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[Dan Kreider]

i want to run a pair of 1/4 plugs out of my Mackie to a PC to record, but main out and c-r out are already taken.  i tried running it out of sub out but got no signal.  my input is aux return (from another mixer).  how can i use "sub out"?  i read the manual but didn't find my answer.

other question - do the direct outs give output from their respective channels only, or is there a way to output the main mix to them?

Thanks
Dan

[Gary Creely]

Which Mackie are you using?

[Dan Kreider]

1604-vlz.

[Simon Robinson]

I have a Mackie 24/4/2 VLZ and it has a number of sub outputs. I think from memory they are a line level output and you need to control with the sub faders. So you will need to select which channels go to a sub group and then make sure you have faders up on say sub group 1 and 2 and this should then direct signal to the Sub outs.

[Jonathan Heimberg]

First - make sure you're talking about the 'sub-group' out and not the 'sub' out. Some of the Mackie mixers have a (sort of) built in cross over with a sub feed.

If you're using a sub group output, you need to 'assign' your input to that particular sub group. On the mackie, you assign to either 1/2 or 3/4, and you can use the channel pan control to isolate it to either/or or both.

Make sure the sub-group fader(s) is(are) up.

In answer to your other question - Yes. The direct outputs are channel-respective, and the Mackies do not feature any routing options to use them otherwise.

Just a thought - doesn't that mixer have a tape/record output on RCA?

-

[Dan Kreider]

I do have RCA outputs.  but I'm connecting to a 1/8 line in on PC.  with the adapter, and needing about 30 feet of cord, I thought 1/4 cables would provide better sound.

Would I be better off getting a breakout box with RCA outs, and running a long RCA cable?  How long can I run it without affecting sound quality?

Thanks

[Jeff Ekstrand]

RCA and 1/4" TS are the exact same signal, just a different connector. You won't see any improvement in sound (or hear any) by running one or the other.

I would definitely suggest getting a long dual RCA to 1/8" mini cable, you can even find them from Amazon with brands like Monster Cable, etc. You probably don't need anything like Monster (rarely is that worth the added cost), but it's out there if you want it.

[David Steege]

Jeff,

My understanding is, to avoid degradation of signal, any run longer than 15'-20' should be balanced, and that anytime a signal can be balanced, it should be, to avoid potential problems. Is that true or not?

[Arnold B. Krueger]

David Steege wrote on Sat, 26 July 2008 19:32

Jeff, My understanding is, to avoid degradation of signal, any run longer than 15'-20' should be balanced, and that anytime a signal can be balanced, it should be, to avoid potential problems. Is that true or not?

I strongly agree that whenever an interconnection can be balanced, it should be. But I also have repeatedly had good sucess with unbalanced lines up to 100 feet.

The need for a balanced line is dependent on the nature of the load. If the load has a 3 prong plug, then a balanced line is can be a very good idea, but if it is a floating, consumer-type product, then an unbalanced line can work.

[Jeff Ekstrand]

Do you really need to run the cables more than 20'? Can the PC be located closer to FOH?

I wasn't talking about running your RCA or unbalanced 1/4" 100' to your PC. IN general, keeping all your cable runs as short as possible is a good practice.

If you're running to a 1/8" stereo on your PC, you're going unbalanced at some point anyway. It's "stereo unbalanced." My point with the RCA and 1/4"TS is that it's the same copper connecting to a different type of connector, but the same analog signal traveling over all the metal components.

Can you afford some form of USB audio interface?

Get an M-Audio MobilePre USB. Take a 1/4" TRS (or even TS/RCA) out and connect to the balanced XLR inputs of the preamp. You could run up to a 20' USB cable to your PC, and you've got yourself a solution. All for under $150, hopefully.

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