MACKIE DX8 - Manual (Page 15)

DX8 – 15
Bus A and B Input Trim
There is no metering after the BUS A and B input
TRIM controls. These controls must be adjusted by
ear. Start the program source playback for all
sources connected to the BUS A or BUS B input.
Slowly increase the TRIM control to the center
position (12 o'clock), which is unity gain. Then
adjust the TRIM control up or down to attain a
balance within the total mix.
Using the Digital Signal Processors
The DX8 has five powerful floating-point 32-bit
digital signal processors (DSPs) to implement the
digital audio processing functions.
Channel 2-Band Shelving EQ
Each of the inputs is equipped with a 2-band
shelving equalizer. Use this to adjust the overall
tonal quality of the input signal.
Note: The channel EQ gain and corner frequency
are adjustable from the PC only.
Output 2-Band Shelving EQ
Each of the outputs is equipped with a 2-band
shelving equalizer. Use this to make broad
equalization adjustments to the output signals of
the DX8. The output EQ gain can be adjusted from
the front panel, and the EQ gain and corner
frequency can be adjusted from the PC.
The center gain position (0 dB) is indicated when
both "0" LEDs are lit on the meter.
Output 31-Band 1/3 Octave Graphic EQ/
5-Band Parametric EQ/Compressor
Each of the outputs is also equipped with a 31-
band 1/3 octave graphic EQ. In addition, a 5-band
true parametric EQ and a compressor are available
on each output.
Note: These functions are adjustable from the
PC only.
Plug-Ins
A number of software plug-ins will be available
to download to the DX8 via the COMM PORT
connection to a PC. Plug-ins can be used along
with the EQs and compressor described above.
Check the Mackie Industrial website at
www.mackieindustrial.com for availability.
Using Inputs 1-8
Connect the microphones or program sources to
Inputs 1-8. Examples of program sources include a
CD player, tape deck, tuner, satellite feed, TV audio,
jukebox, or other audio source. Each input has a
separate Phoenix-type connector for a mic or line-
level input.
TRIM
Use the TRIM control to adjust the gain of the input
preamp stage according to the level of the input signal.
Refer to the "Quick-Start" section (Set the Levels) for
instructions on how to set the TRIM controls.
LEVEL
The up/down arrow buttons on each channel are
used to adjust the mix level for each channel. Use
these to fine tune the mix or relative loudness of
each input signal that is connected to the DX8.
When adjusting these buttons, the channel
meter indicates the gain of the channel relative to
the maximum gain of +10 dB. After 5 seconds, the
meter reverts back to indicating the actual input
signal level of the channel. This metering is pre-EQ
and pre-LEVEL control.
Unity gain is indicated when the –10 and –7 dB
LEDs are both lit on the meter.
EQ
Each Input 1-8 has a 2-band shelving EQ. This is
adjustable from the PC only. It provides 15 dB of
boost or cut with user selectable corner frequencies
(LO: 20Hz-500Hz; HI: 500Hz-20kHz).
DIRECT OUTPUTS
The DIRECT OUTPUTS provide an unbalanced
line-level signal from each of the 8 Input channels.
This signal comes from the output of the preamplifier
stage on each input channel, prior to the A/D
converter and subsequent digital signal processing.
Use the DIRECT OUTPUTS to connect a continu-
ous music source (e.g., satellite feed, prerecorded
background music, multi-disc CD player) to a
telephone system music-on-hold input, or to provide
a feed to a multi-track recorder (for recording) or a
mixing console (for additional zone coverage).
Using the BUS A and B Inputs
These inputs provide a direct analog connection
to the BUS A and B buses. These input points are
post-DSP and post-D/A converter, and accept a
balanced analog line-level signal. Use these to connect
an additional program source to a zone, or to connect
the Zone A and B outputs from another DX8.