Mackie SR244 / SR324 Owner's Manual - Page 4

Introduction SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Okay, it sounds patronizing and everyone does it at the beginning of a manual, but here goes our version anyway: "Thanks for buying a Mackie Designs mixer. You've chosen well." NOTE: This manual covers both the SR24•4 and the SR32•4. Since they are identical, - except, of course, that the SR24•4 has 24 inputs and the SR32•4 has 32 - we will normally refer only to the SR24•4. When there is a difference, it will be noted. You SR32•4 owners should not feel so superior (though you may very well be). The Mackie SR24•4 is designed for use in sound reinforcement (SR) or recording applications. The SR24•4 has four submix buses plus Main L/R, and six auxiliary buses. It can blend, combine and control a variety of audio input sources, including microphones, electronic instruments and other audio devices such as CD players and analog or digital sound recorders. Through the mixer's output buses, these sounds can be routed to different loudspeaker power amplifiers, recording channels, effects units or other devices. IF YOU IGNORE MANUALS... So you want to jump right off into the unknown, eh? Just bash on your SR24•4 (or 32•4) with your guitar for a while and see what happens. (All the blood has left the Warranty Manager's face as he reads these lines. Too late, bud, we've already printed and shipped thousands of manuals. We'll put you on the Manual Review Committee next time.) But seriously now, we know that a lot of people just plug things right in and wait until something doesn't work right before they even take the manual out of the bag. Then they only look up the 800 number and call Customer Service. Well, we can't be your mother here... but if you've gotten this far, at least turn to the next section, Making Sound Come Out Right Now!, 'specially written for people in a big hurry. You might also skim through the Guided Tour in Section 3, look at the block diagram and stop to read the paragraphs marked VERY IMPORTANT. We've put a few new twists and turns in the signal routing that you should check out before you hurt somebody. This icon: marks information which is absolutely critical or is unique to the SR24•4 (or 32•4). In addition, sections tagged with this icon: include both in-depth information and touching expressions of our sturdy Woodinville philosphy of Audio-as-Bowling. They're not mandatory reading but can be instructive and illuminating. And if you are one of those people who actually likes to read manuals, or at least feels vaguely guilty if you don't, or whose boss made you read it, well then, march on! We love that! Have we got a manual for you! We'll try to make it accurate, fun, informative and, of course, safe. 2