Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System User Manual
Operation Guide
INPUT
OL
8
0
4
8
24
0
= +4dBu
PHONES
1
2
INPUT SOURCE SELECT
DAW
2-TRACKA2-TRACKBPHONO
MIX
PHONES/
STUDIO OUTS
OO
MAX
OO
MAX
SOURCE
INPUT SOURCE(S)
PHONES MIX INPUT
STUDIO OUTS
OO
OFF
LEVEL
ON
MIC
OO
MAX
VOLUME
MAX
MUTE
POWERPOWER
MONITOR SELECT
ABC
TALKBACK
DIMMONO
OO
LEVEL
MAX
TO
2-TRACKS
TO
PHONES/
STUDIO
STUDIO COMMAND SYSTEM
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instuctions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
BIG KNOB
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifi ers) that produce heat.
9. 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.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fi t into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11.
Only use attachments/accessories specifi ed by the manufacturer.
12.
Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specifi ed 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.
PORTABLE CART WARNING
Carts and stands - The
Component should be used
only with a cart or stand
that is recommended by
the manufacturer.
A Component and cart
combination should be
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause
the Component and cart
combination to overturn.
CAUTION AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN
ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L’USAGER. CONFIER
L’ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE OU
D’ELECTROCUTION, N’EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE
A LA PLUIE OU A L’HUMIDITE
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product’s enclosure, that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole clair avec point de fl che l’int rieur d’un triangle
quilat ral est utilis pour alerter l’utilisateur de la pr sence
l’int rieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isol d’ampleur
suffisante pour constituer un risque d’ l ctrocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d’exclamation l’int rieur d’un triangle quilat ral est
employ pour alerter les utilisateurs de la pr sence d’instructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l’entretien (service) dans le
livret d’instruction accompagnant l’appareil.
13.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
14.
Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply 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.
15.
This 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.
16.
This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is
applicable)
set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
of Com mu ni ca tions.
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de
class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des com mu ni ca tions du Canada.
17.
Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing
loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced
hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
suffi ciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specifi ed
the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits
could result in some hearing loss. 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 here.
Duration Per Day Sound Level dBA, Typical
In Hours Slow Response Example
8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
4 95 Subway Train
3 97
2 100 Very loud classical music
1.5 102
1 105 Tami screaming at Adrian about deadlines
0.5 110
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fi re or
electric shock, do not expose this apparatus
to rain or moisture.
2
BIG KNOB
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................4
Getting Started ..........................................................................................................4
Zero the Controls.......................................................................................................................................4
Connections.................................................................................................................................................4
Set the Levels ..............................................................................................................................................5
Hookup.........................................................................................................................6
Big Knob Features......................................................................................................7
Front Panel...................................................................................................................................................7
Rear Panel.................................................................................................................................................... 9
Appendix A: Service Information.........................................................................13
Warranty Service...................................................................................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Repair ..........................................................................................................................................................14
Appendix B: Connections ...................................................................................... 15
Operation Guide
XLR Connectors ........................................................................................................................................15
1/4" TRS Phone Plugs and Jacks ...........................................................................................................15
1/4" TS Phone Plugs and Jacks.............................................................................................................. 15
RCA Plugs and Jacks................................................................................................................................. 15
Footswitch Plug and Jack....................................................................................................................... 15
Appendix C: Technical Info ................................................................................... 16
Big Knob Specifi cations..........................................................................................................................16
Big Knob Block Diagram.........................................................................................................................18
Big Knob Limited Warranty.................................................................................. 19
Please write your serial number here for future
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,
return authorization, etc.)
Purchased at:
Don’t forget to visit our website at
www.mackie.com for more information
about this and other Mackie products.
Date of purchase:
Part No. 0009001 Rev. B 4/04
©2004 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Operation Guide
3
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Mackie Big Knob,
your signal routing and monitoring solution for your
DAW-based studio. Big Knob provides a control
room matrix and the basic features of an expensive
mixer, but tailored for the requirements of your
DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) environment.
BIG KNOB
These features include selecting up to four separate
stereo input sources, monitoring through three different speakers for A/B/C comparisons, providing a
separate headphone mix and a studio output for the
talent, and a built-in talkback mic for slate-to-tape
and headphone cueing. In other words, it gives you
everything you need from a mixer, without the stuff
you don’t need!
INPUT
OL
8
0
4
8
24
0
= +4dBu
PHONES
1
2
OO
OO
DAW
MIX
MAX
MAX
INPUT SOURCE SELECT
2-TRACKA2-TRACKBPHONO
PHONES/
STUDIO OUTS
SOURCE
INPUT SOURCE(S)
PHONES MIX INPUT
STUDIO OUTS
OFF
ON
OO
LEVEL
Another important feature you’ve come to expect
from Mackie is pristine sound quality, and Big Knob
is no exception. This is studio-quality gear, and we
made sure the audio signal suffers no degradation
by passing through Big Knob. You can connect this
baby between your expensive DAW and your really
expensive studio monitors with no reservations.
Big Knob will pass the test!
Big Knob is part of the growing family of Mackie
computer recording products. Visit our website
(www.mackie.com) to learn more about these products and the solutions to your audio and recording
needs that Mackie has to offer, or pick up a catalog
at your nearest Mackie dealer.
MIC
OO
VOLUME
MAX
MUTE
POWERPOWER
MAX
DIMMONO
MONITOR SELECT
ABC
TALKBACK
OO
LEVEL
MAX
2-TRACKS
TO
TO
PHONES/
STUDIO
Getting Started
The following steps will help you set up your Big
Knob and get the levels adjusted correctly. Once you
have made the connections and adjustments, refer to
the Features section for more in-depth information
about each input, output, switch, and control knob.
Most of the inputs and outputs on Big Knob
have either a trim control or a level switch
labeled –10 dB and +4 dB. This actually
comes from two standard operating levels
that have evolved in the audio industry:
–10 dBV consumer level and +4 dBu professional level. Most consumer equipment with RCA
connectors operate at the –10 dBV level, while most
professional equipment with 1/4-inch phone jacks
or XLR connectors operate at the +4 dBu level.
As you might expect, the +4 dBu level is higher
(louder) than the –10 dBV level, so it is important to
match the input and output levels of Big Knob to the
equipment you have connected to it. For a Big Knob
input, the –10 dB setting accepts a smaller signal
and provides more gain than
a Big Knob output, the –10 dB
smaller signal than the +4 dB setting.
4
BIG KNOB
the +4 dB setting. For
setting produces a
Zero the Controls
1.
Turn off the POWER switch on the rear panel.
2. On the front panel, turn the Big VOLUME Knob
and all the LEVEL controls all the way down
(counterclockwise).
3. Set all the switches to the up position (front
and rear panels).
4. On the rear panel, turn all the trim controls all
the way down (counterclockwise).
Connections
1. Connect the supplied detachable power cord to
the AC socket
Set the AC SELECT switch to the correct
position that corresponds to the AC voltage you
are using (100-120V or 220-240V).
For Monitoring:
Connect the audio outputs (stereo mix) from
2.
your DAW’s audio interface to the two DAW MIX
input jacks on the rear panel of Big Knob.
on the rear panel of Big Knob.
3. Connect the MONITOR A output jacks on the
rear panel of Big Knob to a pair of active studio
monitors (or the inputs of an amplifi er that is
powering a pair of passive studio monitors).
These will be located at your mixing position.
If you know whether the inputs to the active
studio
monitors (or amplifi er) accept a –10 dBV
(consumer)
or +4 dBu input level, set the trim
control above the MONITOR A output jacks
to the appropriate position. Otherwise, leave it
at the –10 dBV position for now. You can connect additional speakers to the MONITOR B
and MONITOR C output jacks so you can hear
your mix through different types of speakers.
4. If you have a separate studio for recording,
connect the STUDIO OUTS
to a pair of active
studio monitors (or the inputs of an amplifi er that
is powering a pair of passive studio monitors).
These will be located in studio for the talent.
Set the trim control above the STUDIO OUTS
output jacks to the appropriate position, or leave
it at the –10 dBV position if you’re not sure.
5. If you have a headphone distribution amplifi er
for monitoring while recording, connect the
PHONES AMP
of
the headphone amp. Set the +4/–10 level
output jacks to the inputs
switch above the PHONES AMP output
jacks to the appropriate position, or leave it at
the –10 position (pushed in) if you’re not sure.
For Recording
6. Connect the 2-TRACK A
outputs to the linelevel inputs of any recording device, like a DAT
or cassette recorder. This allows you to record
from your DAW to the recorder. Set the +4/–10
level switch
above the 2-TRACK A output
jacks to the appropriate position, or leave it at
the –10 position (pushed in) if you’re not sure.
7. Connect the line-level outputs from the DAT or
cassette recorder to the 2-TRACK A
8. Connect the DAW
output jacks on the rear
inputs.
panel of Big Knob to the stereo inputs of your
DAW’s audio interface. This allows you to
record from the 2-TRACK recorder back to your
DAW. Set the +4/–10 level switch
above the
DAW output jacks to the appropriate position,
or leave it at the –10 position (pushed in) if
you’re not sure.
Set the Levels
1. With everything off, turn on Big Knob’s POWER
switch fi rst.
2.
Turn on all other external power amplifi ers, active
speakers, and headphone amplifi ers.
3. Start playback on your DAW and play some-
thing you’ve already recorded (or a demo track).
You want to be able to listen to it over the monitor speakers connected to Big Knob.
4. Press the DAW MIX
button in the INPUT
SOURCE SELECT section on the front panel.
The LED above the DAW MIX button should
light.
Press the MONITOR A button in the MONITOR
5.
SELECT section on the front panel. The LED
above the MONITOR A button should light.
6. If you know whether your DAW’s audio inter-
output is at a –10 dBV level (consumer) or a
face
+4 dBu
level (pro), set the +4/–10 level switch
for the DAW MIX inputs to the appropriate position. If you don’t know, leave it out (in
the +4 dBu position). We can change it later if
we need to.
7. Slowly turn up the trim control
MIX input until you see the meters
for the DAW
on the
front panel lighting and dancing happily. Adjust
the control until the meters are lighting the “0”
LED regularly. You want the “+8” LED to light
only occasionally, and the “OL” LED to not light
at all.
8. If you can’t adjust the trim control far enough
to get the signal level up to the 0 and +5 LEDs
on the meter, turn the trim control all the way
down, push in the +4/–10 level switch for the
DAW MIX input, and slowly turn up the trim
control again. Now the signal should be strong
enough to get the 0 and +5 LEDs to light.
Slowly turn up the Big Knob VOLUME
9.
control.
You should begin to hear playback from
your DAW through your studio monitor speakers. Adjust the VOLUME control to a comfortable listening level. If it seems like you have to
turn up the VOLUME control all the way to hear
the monitor speakers, turn down the VOLUME
control and check to see if the trim control
Operation Guide
POWER
ON
100-120V
~100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz 25W
AC SELECT
220-240V
MONITOR
-
10dB +4dB
L
R
BAL/UNBAL
MONITOR
-
10dB +4dB
L
R
BAL/UNBAL
MONITOR
B
-
10dB+4dB
L
R
BAL/UNBAL
A
OUTPUTS
2-TRACKA2-TRACK
C
L
R
B
+
+
4dB
4dB
-10dB
-10dB
L
R
BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL /UNBAL
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILE, WA, USA • "BIG KNOB" & "MACKIE" ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. • COPYRIGHT ©2004
L
R
DAW
OUTPUT
PHONES
AMP
+
+
4dB
4dB
-10dB
-10dB
L
R
STUDIO
-
10dB+4dB
L
R
BAL/UNBAL
DAW
PHONES
2-TRACK
MIX INPUT
A
U U
+
4dB
-10dB
L
-
10dB+10dB
DAW
MIX
R
U U
-
10dB+10dB
BAL/UNBAL
(MONO)
L
(MONO)
L
SOURCES
+
4dB
-
+
-
2-TRACK
10dB
BAL/
UNBAL
4dB
10dB
BAL/
UNBAL
R
R
-
10dB+10dB
PHONO
-
10dB+10dB
B
Operation Guide
L
GROUND
+
4dB
-
10dB
(MONO)
L
RIAA
R
BAL/
UNBAL
TALK BACK
FOOT
SWITCH
R
5
above the MONITOR A output jacks is in
the –10 dB position (counter
turn the control up to the +4 dB
clockwise). If it is,
position and
then turn up the Big Knob VOLUME control.
Now it should get louder, faster.
10. If you have monitors connected to the STUDIO
OUTS
BIG KNOB
OUTS SOURCE button on the front panel is
out, and the STUDIO OUTS ON/OFF
, make sure the PHONES/STUDIO
is ON (LED above the button is lit).
11. Slowly turn up the STUDIO OUTS LEVEL
control on the front panel. You should begin
to hear playback from your DAW through your
studio monitor speakers. Adjust the STUDIO
OUTS LEVEL control to a comfortable listening
level. If it seems like you have to turn up the
LEVEL control all the way to hear the studio
monitor speakers, turn down the LEVEL control
and check to see if the trim control
STUDIO OUTS jacks is in the –10 dB position
(counterclockwise). If it is, turn the control
up to the +4 dB position and then turn up the
LEVEL control. Now it should get louder, faster.
12. If you have a headphone distribution amplifi er
connected to the PHONES AMP
outputs, you
should be able to turn up the volume for each
headphone connected to the headphone amplifi -
er and hear playback from the DAW. If it seems
like you’re not getting enough volume from the
headphone amplifi er, turn down all the head-
phone volume controls on the headphone ampli-
Hookup
MONITOR A
Passive
Studio Monitors
Stereo Power
Amplifier
MONITOR B
Mackie HR824 or other
Active Studio Monitors
button
above the
MONITOR C
Powered
Subwoofer
fi er and check to see if the +4/–10 level switch
above the PHONES AMP output jacks
is in the –10 dB position (pushed in). If it is,
switch it to the +4 position and then turn up the
headphone volume control on the headphone
amplifi er. Now it should get louder, faster.
13. You can connect a pair of headphones to one of
the two PHONES
jacks on the front panel of
Big Knob. Slowly turn up its associated LEVEL
control to a comfortable listening level.
14. If you want to record from the DAT or cassette
player to your DAW, start playback on the DAT
or cassette connected to Big Knob.
CAUTION: See “A Cautionary Note” on the next
page to avoid creating a feedback loop through
the 2-TRACK inputs and outputs.
15. Push in the 2-TRACK A
button in the INPUT
SOURCE SELECT section on the front panel
and turn off the DAW MIX button. Slowly turn
up the trim control
until you see the meters
for the 2-TRACK A input
on the front panel
light. Adjust the control until the meters are
lighting the “0” LED regularly. You want the
“+8” LED to light only occasionally, and the
“OL” LED to not light at all.
16. Make sure the inputs to the DAW are selected
for recording. Start recording and the playback
from the 2-TRACK A input to Big Knob should
be recording in the DAW application. If it seems
like you’re not getting enough volume from the
2-TRACK
level switch
playback, check to see if the +4/–10
above the DAW output jacks
is in the –10 dB position (pushed in). If it is,
switch it to the +4 position. This will provide a
stronger signal to send to your DAW.
Headphones
Headphone Distribution
Amp
Reel-to-Reel
Recorder
STUDIO MONITORS
Mackie HR824 or other
Active Studio Monitors
POWER
~120-240 VAC
MONITOR
50/60 Hz 25W
ON
AC SELECT
100V
120V 240V
MONITOR
A
-
-
10dB +4dB
10dB +4dB
L
L
R
R
BAL/UNBAL
BAL/UNBAL
DAT Recorder
6
BIG KNOB
OUTPUTS
MONITOR
2-TRACKA2-TRACK
B
C
B
+
+
4dB
4dB
10dB+4dB
-10dB
-10dB
LRLRLRLRLRLRL
BAL/UNBAL
BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILE, WA, USA • "BIG KNOB" & "MACKIE" ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. • COPYRIGHT ©2004
STUDIO
PHONES
DAW
AMP
OUTPUT
+
+
4dB
4dB
10dB+4dB
-10dB
-10dB
BAL/UNBAL
DAW
PHONES
2-TRACK
MIX INPUT
+
4dB
-10dB
10dB+10dB
R
10dB+10dB
BAL/UNBAL
+
4dB
10dB
A
(MONO)
L R
U U
BAL/
UNBAL
+
4dB
DAW
-
10dB
MIX
(MONO)
L R
U U
BAL/
UNBAL
SOURCES
2-TRACK
10dB+10dB
PHONO
10dB+10dB
+
4dB
10dB
B
(MONO)
L R
BAL/
UNBAL
GROUND
TALK BACK
FOOT
SWITCH
L R
RIAA
Turntable
Sound Card
Footswitch
LINE
OUTS
1
2
3
4
LINE
IN
MIC
IN
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