Mackie CR-1604 User manual

7/1/95
RELATED PRODUCTS
MORE INFORMATION
FEATURES
XLR10•MIXERMIXER•ROTOPOD•REMOTE FADER
CR-1604 MIC/LINE MIXER
CR-1604 ADD-ON ARCHI-
TECTS’ & ENGINEERS’ SPECS
“IN YOUR FACE”
ALL-PRODUCT BROCHURE
Unlike any other 16-chan-
nel compact mixer, the
CR-1604 is part of a mixing
system. The enhancements
presented here give you
unprecedented flexibility in
tailoring a mixer to a job.
Conversely, you need only
specify what is required for
a project without adding
costs for extraneous fea-
tures that won’t be used.
Then, at any time in the
future, the basic CR-1604
can be expanded, as the
users’ needs change.
The XLR10
adds ten additional
discrete, studio-grade phan-
tom-powered mic preamps
to the CR-1604 16-channel
Mic/Line Mixer for a total of
16 mic inputs.
The XLR10 module
mounts directly to the bot-
tom of the CR-1604 Input/
Output Pod and becomes
an integral part of the
mixer itself. Installation
requires just a few minutes
and a screwdriver. Elec-
tronic connections are via
an integral ribbon cable
connector already inside
the CR-1604.
The XLR10’s preamps use
the same exceptionally high-
quality design that has distin-
guished the CR-1604 mixer.
In creating both units, we
have developed a rigorous
definition of what a Mic
Preamp should be, based on
the technical specifications
that PA, permanent install
and recording studio applica-
tions require of larger boards.
Instead of simple, two-
transistor op-amp
combinations
found in most
other small
mixers, the
XLR10
preamp uses
four conjugate-
pair transistors with
large-emitter geometry to
reduce distortion at all levels
and deliver extremely low
noise (our published specs
of –129.5 dBm E.I.N. @150
ohms, bandwidth of 10Hz to
300kHz and 0.001% distor-
tion are real and verifiable).
XLR10 docking to CR-1604
XLR10 attached to CR-1604
XLR10
■Adds 10 more high
quality mic preamps to
the CR-1604
■Individual channel
trim controls
■Phantom power
■Forms single structural
unit with mixer
MixerMixer
■Combines all outputs of 2
or 3 CR-1604s
■No loss of inputs
■Internal power supply
Remote Fader
(add-on to MixerMixer)
■Controls master output of
up to 3 CR-1604s
■Precision 100mm design
RotoPod
■Rotates CR-1604 input/
output pod so that jacks
are on same plane as
controls
XLR10 EXPANDER
®

7/1/95
At any gain, both the XLR10
and CR-1604 mic preamps
deliver the additional head-
room and low noise floor
that set professional mixers
apart from semi-pro prod-
ucts: You can handle
acoustical as well as elec-
tronic events — from a
podium-pounding orator to
a timid choir hundreds of
feet away across a huge au-
ditorium — with sonic fidelity
and without input overload.
When the XLR10 is com-
bined with the CR-1604, the
added mic inputs can be used
by themselves or, if you’re
starved for inputs, both mic
and line inputs can be used
simultaneously, effectively
adding 16 more total inputs.
The XLR10’s mic preamps
have +48V phantom power
with switch. The XLR10 may
be added to the CR-1604 in
any of the mixer’s possible
configurations including jacks
to top, jacks to front (with
the RotoPod bracket set) or
jacks to back.
The MixerMixer is a com-
biner that mixes the outputs
from up to three mixers so
they can be used as if they
were one large mixer.
Previously, combining the
outputs of two or more mix-
ers has always been a
difficult task. At best, you
could combine main
outputs by “cascading”
which meant giving up two
inputs on one of the mix-
ers and totally losing
combined AUX sends or
headphone monitoring
functions on all mixers.
The MixerMixer solves this
problem, combining all out-
puts from up to three mixers
and providing a new set of
combined outputs. For ex-
ample, three Mackie Designs
CR-1604’s and a MixerMixer
provide 48 line inputs (or 30
line inputs and 18 mic
By adding Mackie’s
optional Remote Fader, the
user can control the main
output level of all mixers
that are plugged into the
MixerMixer. With the
Remote Fader, existing mas-
ter output sliders become
sub-masters. Pan controls
assign each channel to the
appropriate output sub-
master, then the Fader sets
overall output level.
The MixerMixer’s
optional Remote Fader
comes with its own 6-ft
DIN-plug-terminated con-
necting cable. The Fader
can be bolted to the side
of a CR-1604, handheld,
set on a flat surface or
semi-permanently
mounted with double-
backed or hook-and-loop
tape (not included).
The Remote Fader is acti-
vated by a switch set into
the MixerMixer’s front
panel, right alongside of the
DIN plug hole. It’s recessed
for security, so the user
must deliberately insert a
pencil (or non-conductive
pen) through the small
hole to depress the switch.
MixerMixers are shipped
from the factory with the
switch in the “remote-off”
position.
The Mackie Designs
RotoPod is a steel bracket/
rack combination that
supports the CR-1604
16-channel Mic/Line Mixer’s
jack panel so the connectors
can be on the same plane
as the main controls.
Adding the RotoPod
converts the CR-1604 from
a 7-rack-space mixer with
rear-facing jack panel to a
10-rack-space configuration
with front-facing jack panel.
Actually, the mixer in
this form is designed to
take up slightly less than
10 rack spaces, allowing
room for cables to pass
through to the back of the
rack (see Dimensions
diagrams on next page).
The rack ears provided
in the RotoPod kit are
designed to provide either
flush mounting, or recessed
mounting for protection of
controls and addition of a
security cover.
All necessary hardware
is provided. The conversion
takes a matter of minutes
and entails no electrical
connections.
The XLR10 Mic Preamp
Expander module may
also be attached when the
RotoPod conversion kit has
been installed.
CR-1604 in RotoPod configuration
1
2
3MIX
AMP
MAIN LEFT/RIGHT COMBINER
MAIN LEFT
BALANCED/
UNBALANCED
OUT
MAIN
LEFT
INSERT
1
2
3MIX
AMP
MAIN
RIGHT
INSERT
MAIN LEFT
BALANCED/
UNBALANCED
OUT
REMOTE
FADER
OPTION
MAIN MONO
BALANCED/
UNBALANCED
OUT
INPUTS
L
R
0dB
TO
+10dB
0dB
TO
+10dB
REMOTE
MASTER
FADER
SWITCH
(shown out) +
–
+
–
+
–
TIP=
SEND
RING=
RETURN
1
2
3
OUT
MIX
AMP
HEADPHONE COMBINER
MIX
AMP
INPUTS
1
2
3
OUT
MIX
AMP
AUX, ALT 3-4 & MON. COMBINERS
INPUTS
MIXERMIXER
REMOTE FADER
ROTOPOD BRACKET
MixerMixer shown with
Remote Fader
CordPack for the
MixerMixer
Connecting all the outputs
and AUXes of three 16-chan-
nel mixers requires a lot of
patch cords. So we offer an
economical solution: A pack-
age of 36 mono and 3 stereo
cables, which provides all
patch cords needed to con-
nect up to three CR-1604’s to
a MixerMixer. These are
high quality, low-capaci-
tance cables with molded
construction, plated con-
tact surfaces, flexible
insulation and different-
colored ends to make
identifying inputs and out-
puts easy.
Contents of Mackie Cordpack
MixerMixer
CR-1604#2CR-1604#1 CR-1604#3
remote
fader
All
outputs
combined
including
AUX
&
headphone
mains, AUX and headphone outputs from THREE 16-ch. mixers
inputs, 12 stereo effects
returns, 24 direct outs and 3
stereo or 6 mono sub-mas-
ters! By adding Mackie’s
XLR10 Mic Input Expanders,
mic inputs can be added as
required in groups of ten.
Since all combining is at
unity gain, no level or head
room is lost — and no
additional noise
is introduced. In
fact, the Mixer-
Mixer’s noise level is so low
that it can be used for both
–10dB and +4dB levels.
The MixerMixer is de-
signed for tabletop use or,
because it’s just 1.65" thick,
can easily be bolted to the
inside surface of a rack.
RotoPod installation

7/1/95
At any gain, both the XLR10
and CR-1604 mic preamps
deliver the additional head-
room and low noise floor
that set professional mixers
apart from semi-pro prod-
ucts: You can handle
acoustical as well as elec-
tronic events — from a
podium-pounding orator to
a timid choir hundreds of
feet away across a huge au-
ditorium — with sonic fidelity
and without input overload.
When the XLR10 is com-
bined with the CR-1604, the
added mic inputs can be used
by themselves or, if you’re
starved for inputs, both mic
and line inputs can be used
simultaneously, effectively
adding 16 more total inputs.
The XLR10’s mic preamps
have +48V phantom power
with switch. The XLR10 may
be added to the CR-1604 in
any of the mixer’s possible
configurations including jacks
to top, jacks to front (with
the RotoPod bracket set) or
jacks to back.
The MixerMixer is a com-
biner that mixes the outputs
from up to three mixers so
they can be used as if they
were one large mixer.
Previously, combining the
outputs of two or more mix-
ers has always been a
difficult task. At best, you
could combine main
outputs by “cascading”
which meant giving up two
inputs on one of the mix-
ers and totally losing
combined AUX sends or
headphone monitoring
functions on all mixers.
The MixerMixer solves this
problem, combining all out-
puts from up to three mixers
and providing a new set of
combined outputs. For ex-
ample, three Mackie Designs
CR-1604’s and a MixerMixer
provide 48 line inputs (or 30
line inputs and 18 mic
By adding Mackie’s
optional Remote Fader, the
user can control the main
output level of all mixers
that are plugged into the
MixerMixer. With the
Remote Fader, existing mas-
ter output sliders become
sub-masters. Pan controls
assign each channel to the
appropriate output sub-
master, then the Fader sets
overall output level.
The MixerMixer’s
optional Remote Fader
comes with its own 6-ft
DIN-plug-terminated con-
necting cable. The Fader
can be bolted to the side
of a CR-1604, handheld,
set on a flat surface or
semi-permanently
mounted with double-
backed or hook-and-loop
tape (not included).
The Remote Fader is acti-
vated by a switch set into
the MixerMixer’s front
panel, right alongside of the
DIN plug hole. It’s recessed
for security, so the user
must deliberately insert a
pencil (or non-conductive
pen) through the small
hole to depress the switch.
MixerMixers are shipped
from the factory with the
switch in the “remote-off”
position.
The Mackie Designs
RotoPod is a steel bracket/
rack combination that
supports the CR-1604
16-channel Mic/Line Mixer’s
jack panel so the connectors
can be on the same plane
as the main controls.
Adding the RotoPod
converts the CR-1604 from
a 7-rack-space mixer with
rear-facing jack panel to a
10-rack-space configuration
with front-facing jack panel.
Actually, the mixer in
this form is designed to
take up slightly less than
10 rack spaces, allowing
room for cables to pass
through to the back of the
rack (see Dimensions
diagrams on next page).
The rack ears provided
in the RotoPod kit are
designed to provide either
flush mounting, or recessed
mounting for protection of
controls and addition of a
security cover.
All necessary hardware
is provided. The conversion
takes a matter of minutes
and entails no electrical
connections.
The XLR10 Mic Preamp
Expander module may
also be attached when the
RotoPod conversion kit has
been installed.
CR-1604 in RotoPod configuration
1
2
3MIX
AMP
MAIN LEFT/RIGHT COMBINER
MAIN LEFT
BALANCED/
UNBALANCED
OUT
MAIN
LEFT
INSERT
1
2
3MIX
AMP
MAIN
RIGHT
INSERT
MAIN LEFT
BALANCED/
UNBALANCED
OUT
REMOTE
FADER
OPTION
MAIN MONO
BALANCED/
UNBALANCED
OUT
INPUTS
L
R
0dB
TO
+10dB
0dB
TO
+10dB
REMOTE
MASTER
FADER
SWITCH
(shown out) +
–
+
–
+
–
TIP=
SEND
RING=
RETURN
1
2
3
OUT
MIX
AMP
HEADPHONE COMBINER
MIX
AMP
INPUTS
1
2
3
OUT
MIX
AMP
AUX, ALT 3-4 & MON. COMBINERS
INPUTS
MIXERMIXER
REMOTE FADER
ROTOPOD BRACKET
MixerMixer shown with
Remote Fader
CordPack for the
MixerMixer
Connecting all the outputs
and AUXes of three 16-chan-
nel mixers requires a lot of
patch cords. So we offer an
economical solution: A pack-
age of 36 mono and 3 stereo
cables, which provides all
patch cords needed to con-
nect up to three CR-1604’s to
a MixerMixer. These are
high quality, low-capaci-
tance cables with molded
construction, plated con-
tact surfaces, flexible
insulation and different-
colored ends to make
identifying inputs and out-
puts easy.
Contents of Mackie Cordpack
MixerMixer
CR-1604#2CR-1604#1 CR-1604#3
remote
fader
All
outputs
combined
including
AUX
&
headphone
mains, AUX and headphone outputs from THREE 16-ch. mixers
inputs, 12 stereo effects
returns, 24 direct outs and 3
stereo or 6 mono sub-mas-
ters! By adding Mackie’s
XLR10 Mic Input Expanders,
mic inputs can be added as
required in groups of ten.
Since all combining is at
unity gain, no level or head
room is lost — and no
additional noise
is introduced. In
fact, the Mixer-
Mixer’s noise level is so low
that it can be used for both
–10dB and +4dB levels.
The MixerMixer is de-
signed for tabletop use or,
because it’s just 1.65" thick,
can easily be bolted to the
inside surface of a rack.
RotoPod installation

Mackie Designs Inc. is engaged in a continuous program
of product evaluation and improvement and reserves the
right to change product specifications at any time without
notice. ©1995-1998 Mackie Designs Inc. All rights
reserved. “Mackie.” is a registered trademark of Mackie
Designs Inc. Printed in USA. 1604AO2951.1
MACKIEDESIGNSINC. •16220 WOOD-RED RD. N.E.
WOODINVILLE • WA • USA • PHONE TOLLFREE 800/258-6883
FAX [phone] • OUTSIDE THE U.S., PHONE [phone]
SPECIFICATIONS
XLR10
Frequency Response:
20Hz-20kHz ±1dB
Distortion:
less than 0.025%, 20-20kHz
Noise:
Mic E.I.N.
-129.0 dBm, 150-ohm source
20Hz-20kHz
Max Gain:
48dB
Max Input Level:
+14dB
Weight:
5 lbs.
MixerMixer
Frequency Response:
20Hz-40kHz +0dB –1dB
Distortion:
0.025% 20Hz to 20kHz
Hum & Noise:
–94dB (ref. +4dB operating
level 20kHz NBW)
Dynamic Range:
112dB
Crosstalk:
–84dB @1kHz
Power:
5 watts
Shipping Weight:
5 lbs.
Remote Fader
Shipping Weight:
2 lbs.
3.05"
5.5"
3.05"
2.3"
2.3"
4.8"
15.8" 15.8"
18.2"
0.7"
including screw heads
17.34"
9.25"
6.4"
12.0"
9.25"
12.7"
12.0" 16.1"
10 rack spaces
11 rack spaces7 rack spaces 18.2"
19.0"
16.1"
5.9"
5.9"
6.6"
6.6"
7.1"
1.6"
1.5"
Note: RotoPod rack rail places mixer flush with
bottom rack space, allows gap at top for cables.
0.5"
0.5"
3.8" 4.5"
Jacks to top with XLR10
RotoPod (jacks on control plane) with XLR10
Jacks to back with XLR10
XLR10
15.7"
16.7"
1.65"
16.2"
4.0"
3.0"
7.5"
1.4" 2.3"
MIXERMIXER REMOTE FADER
2.6"
1.5"
2.1"
Note: Dimensional drawings are shown with optional XLR10 and RotoPod assembly.
®