MACKIE VLZ3 4BUS - Manual (Page 18)

18 VLZ3 4•Bus
AUX
EQ
INT FX
AUX 5/6
PRE
HI
12k
LOW
80Hz
MID
FREQ
1
2
3
4
PRE
PRE
5
6
FX1
FX2
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
2k
800
200
8k 100
U
-15
U
+15
-15 +15
-15 +15
U
U
U
27. AUX SENDS 1-6
These controls allow you to set up
to six independent mixes, typically
for running stage monitors or
external effects processors.
The controls are off when turned
fully down, deliver unity gain at the
center, and can provide up to 15 dB
of gain turned fully up. Chances are
that you will never need this extra
gain, but it's nice to know that it's
there if you do.
Aux Sends 1-6 [13] are line-level
outputs, and are used if you want
to connect external processors,
powered stage monitors, or external
power amps with passive stage
monitors. Stereo Returns 1-2 [5]
are line-level inputs, typically used
to return the output from external
processors back to the main mix.
Carefully adjust how much of each
channel appears in your aux mixes.
For example, if you are running
stage monitors, and someone wants
"more me, and less them," adjust
these carefully.
Aux sends 3-4 can either be pre or
post fader, depending on the position
of the aux pre/post switches [28].
For stage monitor work, use pre, so
the stage monitors do not increase in
volume when the channel level is adjusted. For external
processors, use post. In this way, the feed to external
processors will vary with the channel level, keeping
them in the same ratio (wet/dry).
28. PRE-FADER / AUX SENDS 1-2
Aux sends 1-2 are always pre-fader, designed for
stage monitor applications. Aux sends 3-4 may be set to
pre- or post-fader, so they may be used for monitors or
effects.
Pre-fader: with the pre switch engaged (pressed in,
not commited to marriage), aux 3 and 4 deliver signals
post-insert, post-low cut, post EQ, post-mute and pre-
fader. Any changes made to the channel controls, except
the fader, will affect the aux send signal.
Post-fader: with the pre switch disengaged (up), aux
3 and 4 deliver signals post-insert, post-low cut, post-
mute, post-EQ and post-fader. Any changes made to the
channel controls will affect the aux send signal.
29. INT FX 1-2 / AUX SENDS 5-6
These controls have dual functions depending on
what your needs are at any given time. They allow you
to send signal either to internal effects FX1 and FX2, or
to aux 5 and aux 6, typically used for running stage
monitors or external effects processors.
Aux Sends 5-6 (or FX1-2) are post-fader. Any changes
made to the channel controls will affect the signal going
to the internal effects processors or to the aux 5-6
output jacks [13]. Adjustments to the channel fader
[43], gain [23] and channel EQ [31-36] will affect the
feed going to the internal effects processors.
30. INT FX / AUX 5-6 Switch
This switch determines if that channel's controls
[29, above] will be used for running the internal effects
processors (engaged) or as aux 5-6 (disengaged).
CHANNEL EQUALIZATION (EQ)
All VLZ3 4•Bus mono channels have 3-band EQ with
shelving high, peaking mid with adjustable mid
frequency and shelving low. The stereo channels have
peaking hi-mid and peaking low-mid EQ controls in
addition to the shelving high and shelving low EQ
controls.
Shelving means that the circuitry boosts or cuts all
frequencies past the specified frequency. For example,
the low EQ boosts bass frequencies below 80 Hz and
continuing down to the lowest note you never heard.
Peaking means that certain frequencies form a “hill”
around the center frequency.
With too much EQ, you can really upset things. We’ve
designed a lot of boost and cut into each equalizer
circuit because we know that everyone will occasion-
ally need that. But if you max the EQ on every channel,
you’ll get mix mush. Equalize subtly and use the left
sides of the knobs (cut), as well as the right (boost). If
you find yourself repeatedly using a lot of boost or cut,
consider altering the sound source, such as placing a
mic differently, trying a different kind of mic, a different
vocalist, changing the strings, or gargling.
27
28
29
31
32
33
34
30
Mono channel