MACKIE MS1202
Owner's Manual

23 Stereo AUX/Tape Returns to Master
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TAPE IN
AUX 2

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2

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STEREO AUX RETURN TO MASTER
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CLIP

TRIM LINE IN 1-4 1-12

INPUT CH. METERING

These two controls set the overall level of effects received from STEREO AUX RETURNS 1 and 2. These controls are designed to handle a wide range of signal levels. There�s a detent at unity gain. Fully counterclockwise is OFF; fully clockwise gives you an extra 20dB gain to compensate for low-level effects. If you�re using digital effects with digital output level controls (see their manuals), you�ll get the best results by leaving the effect�s output fully up and running the STEREO AUX RETURN somewhere below Unity. If you�re using a digital effect with rotary controls, set the AUX RETURN for use at Unity Gain. If you�re using guitar-type effects, you�ll probably need to run this control above Unity. (That�s what the extra gain is for.) AUX RETURN 2 also controls the tape playback level when you push TAPE IN, explained below.

24 TAPE IN button (24)
When you press the TAPE IN button, signals from the TAPE INPUTs are sent into the AUX 2 Return. In this mode, the AUX 2 Return control adjusts the level sent to the master. It�s perfect for injecting just the right amount of weird sound effects you recorded on your cassette deck into a mix � or to play trendy background music through a PA during band breaks. WARNING: Pushing TAPE IN can create a feedback path between TAPE IN and TAPE OUT. Make sure your tape deck is not in record, record-pause or input monitor mode when you engage the TAPE IN switch. This concludes the guided tour. Now for the nitty-gritty hook-up.

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MASTER

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overall level of your mix. If the red CLIP lights are flashing, your levels are way too high. Do one of the following: � If you haven�t adjusted the Channel 1�4 TRIM pots properly, do that first (with the INPUT CH. METERING button IN). Instructions are on page 12. � If the LED�s are still running into the red with the INPUT CH. METERING button OUT, lower the level of the MASTER control. � If the red CLIP lights are still flashing, even momentarily, lower the Channel 5� 12 GAIN pots equally. This may also be caused by excessive gain settings in the EQ section. When recording, glance at the tape deck/ DAT meters frequently while mixing. Human ears get tired after a while � it happens to the best of us � and levels start to climb (the Mounting Mix Syndrome). Meters never get tired, and will show level accurately until the Great Fade Out.

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