Mackie 3204-VLZ4 Owners Manual - Page 5
Introduction - series
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Introduction Awesomely unheard of features USB Recording and Playback The VLZ4 4•Bus Series Mixers feature a 4x2 USB recording and playback function. This means up to four signals may be recorded simultaneously and a stereo mix returned to the mixer for playback. Powerful on-board dual FX engines and eight individual compressors In pursuit of the ultimate "do-it-all" Live Sound Mixer, we threw in the kitchen sink and packed this bad boy with a full set of processors allowing you to travel "rack free" while still making professional sounding mixes. There are two switches in the master section labeled "USB OUT" that allow for monstrous flexibility on the four recordable signals. The default switch configuration routes subgroups 1-4 over the USB connection to your favorite DAW software for a "mix it later" 4-track recording. The Subgroup 1-2 switch also allows the L-R mix to be recorded for convenient stereo mixes of the show. The Subgroup 3-4 switch allows aux 5/6 to be sent to the DAW for a unique stereo recording or the use of DAW plug-ins as effects. For playback, there are two switches in the master section labeled "2-TRACK RETURN". One switch [TAPE/ USB] changes the standard dual RCA inputs to main (tape, switch disengaged) to stereo USB to main (USB, switch engaged). This is an extremely convenient function for playing music over the main mix from a computer. Another cool feature of the VLZ4 4•Bus is routing the stereo USB return to the last stereo channel of the mixer. This is a mighty fine tool for a number of live and recording uses. For example, playback through the stereo channel allows the "Greg M designed" 4-band EQ to be utilized to sweeten the sounds. It may also be used for overdubbing by sending music to the musicians' headphones through the auxes. For starters, we added not one, but TWO, of our patented Running Man FX processors (RMFX+™) featuring 24 "gig-ready" effects right into the board. This does not include useless effects such as "the warbler" or the "insanity delay", but rather a suite of quickly accessible and useable reverbs, choruses and delays that make coloring your mix a breeze. Additionally, both FX processors feature a tap delay, typically only available on an outboard rack. Delays may easily be sync'd with the song at the tap of a finger. And because we love flexible routing (hehe), the processed signal may be sent direct to the mains and monitors from the effects section or re-routed to the two stereo channels to bring them through the EQ and aux section, utilizing the 60mm fader to draw them into the mix. But wait, there's more! The VLZ4 4•Bus has eight (yes, eight!) single knob compressors to stop the dynamic signals from poking out of the mix. Four compressors are located on the last four mic inputs so that the most critical signals (such as vocals, snare drum, the occasional jaw harp or mountain goats) may be addressed. Plus, there are single knob compressors on each of the four subgroups so that grouped signals (such as a drum set or a choir of didgeridoos) may be blended together for paramount smoothness. Last, but not least, it may be used to return plug-in effects from the DAW in a live mix scenario. One of our favorites is the CamelPhat VST that makes your average drummer sound like Bonham on How The West Was Won. Bottom line? You have an awesome mixer with VLZ4 sound quality, "built-like-a-tank" build quality and a recording and processing feature set that is unparalleled. Congratulations... and happy mixing! Need help with your mixer? • Visit www.720trees.com and click Support to find: FAQs, manuals and other useful information. • Email us at: [email protected]. • Telephone 1-800-898-3211 to speak with one of our splendid technical support chaps (Monday through Friday, normal business hours, Pacific Time). Owner's Manual 5