getting new Mixer: Mackie???

[billyo]

Originally Posted by bryant

has anyone used the mackie ProFX12 mackie mixer? If so, how would it hook up easily (I'm sure it can) to two amps; one for bass speakers and one for highs?

Also, how does that usb port function?

Ill be replacing a similar mixer by Behringer 1404FX.

Please advise.

yes you can hook it up that way, you just have to series both of your amps together, connect the main in of one of the amps to the main out of the other, then connect your main out of the board ( mackie )to the main in of your main amp..make sure you use the the amp with higher wattage for your subs, and use the other one for your highs ( connect your board to the one with the lower wattage.) i have the dfx 12 , i think the pro and the the dfx12 is the same the only diff. is that the pro has the usb port and its pre loaded with the tractor software, now if your laptop is a windows media center, i'm not sure if the pro12 will worked, caused of the tractor software..good choice, i have been using mackies for a while ( 7 years almost ) now( boards and speakers ) i have 4 of them 2) dfx 6 ,1 )cfx12 and 1) dfx 12., and the active srm 450's speakers ,they used to be called tapco.

[bryant]

[quote=billyo;86626]yes you can hook it up that way, you just have to series both of your amps together, connect the main in of one of the amps to the main out of the other, quote]

Billy,
I already have both amps hooked up to the behringer. I have the main out going to the higher wattage Sub Amps (has an internal crossover at 125Hz), and the cd/tape out goes to the High-end Amp. EV Speakers. Works nicely for five years, decent sound, big room, get compliments all the time.

Want to make sure the CD/tape out is wired similarly as the Behringer, then I can use the same wires/cords I use now transferred over to the mackie.

[billyo]

[quote=bryant;86649]

Originally Posted by billyo

yes you can hook it up that way, you just have to series both of your amps together, connect the main in of one of the amps to the main out of the other, quote]

Billy,
I already have both amps hooked up to the behringer. I have the main out going to the higher wattage Sub Amps (has an internal crossover at 125Hz), and the cd/tape out goes to the High-end Amp. EV Speakers. Works nicely for five years, decent sound, big room, get compliments all the time.

Want to make sure the CD/tape out is wired similarly as the Behringer, then I can use the same wires/cords I use now transferred over to the mackie.

i'm cant figure out why you have the cd/tape out going into your amp, you should have the main input of the amp going into the main output of your board,i use an active srm 450 mackie speakers and the main input of the speakers are connected to the main output of my board and i used my cd/tape out to plug in my ext. cd recorder, the cd/tape in where i hook my cdg player, that's how i get to record my singers..but anyway if it works for you don't change anything..

[billyo]

Bryant, in my opinion theres no way to elliminate the cables, you have to hook up a cable from your laptop to the board, without it you won't have any sounds at all, if you get the pro12 you have to hook up a usb cable from your laptop to the usb port of the pro12 in order to get a sound , if i'm not mistaken the pro 12 came loaded with a tractor software..and i also i dont think you need to use the usb port of the board, you can just hook it up like youve been doing.mini to 1/4 to one of the boards channels.

[muzicman144]

Originally Posted by billyo

Bryant, in my opinion theres no way to elliminate the cables, you have to hook up a cable from your laptop to the board, without it you won't have any sounds at all, if you get the pro12 you have to hook up a usb cable from your laptop to the usb port of the pro12 in order to get a sound , if i'm not mistaken the pro 12 came loaded with a tractor software..and i also i dont think you need to use the usb port of the board, you can just hook it up like youve been doing.mini to 1/4 to one of the boards channels.

I am using a Creative Lab Sound Card in my computer. When i went to the Bose and used the USB Port on my mixer, i simply plugged it in, using the settings provided by my mixer, and eliminated the mini-plug, and cables. My Bose Tone Engine routes it through a channel on the mixer, which gives you all the features, EQ. Reverb, etc., that you would normally use, per channel. I believe you can also do this with the Mackie. You can always use the same mini plug-1/4 as you always have if this route does not work for you.
The Creative Sound Card is still installed in my computer and i still use the EQ settings on it sometime. No problem, except the music is better with the USB setup. If at all possible, I will never use the mini plug again.
Hope this helps,
Muzicman

[bryant]

Originally Posted by muzicman144

The Creative Sound Card is still installed in my computer and i still use the EQ settings on it sometime. No problem, except the music is better with the USB setup. If at all possible, I will never use the mini plug again.
Hope this helps,
Muzicman

Thanks muzic, that's my goal here.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by billyo

Bryant, if you get the pro12 you have to hook up a usb cable from your laptop to the usb port of the pro12 in order to get a sound

Right, this is exactly what i am hoping to be able to do.

I want to avoid using that mini jack from the lappy.

[Monolithent]

Could you tell me exactly which model amps you are using? There may be another way to get you connected. Might even be simpler.

Basically, merge your outputs from your mixer into a single XLR connection (you can find adapters for this at most music stores) and run them into one (only) of the two XLR inputs on your amp. The other XLR input is often setup to serve as a line level output when operated in this manner (there is usally some kind of switch on the back of the amp to set this up). Connect an XLR cable from this connection to the input of your other amp and there you go. Both connected and far simpler set up. This is how I run my monitor speakers. The downside here is that now you will have to operate in mono instead of stereo. If you are leary of this then I can tell you from experience that after running mono for over a decade. No one has ever noticed. Plus you can also bridge your amps and run them at 4 Ohms with these types of setups. More power and actually easier on your amps as long as its controlled.

The USB port on the ProFX12/8 is used for streaming the main mix to a recording DAW software and sending a stereo stream from a computer program (such as hoster or a DJ program). I believe its level is controlled by the USB input knob near the EQ sliders. I don't think it is possible to reroute it to a slider of any type except the main output. If you are insterested in one that allows you to connect to each line you might look into a Yamaha N8 or N12. The cost is higher but it allows you the ability to run several items back and forth to your computer simultaneously via single firewire cable and is assignable to input sliders. Stay clear of the M-audio NRV-10. Its crap for live purposes. From what I've seen the USB connections on mixers are all single stereo in and out (even on some of the higher end mixers like the Allen & Heath ZED series which are far better built) which gives the firewire units a strong advantage in that they have multiple stereo ins and outs.

Good luck with the Mackie. I have looked at it and it seems pretty solid and should serve you well for quite some time. The main reason I didn't go with it is that I am moving into a lot more live sound applications and there weren't enough connections plus I prefer firewire. USB has too many issues for my taste. I am waiting for USB 3.0 to see if it has resolved them.

[Monolithent]

And something I just noticed about this particular mixer is that there are 2 sets of main outs, one pair on top of the console and one pair on the back. You could run your sub amp from one pair and the full range amp from the other pair. A lot more connections but it is an option and you could still run stereo if you like. It would keep you from having to use the unbalanced tape outs and be able to run a balanced cable so your signal would be much cleaner to your amps.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Monolithent

And something I just noticed about this particular mixer is that there are 2 sets of main outs, one pair on top of the console and one pair on the back. You could run your sub amp from one pair and the full range amp from the other pair. A lot more connections but it is an option and you could still run stereo if you like. It would keep you from having to use the unbalanced tape outs and be able to run a balanced cable so your signal would be much cleaner to your amps.

Not really concerned about stereo but agree with you on cleaner signal. didn't notice the main outputs on top when i was looking at the mackie site, are you sure they weren't send/return effects or womething else, as I seem to remember.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Monolithent

It would keep you from having to use the unbalanced tape outs and be able to run a balanced cable so your signal would be much cleaner to your amps.

The main outputs on top are not an XLR however, I'm not familiar with a balanced 1/4" as opposed to an unbalanced 1/4". How do I determine the precise difference Mono?

[Lonman]

You would have a lot better sound & a much easier time with an external crossover feeding both the subs & mains - only because you are not crossing over the tops at the same frequency the subs are so they are trying to reproduce the sub frequencies still as well running into some possible phase cancellation & loss of frequencies in some of the low end. A crossover point of 75-100 is more ideal for subs as well.
That being said, the XLR & 1/4" balanced main outputs can be used simultaneously giving you main volume control for both amps you wish to push. It will be better than using a tape out for a connection.
The computer hooks to the mixer via a USB cable only, no need for the 1/8" mini jack or anything else. The PROFX actually acts as a I/O sound interface so could be used on a computer with no sound card at all - the mixer IS the sound card!

1/4" balanced is a tip/ring/sleeve - looks like a standard headphone plug. An unbalanced is a tip/ring - looks like a 1/4" plug you'd plug into say a guitar.
I attached pics of a bal & unbal plug - notice the extra ring on the balanced plug. For the Mackie output, use the balanced on the mixer & if your amp has XLR inputs, go balanced 1/4" - to XLR (determine whether you need male or female on the amp).
You could try to run both programs at the same time, but like said they may try to cancel each other out - even if only one is sending a signal.

[Monolithent]

Easiest way to tell the difference on a 1/4 inch connector is to look at the connector.

Unbalanced cables have only one separator ring and balanced have two.

Unbalanced are capable of signal travel but are limited in their distance. Balanced are a superior choice as they are not much if any more expensive per linear foot and the second signal connection helps to cancel out interference from outside sources (such as power cables)

Unbalanced cables are often caled TS (tip+sleeve) cables
Balanced cables are known as TRS (tip+ring+sleeve) cables

The plusses (+) in the above statement would correspond to separator rings referred to in the second line of this post.

Make sense?

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Monolithent

Could you tell me exactly which model amps you are using? There may be another way to get you connected. Might even be simpler.

Basically, merge your outputs from your mixer into a single XLR connection (you can find adapters for this at most music stores) and run them into one (only) of the two XLR inputs on your amp. The other XLR input is often setup to serve as a line level output when operated in this manner (there is usally some kind of switch on the back of the amp to set this up). Connect an XLR cable from this connection to the input of your other amp and there you go. Both connected and far simpler set up. This is how I run my monitor speakers. The downside here is that now you will have to operate in mono instead of stereo. If you are leary of this then I can tell you from experience that after running mono for over a decade. No one has ever noticed. Plus you can also bridge your amps and run them at 4 Ohms with these types of setups. More power and actually easier on your amps as long as its controlled.

Hmm, pretty coolI'll send you the models no.s of amps as soon as I get to the post (club) where they are. But how will this effect the outputs of the bass amp (has built in crossover at 125 Hz(sends 125 and below to bass bins) and the outputs of the high-end amps which sends full range to speakers.

[Monolithent]

Originally Posted by bryant

But how will this effect the outputs of the bass amp (has built in crossover at 125 Hz(sends 125 and below to bass bins) and the outputs of the high-end amps which sends full range to speakers.

It shouldn't affect it at all but without knowing what they are I really don't know for sure. There may be something proprietary with that particular model. As a general rule the second input port on most amps can be switched to an output (basically what goes in comes right back out the other input connection) so you can route to multiple amps and connected speakers the exact same signal.

Also the USB is only good for one stereo signal to your computer and one stereo signal from your computer. If you run multiple audio programs at once, like I do, you will have to run a cable out of the 1/8 inch out port on the laptop to the mixer.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Monolithent

Also the USB is only good for one stereo signal to your computer and one stereo signal from your computer. If you run multiple audio programs at once, like I do, you will have to run a cable out of the 1/8 inch out port on the laptop to the mixer.

Oh,oh, if I am running virtual DJ along with Hoster, why can't virtual Dj also send it's audio out through the usb too. As only one program would be sending a signal at any given time.

[Monolithent]

The ports on top seem to be a match to the main outs on the back from what I can tell from the schematics.

And your wife will be unhappy to know that the knob for USB input is the only way to control the input level of the USB section. That particular input is routed to the main bus and then the output sliders. Most mixer manufacturers don't take karaoke seriously and don't intend for us to be using their gear for our purposes. The USB inputs on most mixers are either for studio mixing setups or when a band decides to take a set break and want music to play for the crowd.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Monolithent

The USB port on the ProFX12/8 is used for streaming the main mix to a recording DAW software and sending a stereo stream from a computer program (such as hoster or a DJ program). I believe its level is controlled by the USB input knob near the EQ sliders. I don't think it is possible to reroute it to a slider of any type except the main output.

Thanks, Mono. Big help here. Are you saying that I can set this little knob for the usb out volume, but then also use the main slider as a volume control as well. My wife will be using it and she HATES those knob controls, too.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Monolithent

Could you tell me exactly which model amps you are using? There may be another way to get you connected. Might even be simpler.

Basically, merge your outputs from your mixer into a single XLR connection (you can find adapters for this at most music stores) and run them into one (only) of the two XLR inputs on your amp. The other XLR input is often setup to serve as a line level output when operated in this manner (there is usally some kind of switch on the back of the amp to set this up). Connect an XLR cable from this connection to the input of your other amp and there you go. Both connected and far simpler set up. This is how I run my monitor speakers. The downside here is that now you will have to operate in mono instead of stereo. If you are leary of this then I can tell you from experience that after running mono for over a decade. No one has ever noticed. Plus you can also bridge your amps and run them at 4 Ohms with these types of setups. More power and actually easier on your amps as long as its controlled.

The USB port on the ProFX12/8 is used for streaming the main mix to a recording DAW software and sending a stereo stream from a computer program (such as hoster or a DJ program). I believe its level is controlled by the USB input knob near the EQ sliders. I don't think it is possible to reroute it to a slider of any type except the main output. If you are insterested in one that allows you to connect to each line you might look into a Yamaha N8 or N12. The cost is higher but it allows you the ability to run several items back and forth to your computer simultaneously via single firewire cable and is assignable to input sliders. Stay clear of the M-audio NRV-10. Its crap for live purposes. From what I've seen the USB connections on mixers are all single stereo in and out (even on some of the higher end mixers like the Allen & Heath ZED series which are far better built) which gives the firewire units a strong advantage in that they have multiple stereo ins and outs.

Good luck with the Mackie. I have looked at it and it seems pretty solid and should serve you well for quite some time. The main reason I didn't go with it is that I am moving into a lot more live sound applications and there weren't enough connections plus I prefer firewire. USB has too many issues for my taste. I am waiting for USB 3.0 to see if it has resolved them.

High-end amps to EV speakers that sit on top of bass bins. = Audio centron RMA-800.

The Amp that feeds the bass bins is a mackie M-1400i.

They both have xlr and 1/4" inputs and outputs.

let me know in detail exactly how I can make this a bit easier as you say. PM me if you want to.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by bryant

High-end amps to EV speakers that sit on top of bass bins. = Audio centron RMA-800.

The Amp that feeds the bass bins is a mackie M-1400i.

They both have xlr and 1/4" inputs and outputs.

let me know in detail exactly how I can make this a bit easier as you say. PM me if you want to.

Any comment Jon