Mackie 402-VLZ4 Owners Manual - Page 17

Owner's Manual 20. Phantom Power Switch This global switch controls the phantom power supply for condenser microphones plugged into channel 1 and 2 mic [3] inputs. Press this in if your microphone requires phantom power. (The mixer can supply the microphone's power through the XLR connectors, using the same lines used for the audio.) Check with the microphone manufacturer if you are not sure. See the phantom power discussion on page 13 before using this switch. Press the switch in to engage phantom power to both mic inputs. The LED next to the switch will illuminate when phantom is engaged. Press the switch again to turn it off. 21. Phones Level This knob allows you to adjust the level of the signals going to the headphones. WARNING: When we say the headphone amp is loud, we're not kidding. It can cause permanent ear damage. Even intermediate levels may be painfully loud with some headphones. BE CAREFUL! Always turn the phones knob all the way down before connecting headphones, or making any connections to the mixer. Keep it down until you've put the phones on. Then turn it up slowly. 23. Power LED This LED will illuminate when the mixer is turned on. It shows a general readiness of the mixer to do something wonderful to your musical world. If the power switch [1] is off, or the power to the unit is turned off, then the LED will be off. 24. Meters The 402VLZ4's peak metering system is made up of two columns of eight LEDs. It displays the signal level after the main mix level control [22]. Thanks to the 402VLZ4's wide dynamic range, you can get a good mix with peaks flashing anywhere between -12 and +8 dB on the meters. Most amplifiers clip at about +10 dB, and some recorders aren't so forgiving either. For best real-world results, try to keep your peaks between "0" and "+8". Remember, audio meters are just tools to help ­assure you that your levels are "in the ballpark." You don't have to stare at them (unless you want to). Congratulations! You've just read about all the features of the 402VLZ4. You're probably ready for a cold shower. Go ahead. 22. Main Mix This knob controls the levels of signals sent to the main outputs. All channels that are not turned fully down will wind up in the main mix. Fully counterclockwise is off, the center is unity gain, and fully clockwise p­ rovides 12 dB ­of additional gain. This additional gain will typically never be needed, but once again, it's nice to know it's there. This is the knob to turn down at the end of the song to achieve "The Great Fade-Out." Owner's Manual 17