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PTMac · Joined: 28 Feb 2010 Posts: 4

Hello Everyone,
I just picked up a Mackie 1202 VLZ3 and want to get it set up. Being the Tech Newbie that I am, I am asking fro help. My current set up is an AT 4040 mic to an M-Audio Fast Track Pro. I do know that the Mic goes to the Mackie, then to the FTP and then to my Dell laptop. I am just not sure what the propoer connections are. Any help would be very appreciated.

Thanks,

Patrick

Bish · Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 10:55 am Post subject:

I'm sure there are many different ways to hook the 1202 VLZ3 up, but in my case I connect the mic (via a dbx 286a) on channel 1. Channel 1 is then switched to the main outs, which are then connected to my digital interface box (then USN to the MacPro). The mic output level is optimized on the dbx pre-amp, and the 1202 pre-amp set accordingly. I set the channel volume to unity, and adjust my output with the main-mix control. Occasionally a second mic will be connected on channel 2, and that will be switched the same way, but with the two channels panned left/right. The only difference here is that I'm using an external pre-amp/processor on channel 1... just plug your 4040 directly into the channel 1 xlr, and adjust the Mackie pre-amp withe the solo button, as per the instructions.

Analog playback from the Mac (or any other source) is routed via one of the stereo pair channels and routed to the Alt 3/4 bus. My powered monitors are connected directly to the alt 3/4 outputs (with the volume controlled by the channel pot.) I switch the control room source to main mix and use the ctl room/ submix control to adjust the headphone volume (for monitoring while I record).

I think that made sense... Smile

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georgethetech · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 12:22 am Post subject:

Be sure you are connecting the 286a with a TRS 1/4" cable, not XLR into the Mackie. That way you are not passing your signal through the mic preamp of the Mackie. Gain Trim on the Channel 1 of Mackie should be around Unity, about 10 o'clock, or lower. Makeup the level with the output knob on the 286a. Take the Main outputs into your FTP Line inputs with 1/4" TRS cables. For playback, feed outputs of your FTP into another channel of the Mackie and set that channel to Mute Alt 3/4. Then set Control Room sources to Main and Alt 3/4. Now you can monitor playback with headphones and monitors from the Mackie without having a feedback loop.
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PTMac · Joined: 28 Feb 2010 Posts: 4

Will this work with out a preamp? Can the Mic go directly to the Mackie and then to the FTP? Or do I need to pick up a Preamp?

Thanks

Bish · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 5:57 am Post subject:

I may have confused the issue slightly by talking of the dbx 286a which exists in my signal chain. The Mackie mic channels are equipped with well-regarded pre-amps. Just plug the mic directly into an XLR port on the Mackie, adjust the input gain and you're good to go.
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.