Mackie U.40d User Manual

4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer with FireWire and DJ Features

GAIN

HIGH

+10KILL

U U

+10KILL

MID

+10KILL

LOW

+10KILL

+14-14+14-14

MID

FREQ

HIGH

12kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

+50+3

+15-15

MAX

8k100

600

+15-15

+25-22

MIC

+50+3

+25-22

MIC

150 1.5k

8k100

600

150

1.5k

CURVE

GAIN

1 2 3 4

3 4

-20

-10

+10

-5

MAX

LEVEL

MAX

LEVEL

SET

LEVEL

SET

SLOW FAST

POWER 48V

L R

MAX

FW IN

MAX

PHONES

CUE

LOOP

OUT

CUE

CUECUE CUE

48V

O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L



U.40d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

U.420d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

Important Safety Instructions

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 éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.

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 à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.

12.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a 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 ampliﬁers) 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 ﬁt 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 speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table speciﬁed 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.

13.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long

periods of time.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed 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 shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no

object ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on the apparatus.

16.

The AC adapter is used as the power disconnect device and should

remain readily accessible to the user.

17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is

applicable)

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

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 communications du Canada.

19.

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 sufﬁciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has speciﬁed 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 danger ous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pres sure 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 DavescreamingatSteveaboutdeadlines

 0.5 110

 0.25orless 115 Loudestpartsatarockconcert

WARNING — To reduce the risk of ﬁre or

electric shock, do not expose this apparatus

to rain or moisture.

Owner’s Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................ 2

INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 4

GETTING STARTED ................................................... 5

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 6

REAR PANEL FEATURES ......................................... 11

1. MIC/LINE INPUT ....................................... 11

2. LINE INPUTS .............................................. 11

3. PHONO INPUTS ......................................... 11

4. GND TERMINAL ......................................... 11

5. AUX OUTPUTS ........................................... 12

6. MAIN OUTS ............................................... 12

7. HEADPHONES OUTPUT .............................. 12

8. DC INPUT .................................................. 12

9. FIREWIRE CONNECTION ............................. 13

TOP PANEL FEATURES ........................................... 14

CHANNEL 1 AND 2 CONTROLS ....................... 14

10. LEVEL SET LED ......................................... 14

11. INSTRUMENT SWITCH ............................. 14

12. GAIN ...................................................... 14

3-BAND EQ ................................................... 14

13. HIGH EQ ................................................. 15

14. MID EQ ................................................... 15

15. MID FREQ ............................................... 15

16. LOW EQ .................................................. 15

17. AUX ........................................................ 15

18. CUE......................................................... 15

19. FADERS ................................................... 15

CHANNEL 3 AND 4 CONTROLS .......................

20. GAIN ...................................................... 16

21. HIGH EQ ................................................. 16

22. MID EQ ................................................... 16

23. LOW EQ .................................................. 16

24. AUX ........................................................ 17

25. LEVEL ...................................................... 17

26. CURVE .................................................... 17

27. CROSSFADER ........................................... 17

CONTROL SECTION ........................................ 18

28. POWER LED ............................................. 18

29. 48V LED .................................................. 18

30. METERS .................................................. 18

31. CUE LED .................................................. 18

32. 48V ........................................................ 18

33. FW IN ..................................................... 18

34. FW LOOP OUT ......................................... 19

35. PHONES LEVEL ........................................ 19

36. MAIN LEVEL ............................................ 19

APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION .................... 20

APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS.................................. 22

APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL INFO............................... 23

APPENDIX D: FIREWIRE ........................................ 25

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ............................... 28

U.420d LIMITED WARRANTY ................................. 31

Need help with your new U.40d mixer?

• Visit www.mackie.com and click Support to nd: FAQs, manuals, addendums, and user forums.

• Email us at: techmail@mackie.com.

• Telephone 1-800-898-11 to speak with one of our splendid technical support representatives, (Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).

Owner’s Manual



U.40d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

U.420d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

Introduction

FAIRY DUST

Thank you for choosing a Mackie U.420d mixer. It contains all your favorite features in a ultra-compact mixer, along with a built-in FireWire interface, easy controls and a crossfader.

The U.420d is equally at home in recording studio applications or in live performances:

In the recording studio, the mixer offers Mackie-quality sound to sub-mix outboard gear and bring it into the computer. It has 2 stereo channels that can accept any stereo device from synths, samplers, or turntables and bring it directly into the DAW. It can interface a DJ rig right to the DAW as well. Two mono channels allow mic or line connections, and channel one also accepts an instrument connection without the need for a DI box.

In live performances, the mixer will enable you to submix synths, computers, samplers, pedal boards, turntables, CD-players, microphones, and effects on stage in your rig. Bands and solo artists from DJs, electronic artists and singer/songwriters can use the mixer to sub-mix their creative tools and deliver them to the sound board, and send an aux mix to stage monitors.

Generally speaking, the U.420d mixer is way up there with sliced bread and Swiss army knives. (Swiss army bread?) We hope that you will just love it, as much as we did making it for you.

• Separate FireWire modes for live performance or overdubbing.

• Ultra-compact design, with functional and ergonomic controls.

• Stereo channels have a crossfader with a choice of contour curves.

• Faders on mono channels.

• 3-Band EQ on each channel, with kill position on stereo channels, and sweepable Mid frequency on the mono channels.

• Mic preampliﬁer on each mono channel, with phantom power selection.

• Phono preampliﬁers on each stereo channel.

• Instrument-level input option on channel 1.

• Stereo aux bus allows a separate mix to be sent to stage monitors or external processors.

• TRS stereo main outputs.

• TRS stereo headphone out.

• TRS stereo aux bus outputs.

• Stereo main meters with overload lights.

• Cue system for cueing each channel in the headphones.

• Large, easy to use, main level control.

• External universal power supply.

• Includes Tracktion, our use, totally-amazing music production software.

professional, easy-to-

FEATURES

• 2 stereo channels with line-level and phonolevel inputs.

• 2 mono channels with mic-level and line-level inputs.

• Built-in FireWire 2x2 interface provides easy input from computer to the main mix, and easy outputs to the computer from the main mix. It has 24-bit resolution, and 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sample rates.

Please write your serial number here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.)

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Please read the safety instructions on page 2 ﬁrst. The getting started guide on page 5 will help you get the mixer set up fast so you can start using it right away. Right after that are the ever-popular hook-up diagrams that show you some typical setups.

The features section describes every knob, button, and connection point on the mixer, roughly following the signal ﬂow through the mixer from top to bottom. For more information about a feature, locate its number in the appropriate illustration, and ﬁnd it in the nearby paragraphs.

This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the mixer. For your own good, read them and remember them.

This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. They usually have some valuable nuggets of information.

This icon marks information that was dreamed up while the technical writer was curled up asleep under his desk.

Appendix A shows service and repair information. Appendix B is a section on connectors. Appendix C shows the specs and a block diagram. Appendix D shows details of the FireWire interface.

Getting Started

READ THIS PAGE!!

Even if you never read manuals, please read and digest the safety instructions on page 2, and this page before you begin using your mixer.

Zero the Controls

Owner’s Manual

Set the Levels

To set the gain controls, it’s not even necessary to hear what you’re doing at the outputs of the mixer. If you want to listen while you work, plug headphones into the phones jack on the front panel, press the cue switch on that channel, then set the phones knob up a little.

1. Play something into the selected input. Be sure

that the volume of the input source is the same as it would be during normal use. If it isn’t, you might have to readjust these levels during the middle of a set.

1. Unplug the mixer’s external power supply from the mixer.

2. Turn down all the gain, aux, and level controls, and center all the EQ controls.

3. Set all push button switches to their “out” positions.

4. In the center section, turn down the large level knob, FW in knob, and phones level knob.

5. Set the program faders fully down, and center the crossfader.

Connections

If you already know how you want to connect the mixer, go ahead and connect the inputs and outputs the way you want them. If you just want to get sound through the mixer, follow these steps:

Plug a signal source into the mixer. This could be a:

• Microphone into an XLR mic input.

• Turntable into a phono input.

• Line-level source such as a CD player into a TRS line-level input.

• A guitar connected to the input 1, with the instrument switch pressed in.

. Connect cords from the main outputs to the line-

level inputs of your powered speakers or ampliﬁer.

3. Plug in the mixer’s external power supply, and con nect it to a live AC outlet to turn on the mixer.

4. If you have powered speakers, turn them on. Other wise, hook up your speakers to your amp and turn it on. Adjust your powered speaker or ampliﬁer level controls to however the (This is usually all the way up.)

manufacturer recommends.

2. Adjust the channel’s rotary gain control so that the level set LED comes on while you are playing, and goes off when you stop. As a rough guide, adjust the gain until the LED is on for about half the time of your performance. (The LED indicates that the signal level is 0 dBu.)

3. Repeat for the other channels (if you want to).

Instant Mixing

To get sound out of the speakers, turn up the channel’s fader, or level, control to a comfortable listening level.

2. Sing and play. You’re a star! Bring in the other channels, play with the crossfader, and generally have fun.

and slowly

rotate the main

FireWire

1. See Appendix D, page 25 for details of getting started with FireWire.

2. There is a nice section about recording with FireWire on page 26.

Other Nuggets of Wisdom

• Always turn down the main level knob and phone knob before making any connections.

• When you shut down your equipment, turn off the ampliﬁers ﬁrst. When powering up, turn on the

ampliﬁers last.

Owner’s Manual



U.40d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

U.420d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

Hookup Diagrams

GND

PHONO

LINE LINE

MIC/LINE MIC/LINE

1234

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

POWER

18V,1.5A

Studio

Vocal

Mic

HR824 Powered

Monitors

Headphones

Laptop

Amplifier modeller

Electric

Guitar

Synth workstation

Acoustic Guitar

and Mic

USB Combo keys/pads Controller

This diagram shows an acoustic guitar microphone attached to channel 1’s XLR input, a vocal condenser microphone connected to channel 2’s XLR input, a guitar and amp modeler (like a Line 6 Pod™) connected to channel 3, and a synthesizer workstation connected to channel 4. A northbound train loaded with pig-iron is leaving Little Rock at 3:30.

The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie HR studio monitors for control room listening, and the mixer’s Big Knob controls their volume. The headphone output has its own level control, and each channel has a cue switch independent of the Big Knob.

A laptop is connected via FireWire. The mixer provides stereo mains to the computer for recording with most DAW applications like Tracktion, Cubase™ or Logic™. This is independent of the Big Knob as well.

The laptop is loaded with awesome virtual instruments like those in applications such as Logic, and a USB key/pads combo controller is connected for real-time performance and recording.

The FireWire loop through switch on the top of the mixer makes overdubbing a breeze. In it’s normal “out” position, you can playback the mix from your DAW and it will not loop back through the FireWire. Only the analog inputs 1-4 will be available for recording. Track it!

Music Production Studio 1

Owner’s Manual

GND

PHONO

LINE LINE

MIC/LINE MIC/LINE

1234

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

POWER

18V,1.5A

Headphones

ground wire

Turntable with phono-level output Turntable with phono-level output

Laptop

HR824

Powered

Monitors

Acoustic Guitar

and mic

USB Keyboard Controller

Studio

Vocal

Mic

Synth workstation

Drum Machine

This diagram shows an acoustic guitar microphone attached to channel 1’s XLR input, a vocal condenser microphone connected to channel 2’s XLR input, two turntables are connected to channel 3 and 4’s phono inputs, and a drum machine and keyboard workstation are attached to their line inputs.

Note: Each turntable is disconnected whenever a 1/4” plug is inserted into a line input on the same channel, so physically pull out the 1/4” plug whenever you want to play a record.

The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie HR studio monitors for control room listening, and the mixer’s Big Knob controls their volume. The headphone out has its own level control independent of the Big Knob.

A laptop is connected via FireWire. The mixer provides stereo mains to the computer for recording with most DAW applications like Tracktion, Cubase, or Logic. This is independent of the Big Knob as well. The laptop is loaded with awesome virtual instruments like those in applications such as Logic, and a USB key/pads combo controller is connected for real-time performance and recording.

The FireWire loop through switch on the top of the mixer makes overdubbing a breeze. In it’s normal out position, you can play back the mix from your DAW and it will not loop back through the FireWire. Only the analog inputs 1-4 will be available for recording. Track it!

Music Production Studio 2

Owner’s Manual

U.40d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

U.420d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

GND

PHONO

LINE LINE

MIC/LINE MIC/LINE

1234

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

POWER

18V,1.5A

Microphone

Keyboards

Electronic Drum Kit

SRM350 Powered Stage Monitors

Laptop

SRM450

Powered

Speakers

pole

mount

pole

mount

SWA1501

Powered

Subwoofers

This diagram shows an electric/acoustic guitar connected to input 1’s 1/4” input, a vocal microphone connected to channel 2’s XLR input, a keyboard connected to input 3, and an electronic drum kit connected to channel 4’s line input.

The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie SRM450s and subwoofers for the audience’s listening pleasure. The mixer’s Big Knob controls their volume. Use the left aux send to connect to 4 SRM350s for stage monitoring. (The mixer automatically sums the stereo signal to mono if you use the left channel output only.)

A laptop is connected via FireWire. The mixer provides stereo mains to the computer for recording with most DAW applications like Tracktion, Cubase or Sonar™. Perfect for recording your set. Any playback software applications like iTunes™, or Tracktor™ can be used for break music by utilizing the FireWire stereo return with its own mix level control into the mains.

Music Performance System

Owner’s Manual

GND

PHONO

LINE LINE

MIC/LINE MIC/LINE

1234

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

POWER

18V,1.5A

Mic

Guest MC

Mic

SRM450

Powered

Speakers

SRM350

Powered

Speakers

Headphones

ground wire

Turntable with phono-level output Turntable with phono-level output

Laptop

channel 3 and 4’s phono inputs.

er’s mighty Big Knob controls their volume. Use the stereo aux send to connect 2-SRM350s for the booth.

with most DAW applications like Tracktion, Cubase or Sonar. Perfect for recording your set. Any playback software applications like Ableton Live™ or Tracktor can easily be part of your performance by utilizing the FireWire stereo return that has its own mix level control into the mains.

through the FireWire output for recording. So use Ableton Live and your analog inputs to perform, and record it all at the same time on Tracktion or your DAW of choice. The switch should be pressed in to allow loop-through of the FireWire return to the FireWire record output.

This diagram shows two microphones connected to channel 1 and 2, and two turntables connected to

The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie SRM450s for the audience’s listening pleasure. The mix-

A laptop is connected via FireWire. The U.420d provides stereo mains to the computer for recording

The FireWire loop through switch on the top of the mixer allows you to send your FireWire return

DJ Performance System

Owner’s Manual

U.40d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

U.420d 4-Channel Mic/Line Mixer

GND

PHONO

LINE LINE

MIC/LINE MIC/LINE

1234

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

POWER

18V,1.5A

Broadcast

Microphones

Headphones

Laptop

SRM450

Powered Speakers

(Location PA)

To on-air feed

Broadcast Playback Device

Telephone Patch

Hybrid Interface

Incoming dedication of the next song to your girlfriend Sharon

This diagram shows two broadcast vocal microphones connected to channels 1 and 2, for two hosts (the on-air talent). A broadcast playback device (such as a 360 Systems™ Instant Replay™) is connected to channel 3. A telephone hybrid interface is connected to channel 4 inputs via a mono “Y” cable. The left aux output feeds the telephone hybrid input.

The main outputs are sent to the on-air feed, and/or to a pair of Mackie SRM450 speakers for location PA. (Typically, by a left/right split, i.e. the right channel connects to the on-air feed and the left channel goes to the ﬁrst SRM450, then loops through to another SRM450) – the mixer’s Big Knob controls their volume. The headphone out has its own level control, independent of the Big Knob.

The Aux send provides audio to the telephone patch or “hybrid” for placing callers on the air. Channels 1,2 & 3 are turned up (ideally to unity gain) so the caller can hear the on-air talent and any music playback, but not their own channel’s (ch 4) signal.

The FireWire loop through switch on the top of the mixer is in its normal out position, so you can record the mix of the broadcast to a DAW program on the laptop. Only the analog inputs 1– 4 will be recorded. Best of all, you can still play back audio from the laptop for broadcast, without it looping back into the U.420d.

Broadcast/Radio Remote

+ 22 hidden pages

Mackie U.40d User Manual

Important Safety Instructions

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Hookup Diagrams