Mackie U.420 User Manual

4-Channel Line Mixer with FireWire

MAX

+14-14 +14-14

MID

LOW

HIGH

GAIN

LEVEL

U U

MAX

1 2 3 4

MAX

LEVEL

MAX

+14-14

MID

LOW

HIGH

GAIN

+10KILL

U U

+10KILL

+10KILL +10KILL

LEVEL

SET

LEVEL

SET

AUX

MAX

AUX

MAX

POWER

L R

MAX

FW IN

MAX

PHONES

LOOP

OUT

O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L

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

U.420 4-Channel Line Mixer

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) 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.

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as



U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer

18.

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.

Contents

Owner’s Manual

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

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

FEATURES ............................................................... 4

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

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

REAR PANEL FEATURES ......................................... 10

1. INSTRUMENT/LINE INPUT ......................... 10

2. LINE INPUTS .............................................. 10

3. PHONO INPUTS ......................................... 10

4. GND TERMINAL ......................................... 10

5. AUX OUTPUTS ........................................... 10

6. MAIN OUTS ............................................... 11

7. HEADPHONES OUTPUT .............................. 11

8. DC INPUT .................................................. 11

9. FIREWIRE CONNECTION ............................. 11

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

CHANNEL CONTROLS ..................................... 12

10. LEVEL SET LED ......................................... 12

11. INSTRUMENT SWITCH ............................. 12

12. GAIN ...................................................... 12

3-BAND EQ ................................................... 13

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

14. MID EQ ................................................... 13

15. LOW EQ .................................................. 13

16. AUX ........................................................ 13

17. LEVEL ...................................................... 13

CONTROL SECTION ........................................ 14

18. POWER LED ............................................. 14

19. METERS .................................................. 14

20. FW IN ..................................................... 14

21. FW LOOP OUT ......................................... 14

22. PHONES LEVEL ........................................ 15

23. MAIN LEVEL ............................................ 15

24. FAIRY DUST ............................................. 15

APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION .................... 16

APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS.................................. 18

APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL INFO............................... 19

APPENDIX D: FIREWIRE ........................................ 21

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ..................................... 24

U.420 LIMITED WARRANTY................................... 27

Need help with your new U.40 Mixer?

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

• Email us at: techmail@mackie.com.

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Owner’s Manual



Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie U.420 mixer. It contains all your favorite features in a ultra-compact 4-channel line mixer, along with a built-in FireWire interface, and a phono input for turntablists.

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

In the studio, the mixer offers Mackie-quality sound to sub-mix outboard gear and bring it into the computer. It has 4 stereo inputs that can accept any stereo device from synths, samplers, or a turntable. Channel 1 accepts an instrument connection without the need for a DI box.

In live performances, the mixer will enable you to sub-mix synths, computers, samplers, pedal boards, turntables, cd-players, and effects on stage. 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. The mixer’s

U.420 4-Channel Line Mixer

aux bus allows you to set up a separate mix to feed stage monitors or external processors.

You will ﬁnd that the U.420 mixer is a very useful piece of equipment, and we hope you will love it, just as much as we did making it for you.

FEATURES

• 4 stereo line-level input channels.

• 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.

• Separate FireWire modes for live performance or overdubbing.

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

• 3-Band EQ on each channel, with kill position.

• Phono preampliﬁer on channel 4 accepts phono-level stereo signals from a turntable.

• 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 output.

• TRS stereo aux bus outputs.

• Level-set LEDs and gain controls allow easy optimization of each channel.

• Stereo main meters with overload lights.

• Large, easy to use, main level control.

• External power supply.

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

professional, easy-to-

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.

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.

U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer

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, 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.

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:

• Turntable into the phono input.

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

• A guitar plugged into channel 1’s left input, with the instrument switch pressed in.

. Connect cords from the main outs to 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 during your performance. (The LED indicates that the signal level is 0 dBu.)

3. Repeat for any other channels.

Instant Mixing

To get sound out of the speakers, turn up the channel’s level control to the U (unity gain) position, and slowly able listening level.

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

3. Grease the frying pan with hog fat and turn up the heat just enough to not ﬁll the kitchen with ﬁne blue smoke.

4. Cook the sausages until golden brown, and serve with black pudding and a pint of warm beer.

rotate the large main control to a comfort-

FireWire

1. See Appendix D, on page 21 for details of getting started with FireWire.

2. There is a nice section about recording with FireWire on page 22.

3. There is no step 3. Well, only this one, and it is not very informative. (Tech writers just love numbered lists.)

4. There is no step 4 either.

Other Nuggets of Wisdom

• Always turn down the main level control and phone level control 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

Hookup Diagrams

GND

PHONO

1234

POWER

18V,1.5A

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

(MONO)L(MONO)

R R

Headphones

ground wire

Turntable with phono-level out

Laptop

Keyboard

Drum machine

HR824

Powered

Monitors

Effects/ Sampler

U.420 4-Channel Line Mixer

This diagram shows a stereo synth, and a drum machine connected to channels 1 & 2, and a turntable connected to the phono inputs of channel 4. The stereo aux output sends signals to the effects/sampler, and the wet signal is returned into channel 3.

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 U.420 provides stereo mains to the computer for recording with most DAW applications like Tracktion, Cubase, or Sonar. This is independent of the Big Knob as well. Additionally, there is a stereo return from the laptop that has its own mix level control into the mains.

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

Oh, and don’t forget this FireWire return can be used for any playback software application like Ableton Live, Tracktor, or iTunes.

Production studio

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U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer

Owner’s Manual

GND

PHONO

1234

POWER

18V,1.5A

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

(MONO)L(MONO)

R R

ground wire

Turntable with phono-level out

Keyboard

Drum machine

Guitar

SRM450

Powered

Speakers

SRM450 Powered

Stage Monitor

Headphones

Laptop

This diagram shows a guitar connected to channel 1, plus a stereo synth and drum machine connected to channels 2 & 3. A turntable is connected to the phono inputs on channel 4. Use the left aux send to connect to a Mackie SRM450 for stage monitoring. The U.420 will automatically sum the stereo signal to mono if you use the left aux output only.

The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie SRM450s for the audience’s listening pleasure. 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 U.420 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 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.

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

Live performance system

Owner’s Manual

U.420 4-Channel Line Mixer

GND

PHONO

1234

POWER

18V,1.5A

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

(MONO)L(MONO)

R R

Main Mix

front-of-house

mixer

Personal Stereo Monitors

(SRM150 powered monitors)

Laptop

Organ

Keyboard Controller

Nord Lead

Electronic Piano

Acoustic Guitar

GND

PHONO

1234

POWER

18V,1.5A

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

(MONO)L(MONO)

R R

Analog Synth

Keyboard workstation

Rhodes

HR824 studio monitors

Aux to

studio mixer

Laptop

Keyboard Controller

Electronic Piano

Headphones

This diagram shows an acoustic guitar connected to channel 1, plus a stereo performance synth like a Nord Lead on channel 2, a good organ like a Korg CX-3 on channel 3, and an electronic piano on channel 4 (with a dab of chanel #5 behind each ear for good measure).

The main outputs are fed to the FOH (front of house) mixer for the audience’s listening pleasure. The stereo aux output is being sent to a pair of SRM150s on mic stands for stereo stage monitoring.

A laptop is connected via FireWire. This laptop is loaded with awesome virtual instruments like those in applications such as Logic, and a USB keyboard is connected for real-time performance.

Keyboardist’s submixer

This diagram shows a stereo keyboard workstation, a groovy analog synth, an electronic piano, and an electric organ connected to channels 1–4.

The main outputs are fed to a pair of Mackie HR studio monitors for local monitoring, and the mixer’s Big Knob controls their volume. The headphone output has its own level control, independent of the Big Knob. The stereo aux out sends signals to the main studio recording console for tracking.

A laptop is connected via FireWire. This laptop is loaded with awesome virtual instruments like those in applications such as Logic, and a USB keyboard is connected for real-time performance and recording.

The FireWire loop through switch on 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 create a feedback loop. Only the analog inputs 1-4 will be available for recording. Track it!

Keyboard recording station

U.40 4-Channel Line Mixer

Owner’s Manual

GND

PHONO

1234

POWER

18V,1.5A

OUT

MAIN

OUT

AUX

(MONO)

(MONO)L(MONO)

R R

Desktop computer and large display

Headphones

Video out

Digital Video Camcorder

DV Recorder 2

Video Monitor

DV Recorder 1

iPodTM Docking Station

HR824

Powered

Monitors

This diagram shows a DV camcorder audio connected to channel 1, DVR decks connected to channels

2 and 3, and an iPod docking station connected to channel 4.

A Mac with a cinema display is connected via FireWire to the mixer. The computer audio comes from a video production application like Final Cut Pro for monitoring during editing. The audio inputs can also be recorded through the mixer’s FireWire connection.

Video edit bay

Owner’s Manual

+ 19 hidden pages