin for hole punching).

Hello and welcome to one of many download-

able web editions of Mackie’s Product Hook-Up
Guide. Since 1992, we’ve been including these
helpful “connection maps” in our In Your Face
product guides, and we’ve been urged to continue
doing so because they’re so gosh-darned help­ful. Now, we’ve split our hook-ups into product

famlies, and made them available to you over this
new-fangled “Internet” thingy that everyone is
talking about these days.

There will be documents that cover hooking

up our compact VLZ

®

PRO Series, Analog 8•Bus
Series consoles, CFX Series effects mixers, DFX
Series compact effects mixers, the D8B digital
console, the HDR24/96 hard disk recorder, PPM
Series powered mixers, the FR Series amplifi ers,
SR Series front-of-house mixers, and our Active
loudspeakers.

Inside you’ll fi nd lots of useful information
— most likely your questions will be answered
here. We realize that there’s no possible way to
cover every single question or application in so few
pages because new ways to use Mackie products
are invented every day. You may come up with
some ideas on how to do what you want by look­ing at the various diagrams we’ve included here.

Keep in mind that a good half of the battle in
hooking up our products is having the proper
connections. Check the cables ’n’ plugs that you
already have with the diagrams on the next
page. We know it may look boring, but one of
these drawings could save your life. Well, maybe
not your life, but probably a lot of weeping and
sorrow. And don’t forget to check out the tech
tips/FAQs document also available for download

on the web at www.mackie.com/techsupport

If you don’t fi nd the answers you’re after, then
why not give our mighty Tech Support gang a
call? These folks have tons of experience in the
real world, and they’ve got lots of equipment and
mixers at their beck and call. They’re aching to
share their knowledge with you. (And calling them
would be a very humanitarian thing to do — they’re
located in the dank sub-basement of our building
and they rarely get visitors. Your call just may be
the one that keeps their spirits alive.)

Call Mackie Tech Support toll-free (in the U.S.)
at 800-258-6883 (Monday through Friday, 7 AM
to 5 PM Pacifi c Time) with any Mackie product­question you can conjure. Put them through the
wringer! We encourage it.

Incidentally, the Mackie Product Hook-Up Guide
(Web Editions) were put together from within the
confi nes of the Mackie Digital Mosh Pit — located
on the second fl oor near the Area Of Refuge — by
the well-meaning, super-preening Mackie Macin­tosh Department. We used Adobe InDesign

®

,
Illustrator®, Photoshop®, and Acrobat® on a
number of suped-up big daddy Macs.

Oh yeah: Copyright © 2002 Mackie Designs Inc.

All Rights Reserved.
The following are trademarks or registered trade­marks of Mackie Designs Inc.: “MACKIE.”, the
“Running Man” fi gure, VLZ, XDR, D8B, HUI, CFX
Series, FR Series, and HR Series.

A VISUAL

GUIDE

COMMON

PRO AUDIO PLUGS AND CONNECTORS

KNOW YOUR

PLUGS

SET IT UP, AND GO!

TS Plug (mono)

Standard mono/unbalanced phone
plug used for most mixer connections.

TRS Plug (stereo)

Standard stereo/balanced phone plug used for
balanced connections on Mackie mixers.

Insert “Y” Cable

Balanced XLR

Standard XLR microphone connector to be used
with mic-level.

RCA/Phono Plug

Tape deck connections
on most Mackie mixers.

The “Y” Cable is used for connecting serial effects
devices, such as graphic equalizers or compressors, to a
Mackie mixer’s Channel or Bus insert jacks. On one end is
a standard Tip-Ring-Sleeve “stereo” plug. Its tip and ring
are wired to separate mono Tip-Sleeve plugs. Note that
the RING of the TRS plug (A) is actually wired to the TIP of
one of the mono TS plugs (B). If you 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
break the insert connection in the circuit (thereby allowing
the channel signal to continue on its merry way through

Insert Points

TS Plug (mono)

Direct out with no signal interruption to master.
Insert only to first “click.”

TS Plug (mono)

Direct out with signal interruption to master.
Insert all the way in to the second “click.”

TRS Plug (stereo)

For use as an effects loop.

(TIP = SEND to effects
RING = RETURN from effects)

the mixer). See (C) in “Insert Points” below.

Partial insertion allows you to tap out of the channel or
bus circuit 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 or bus circuit. See (D) in
“Insert Points” above. Note: Do not overload or short-circuit
the signal you are tapping from the mixer. That will affect
the internal signal of the mixer.

Attention !

A

You may notice these effects unit hookups (Figure A)
throughout this applications guide. These hookups utilize
the Insert "Y" Cable (explained on the facing page).

B

MIXER INSERT

Figure B is a closeup of Figure A. The two colors
represent the input and output traveling the length of the
"Y" cable. The dotted line represents the two signals
travelling alongside one another.

COMPRESSOR

OUT

IN

1202/1402 4-TRACK

VLZ PROVLZ PRO

Guitar

Keyboard

Channel Inputs as Tape Returns

Monitoring AFTER

your recorder, not

at your inputs

Mic

4 Track Recorder

CHANNEL INSERTSAUX RETURNS

CHANNEL INPUTS IN-TAPE-OUT

AUX

SEND

OUT

ALT 3/4

TRACKING

Direct Output to Recorder

Insert to first click!

Reverb/Delay

Reverb/Delay

SET IT UP, AND GO!

Stereo Tape Deck

Headphones

HR824 or other

Powered Studio Monitors

MAIN

PHONES

OUT

CNTRL ROOM

OUTPUTS

MAIN

OUT

OUT

1202/1402

VLZ PROVLZ PRO

Mic 1 and 2

Keyboard

Video Decks

CHANNEL INSERTSAUX RETURNS

CHANNEL INPUTS IN-TAPE-OUT

OUT

AUX

OUT

ALT 3/4

VIDEO SET UP

Compressor

NOTE: AUX Return 2 (L and R)
can be used as an extra
stereo input

Reverb/Delay

SET IT UP, AND GO!

Multi-Deck Video Switcher

with time code interface

Headphones

Powered Studio Monitors

Cassette Recorder

HR824 or other

MAIN

PHONES

OUT

CNTRL ROOM

OUTPUTS

MAIN

OUT

Master Video Deck

OUT

1202/1402

VLZ PROVLZ PRO

Mic 1 and 2

Keyboard

Sound Module

Sound Card

LINE
OUT

LINE

IN

CHANNEL INSERTSAUX RETURNS

CHANNEL INPUTS IN-TAPE-OUT

AUX

SEND

OUT

ALT 3/4

COMPUTER SET UP

Compressor

Reverb/Delay

SET IT UP, AND GO!

MIC

IN

Headphones

HR824 or other

Powered Studio Monitors

MAIN

PHONES

OUT

CNTRL ROOM

OUTPUTS

MAIN

OUT

OUT

1202/1402

Turntables

CD Players

VLZ PRO

Mic 1 and 2

RIAA Preamp

CHANNEL INSERTSAUX RETURNS

CHANNEL INPUTS IN-TAPE-OUT

OUT

AUX

OUT

ALT 3/4

DJ SET UP

Compressor

Triggered Lights

Delay/Reverb

SET IT UP, AND GO!

Stereo Tape Deck

Headphones

MAIN

PHONES

OUT

CNTRL ROOM

OUTPUTS

MAIN

OUT

OUT

Active

PA Speaker/

Subwoofer

combination

(Pole-mounted

SRM450s and

SRS1500 active

Subwoofers

pictured)

1202/1402 CONFERENCE

VLZ PROVLZ PRO

Guest panel

Mics

Audience Mic

Stereo Tape Deck

VCR Audio out

CD Player (intermission music)

Podium Mic

CHANNEL INSERTSAUX RETURNS

CHANNEL INPUTS IN-TAPE-OUT

OUT

AUX

OUT

ALT 3/4

PA SET UP

2nd Stereo Tape Deck

recording conference audio

SRM450s or other

Active PA Speakers

SET IT UP, AND GO!

Stereo Tape Deck

recording conference audio

Headphones

To Video Camera line level
inputs to tape conference

MAIN

PHONES

OUT

CNTRL ROOM

OUTPUTS

MAIN

OUT

OUT

Graphic EQs

1604 VIDEO

Keyboard

VLZ PROVLZ PRO

Mic 1-2

Video Decks

CD Player

CHANNEL INSERTS

CHANNEL INPUTS

SET UP

Compressors

SET IT UP, AND GO!

HR824 or

other Powered

Studio Monitors

Sampler

Output Video Deck

Multi-Deck Video Switcher
with time code interface

Headphones

MONOSTEREO

MAIN OUT

MAIN

TAPE

TAPE

C/R OUT

SUB OUTS

PHONES

DIRECT OUT

BAL/UNBAL

INSERT

IN

AUX SENDS

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

AUX RETURNS

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

Digital Video Workstation

BAL/UNBAL

BAL/UNBAL

Delay

Reverb

1604 8-TRACK

Bass

Guitar

Keyboard

VLZ PRO

Mic 1-2

Processors

Drum Machine

CHANNEL INSERTS

CHANNEL INPUTS

TRACKING

Compressors

Multi-track

Digital Recorder

SET IT UP, AND GO!

HR824s or

other Powered

Studio Monitors

Stereo Compressor

and Stereo EQ

Stereo Tape Deck

Headphones

MONOSTEREO

MAIN OUT

MAIN

TAPE

TAPE

C/R OUT

SUB OUTS

PHONES

DIRECT OUT

BAL/UNBAL

INSERT

IN

AUX SENDS

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

AUX RETURNS

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

BAL/UNBAL

Cue Mix

(Headphones

and

headphone

amps)

Delay

Reverb

1604 STEREO

Guitar

Stereo Processor

Keyboards

VLZ PROVLZ PRO

Mic 1-4

Drum Machine

CHANNEL INSERTS

CHANNEL INPUTS

PA SET UP

Compressors

SET IT UP, AND GO!

SRM450s or
other Active

PA Speakers

Stereo Compressor

and Stereo EQ

Cassette Recorder

or DAT

4-Track Recorder

Headphones

MONOSTEREO

MAIN OUT

MAIN

TAPE

TAPE

C/R OUT

SUB OUTS

PHONES

DIRECT OUT

BAL/UNBAL

INSERT

IN

AUX SENDS

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

AUX RETURNS

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

Mono EQs, M•1400i Amps,

and Passive Stage Monitors (C300s)

BAL/UNBAL

Delay

Reverb

1642 TRACKING AND

VLZ PROVLZ PRO

From Mics,

Keys,

Drum Machines,

Guitars, etc.

8 Track Recorder

CHANNEL INSERTS

CHANNEL INPUTS

BAL/UNBAL

DIRECT OUT

MIXING SET UP

Stereo Processor

SET IT UP, AND GO!

DAT Recorder

(mastering)

Stereo Processor

Stereo Tape Deck

HR824 or other

Powered Studio Monitors

Headphones 1

Headphones 2

MAIN OUT

MONO L R L R

MAIN

TAPE

TAPE

C/R OUT

SUB OUTS

PHONES

AUX SENDS

BAL/UNBAL

INSERT

AUX RETURNS

IN

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

Reverb/Delay

Reverb/Delay

From Sub Outs Bal/Unbal

1642 VIDEO

Keyboard

VLZ PRO

Video Decks

CD Player

Mic 1-2

CHANNEL INSERTS

CHANNEL INPUTS

BAL/UNBAL

DIRECT OUT

SET UP

Compressors

Digital Video Workstation

SET IT UP, AND GO!

Multi-Deck Video Switcher

with time code interface

HR824 or

other Powered

Studio Monitors

Output Video Deck

Headphones

MAIN OUT

MONO L R L R

MAIN

TAPE

TAPE

C/R OUT

SUB OUTS

PHONES

AUX SENDS

BAL/UNBAL

INSERT

AUX RETURNS

IN

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

Delay

Reverb

1642 CHURCH

Keyboards

CD Player

VCR

VLZ PRO

Mic 1-5

Guitar

Direct Box

Drum Machine

SET UP

CHANNEL INSERTS

CHANNEL INPUTS

BAL/UNBAL

DIRECT OUT

SET IT UP, AND GO!

Mono EQs,

M•1400i Amps,

and (C300) Passive

Stage Monitors

SRM450s

or other

active monitors

HR824s

or other
powered
monitors

Stereo Processor

Cassette Recorder

Multitrack Recorder

Headphones

MAIN OUT

MONO L R L R

MAIN

TAPE

TAPE

C/R OUT

SUB OUTS

PHONES

AUX SENDS

BAL/UNBAL

INSERT

AUX RETURNS

IN

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

Reverb/Delay

70 Volt Line Amp

Assistive Listening

Transmitter

70V xformer tapped
loudspeakers on distributed
system throughout building

1642 STEREO

Guitar

Machine

Turntable

Drum

Bass

VLZ PRO

Mic 1-4

Guitar

Mono Effects

Additional

stereo source

Stereo Effects

RIAA Preamp

PA SET UP

CHANNEL INSERTS

CHANNEL INPUTS

BAL/UNBAL

DIRECT OUT

Mono EQs, M•1400i Amps,

Passive Stage Monitors

SET IT UP, AND GO!

Compressors

Keyboard

and (C300)

Active PA Speaker/Subwoofer

combination (Pole-mounted

SRM450s and SRS1501 active

Subwoofers pictured)

Stereo Processor

CD Player

Headphones

MAIN OUT

MONO L R L R

MAIN

TAPE

TAPE

C/R OUT

SUB OUTS

PHONES

AUX SENDS

BAL/UNBAL

INSERT

AUX RETURNS

IN

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

BAL/UNBAL

Reverb/Delay

Reverb/Delay

Digital Multitrack

Recorder