MACKIE VLZ3 4BUS - Manual (Page 21)

Owner's Manual 21
So, the original unprocessed “dry” signals go from
the channels to the main mix, and the processed “wet”
signals go from the stereo returns to the main mix, and
once mixed together, the dry and wet signals combine to
create a glorious sound!
Pre-fader aux sends are typically used to provide
another mix for stage monitors. If no external effects
are being used, the stereo returns can be used as
additional stereo inputs, or not used at all.
Read on to learn more about these features...
46. LAMP
This female BNC connector provides 12 volts DC with
the center pin positive. Connect any quality gooseneck
lamp here.
47. SUCK KNOB
If the band performing asks you if you can make them
sound better, reply with a resounding 'yes, indeed I can
make you sound better...I will turn down the Suck Knob
[47] which will do wonders for your band!"
As seen, it is broken down in percentages, from 0%
suck (turned fully counter-clockwise) to 100% suck
(turned fully clockwise). This way you get to determine
the 'Suck Factor Percentage' (SFP) of the band.
If they follow instructions, buy you beers, and are a
swell bunch, turn the knob counter-clockwise. If the
drummer hits the snare drum or the guitarist does a
screaming harmonic dive-bomb while you're setting up
mics on their respective equipment (and thusly helping
to ruin your hearing...huh?), feel free to crank the knob
clockwise.
48. 2-TRACK RETURN LEVEL
This knob controls the overall level to the mains of
the tape (RCA) or USB, depending on the position of
the 2-track return tape/USB switch [50]. This knob's
level ranges from off, through unity (center detent
position), on up to 20 dB of extra gain (fully clockwise).
49. 2-TRACK RETURN SOLO
This switch sends the 2-track return (tape or USB,
depending on the position of the switch[50]) to the solo
bus.
50. 2-TRACK RETURN TAPE/USB
This determines if the 2-track return gets its signal
from the RCA "tape" inputs (switch disengaged) or USB
(switch engaged).
2-Track, USB, Aux Masters and
Meters
This section includes the 2-track returns, USB, aux
masters and stereo returns, and the meters. A 4x2 USB
recording and playback function is at your disposal.
This means up to four signals may be recorded
simultaneously and a stereo mix returned to the mixer
for playback.
The six auxes receive signals from the channels via
the channel aux sends [27, 29]. Auxes 1-4 may also be
fed from stereo returns 1-2 [54] and talkback [70, 71]
and aux 1-2 may get internal effects processor output
via the FX to AUX controls [62]. Any or all of these
signals are mixed together, sautéed to a turn and sent
out the aux send jacks [13] after the optimum output
level is determined by the aux masters [52]. Aux sends
from the channels are pre-fader (aux 1-2), selectable
pre- or post-fader (aux 3-4), and post-fader (aux 5-6).
All are post-EQ.
Post-fader aux sends can be fed to the inputs of an
external processor like a reverb or digital delay. From
there, the outputs of this external processor are fed
back to the mixer’s stereo return jacks [5]. Then these
signals are sent through the stereo return level controls
[54], and finally delivered to the main mix or to auxes
1-4 to add effects to monitors if so desired by the talent
["More me! More reverb!"].
2404
SOLO
1
SOLO
1
2
3
4
2
SOLO
SOLO MODE
MAIN
STEREO RETURNS AUX MASTERS
SOLO
SOLO
SOLO
SOLO +15 O O +15 O O
+15 O O
SOLO
AUX
AUX
AUX
AUX
MAIN
MIX
0 dB=0 dBu
RUDE SOLO
20
10
7
4
2
0
2
4
7
10
20
30
LEFT RIGHT
SOLO +20 O O
TO MAIN
PFL
AFL
GRP 1-2
CH 1-2 CH 3-4
AUX 5-6
PWR 48V
TAPE
USB
2-TRACK RETURN USB OUT
GRP 3-4
MAIN L/R
LEVEL
SET
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U U
U
+15 O O
3
1
5
6
2
U
U
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
+15 O O
U
+15 O O
U
4 U
12V
0.5A
50%
25% 75%
0% 100%
SUCK
46 47
48
52
54
55 60
59
58
56 57 49
53
50 51