Mackie Onyx 32.4-Bus Owner's Manual - Page 28

ONYX 4•Bus • When connecting an unbalanced output to a bal- This allows you to tap out the channel's signal at that anced input, be sure that the signal high (hot) point in the circuit without interrupting normal operation. connections are wired to each other. The unbalanced ground (earth) connection should be wired to the low (cold) and the ground (earth) connections of the balanced input. If there are ground-loop problems, try disconnecting the unbalanced ground Note: Do not overload or short-circuit the signal you are tapping from the mixer. That will affect the internal signal. (earth) connection from the balanced input ground (earth) connection, leaving the unbalanced ground If you push the 1/4" TS plug in to the second click, connected to the balanced input low (cold) con- you will open the jack switch and create a direct out, nection only. which does interrupt the signal in that channel. In some cases, you may have to make up special adapters to interconnect your equipment. For example, you may need a balanced XLR female connected to an unbalanced 1/4" TS phone plug. Many common adapters can be found at your local electronics supply store. The balanced-to-unbalanced connection has been anticipated in the wiring of Mackie jacks. A 1/4" TS plug inserted into a 1/4" TRS balanced input, for example, will automatically unbalance the input and make all the right connections. Conversely, a 1/4" TRS plug inserted into a 1/4" unbalanced input will not necessarily tie the ring (low or cold) to ground (earth). MONO PLUG Channel Insert jack Direct out with no signal interruption to master. Insert only to first "click." MONO PLUG Channel Insert jack Direct out with signal interruption to master. Insert all the way in to the second "click." TRS Send/Receive Insert Jacks Mackie's single-jack inserts are three-conductor 1/4" TRS phone jacks. They are unbalanced, but have both the mixer output (send) and mixer input (return) signals in one connector. The sleeve is the common ground (earth) for both signals. The send from the mixer to the external unit is carried on the tip, and the return from the unit to the mixer is on the ring. ring tip sleeve (TRS plug) SEND to processor "from tip" this plug connects to one of the mixer's Channel Insert jacks. "to ring" RETURN from processor Using the Send Only on an Insert Jack STEREO PLUG Channel Insert jack For use as an effects loop. (TIP = SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect) Mults and "Y"s A mult or "Y" connector allows you to route one output to two or more inputs by simply providing parallel wiring connections. You can make "Y"s and mults for the outputs of both unbalanced and balanced circuits. Remember: Only mult or "Y" an output into several inputs. If you need to combine several outputs into one input, you must use a mixer, not a mult or a "Y." If you insert a 1/4" TS (mono) plug only partially (to the first click) into a Mackie insert jack, the plug will not activate the jack switch and will not open the insert loop in the circuit (thereby allowing the channel signal to continue on its merry way through the mixer). 28 ONYX 4•Bus Y-Cord Splitter