Getting Ready Chapter 1 D8B Manual • Chapter 1 • page 3
Introduction Let’s Get It Working T This is a step-by-step guide to get the Digital 8•Bus working. We assume you’ve pulled everything out of the box and are ready to start working.
MIDI PARALLEL CONSOLE DATA CPU Ethernet MOUSE Video Mouse KEYBOARD Keyboard CONCEIVED, DESIGNED, AND MANUFACTURED BY MACKIE DESIGNS INC • WOODINVILLE • WA • USA • MADE IN USA • FABRIQUE AU USA • COPYRIGHT ©1997 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MACKIE DESIGN INC.: "MACKIE", "DIGITAL SYSTEMS", D8B AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • 2. Connect the data cable between the Remote CPU and the console. Rotate the thumbscrews on each connector clockwise until they are finger tight. 3.
1. Plug a PC-compatible keyboard into the KEYBOARD port on the back of the Remote CPU. 2. Plug a PS/2 compatible mouse into the MOUSE port on the back of the Remote CPU. 3. Plug an SVGA video monitor into the VIDEO port on the back of the Remote CPU. Note: We highly recommend the use of a multisync monitor; however, if one is unavailable you must use a monitor capable of at least a 72Hz scan rate. We recommend using a 17-inch or larger monitor for best results.
Turn on the power switch on the front panel of the Remote CPU, then turn on the power to all your peripheral equipment. The Digital 8•Bus takes a few moments to load the Mackie Real Time OS (Operating System) and initialize the DSPs. When the Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) in the onboard Fat Channel Section indicates EQ settings for channel 1, the console is ready to use. These buttons let you access four completely different sets of controls, referred to as Fader Banks.
As you switch back and forth between all four fader banks, the faders will move to their respective settings for each bank. You’ll find that this becomes your most popular demonstration. Your friends will love it; your spouse will love it; your pet will be mildly amused. This exercise demonstrates a process that will become second nature as you increase your skills on the Digital 8•Bus.
Figure 1-1 Completing the Microphone Signal Path Follow this graphic map to quickly complete a signal path using a microphone to capture the FAST sound source..
7. In the ASSIGNMENT section, verify that when L–R is selected (green light on) the ASSIGN button in Channel One lights up green. This is basic bus assignment procedure. Anything you want to come out the MASTER L–R bus must light up on the assign button of each desired channel. In similar fashion, any channel that needs to be assigned to Bus 1 must have the channel assign button lit when Bus 1 is selected in the ASSIGNMENT section.
Figure 1-2 Simple Microphone Connection/Basic Live Setup This setup illustrates the most fundamental use of the D8B. A very basic live setting might require only this limited level of complexity. Channel 1–24 Mic/Line In FAST TRACK Monitor Outs to Speakers Channels 1–24 Tracking Mixer Fader Bank 1 Figure 1-3 Setting Up to Track The graphic below highlights the simplicity of the D8B tracking procedure.
Figure 1-4 Basic Mixdown Setup This is a basic mixdown setup. Live Mic/Line input source might be used for any audio source: live vocals, instruments, or effects returns. FAST TRACK Multitrack Outboard Effects, MIDI Gear, Live Room Mics, etc.
Figure 1-5 Signal-Flow Diagram Simply begin at the far left star and follow the route the signal must take to reach the master output. DSP includes all dynamics, equalization, and phase controls. Main Inserts R L Channel Meter Tracking/Routing AES/EBU Out Post-DSP Insert Pre-DSP Insert Analog Inputs CH 1-48 Analog to Digital Converter S/PDIF Out Level to Tape To Tape Outputs Channel Fader DSP (EQ, Comp, Gate, etc.
ANALOG STEREO INSERT/RETURN KEY INPUT Default: Itself (the channel) OR: CHANNEL TAP BUS TAP AUX TAP 2-TRACK DIGITAL INPUT PRE-DSP INSERT (CHANNEL TAP AND PLUG-INS) POST-DSP INSERT (PLUG-INS ONLY) CHANNEL TAP MIC/LINE 1 (through 12) TRIM MIC/LINE MIC IN METER A to D 48V LINE IN LINE 13 (through 24) TRIM LINE IN A to D DIRECT ASSIGN TO TAPE OUT FROM TAPE 25 (through 32) A to D Analog 8 channel TAPE CARD (optional) DELAY DIG.
AUX 9/10 AUX 11/12 ( ) ( ) TAPE 1–8 TAPE 9–16 TAPE 17–24 PFL SOLO SOLO L SOLO R MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT BUSES 1–8 AUX SEND 1–8 AUX SEND 9 AUX SEND 10 AUX SEND 11 AUX SEND 12 TAPE 1–8 TAPE 9–16 TAPE 17–24 PFL SOLO SOLO L SOLO R MAIN LEFT MAIN RIGHT BUSES 1–8 AUX SEND 1–8 AUX SEND 9 AUX SEND 10 AUX SEND 11 AUX SEND 12 D/A D/A D/A D/A D/A D/A D/A DIG IN 1 MAIN INSERT R (L) 2 TRK A 2 TRK C 2 TRK B D/A ASSIGN DIG IN 2 MASTER L-R MASTER FADER SOLO PFL/AFL/MIXDOWN MIXDOWN SOLO SENDS ONLY SOLOED CH
Figure 1-7 D8B Gain Structure Diagram D8B Manual • Chapter 1 • page 16 60 dB gain 40 dB gain 0 20 dB loss 20 dB gain 0 20 dB loss +22 dBu max input line in 13 - 24 mic in 1-12 +2 dBu max input +22 dBu max input line in 1-12 digital trim 0 0 level up +10 0 TRS +22 dBu max out XLR +28 dBu max out mix st.
Specifications Analog Input/Output Section Meters: • LED ladders displaying 24 channels, 24 LEDs per channel from –50 to 0 dBFS (0 dBFS = +20 dBu) • Output Level (0 dBu = 0.775V RMS) • Left and Right Outputs: +22 dBu balanced 1/4" TRS +28 dBu balanced XLR • Bus (Tape) out: +22 dBu balanced 1/4" TRS • Aux sends: +22 dBu balanced 1/4" TRS Frequency Response: • 20Hz-20kHz +/-0.
8.7" (221mm) Physical Dimensions 27.1" (688mm) 37.6" (955mm) D8B CONSOLE SHIPPING WEIGHT 73 lbs. (33.1 kg) D8B CPU SHIPPING WEIGHT 50 lbs. (22.7 kg) CPU 19.00" (48.3cm) D8B Manual • Chapter 1 • page 18 5.25" (13.3cm) 3U 20" (50.8cm) 17.25" (43.
Updating Software Software upgrades can easily be downloaded from the Mackie website at www.mackie.com. Find the D8B section and select “Downloads.” Always read the Release notes that accompany the software downloads. They contain valuable information specific to the current software revisions and install procedures. Windows-based Computers Follow these steps if you are downloading onto a Windows®-based computer: 1. Download the .ZIP files d8b3xxxx_PC.
12. Remove the 2nd floppy disk when prompted and power down the console power supply, then power back on. 13. You now have the updated D8B operating system installed. 14. Make sure you read the release notes. They have important info about this upgrade. Note: Repeat the above procedure with the Demo_Plugins_3xxx_Mac.sea file to install the plug-in update.
