Mackie DL1608 Dimensions

Oct 2013 •All questions, answers and specifications subject to change.www.mackie.com/support/
1. What does a DL Series mixer do? What does the iPad do?
It’s simple. The mixer itself does all the heavy lifting.
Onyx mic pres amplify the signal. High-end AD converters
convert this to digital. The powerful DSP chip processes and
mixes this through the low latency mix engine. What’s missing?
Control. And that’s where the iPad comes in. It is the control
surface, controlling the DSP and mixer parameters but no audio
processing occurs in the iPad at all. All the magic happens in the
mixer itself which is powerful and able to produce undeniably
professional sound quality.
2. Is a DL Series mixer compatible with all versions of the
iPad? iPhone? iPod touch?
The DL Series mixers allow wireless control from all iPad models
with the Master Fader app: iPad (1st generation), iPad 2, iPad
(3rd generation), iPad (4th generation) and iPad mini.
There are both 30-Pin and Lightning versions of the DL1608 and
DL806 available so choose the model that works with your iPad.
Our patented tray design is built to accommodate changing form
factors via tray inserts and a modular design.
The 30-Pin versions allow docked control from iPad
(1st generation), iPad 2 and iPad (3rd generation). The included
tray insert fits the iPad (3rd generation) and iPad 2 like a glove
and the original iPad fits into the mixer without the tray insert.
The Lightning versions allow docked control from iPad
(4th generation) with the included tray insert. An optional
accessory tray also allows docked operation with an iPad mini.
Note the iPad (1st generation) has a slower processor and less
RAM than newer iPad models so it has less snappy meters
and will be slightly less responsive to dragging and other
commands. In addition, because the iOS6/7 is not compatible
with iPad (1st generation), there may be some features we
choose to add in a future release which will not work on the first
generation iPad. So if you are looking to purchase a used iPad,
get the iPad 2 or newer to ensure a full featured experience into
the future.
3. Is a DL Series mixer compatible with all versions of the
iPhone and iPod touch?
The My Fader app allows wireless control from iPod touch
(4th and 5th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5,
iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. It’s perfect for on-stage performers
controlling their own mix or for FOH engineers looking for
pocketable wireless control. Note iOS6 is required for My Fader.
4. Can I convert my 30-pin DL Series mixer to lightning?
Lightning to 30-Pin?
We have a variety of conversion options available, please see
the following post for all the information.
5. How does the wireless setup work?
Wireless setup is easy. Simply connect a Wi-Fi router to the
Ethernet port on the back of the DL Series mixer. Connect the
iPad wirelessly to this network. Almost any off-the-shelf router
will work, but we recommend the AirPort Extreme or Airport
Express, as these allow easy setup from the iPad and can be
configured in detail using the free AirPort Utility app. We also
list some other officially approved and tested access points on
the DL Series website.
6. What apps can be used for playback or recording?
iPad applications can play back stereo audio to a DL Series
mixer over the dock connector via a dedicated channel labeled
“iPad” in the Mackie Master Fader control application. The main
L/R signal is also sent from the mixer hardware for recording.
While you can use the built-in Music app for playback and the
Master Fader app itself for recording, many users utilize other
3rd party applications for these purposes. This works for any
application that supports background audio playback/recording
which allows the user to switch back to the Master Fader app for
mixing. Many popular apps support this including Garage Band,
Auria and Multitrack DAW.
7. Are DL Series mixers rack-mountable?
Yes. There is an optional Rackmount Kit accessory available
through Mackie dealers. A Phillips screwdriver is all that is
required for installation and the finished hardware takes up
nine spaces in a standard 19” rack. Plus, leaving extra room for
cabling, a racked up DL Series mixer fits perfectly into most of
the flip-top racks on the market.
8. Can the iPad be removed from the tray while audio is
passing and the unit is powered on?
Yes. The audio processing is done entirely on the mixer
hardware; the iPad only does control. If the iPad is removed it
will switch over to wireless control automatically but audio will
continue to pass during the transition which only takes a second
or two. If wireless is not configured, the mixer still will continue
to pass audio until another iPad comes online to control it.
When power cycled, the mixer returns to its previous state.
Note that iPad playback and recording can only happen when
the iPad is docked and both will gracefully end when the iPad is
removed from the tray.
9. Can all six aux sends be pre DSP, pre fader or post fader?
Yes indeed! All six auxiliary sends are configurable for pre DSP/
pre fader/post fader operation. This is done on a per aux send
basis from the Mackie Master Fader control app.
10. What AD/DA converters are in a DL Series mixer?
What sample rate and bit depth are used?
The DL1608 and DL806 use 24-bit Cirrus Logic® AD/DA
converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted) operating
at 48 kHz. These are the same converters as the Onyx Blackbird
and Onyx-i series.
11. Does the Master Fader allow offline editing?
Yes. You can create snapshots, shows and presets offline with
the free Mackie Master Fader iPad app. Presets are only stored
on the iPad and can be recalled to a channel when desired.
Snapshots and Shows (groups of snapshots) are loaded onto
the mixer hardware which synchronizes them to all connected
iPads. These are then recalled from the hardware from any
connected iPad.
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Oct 2013 •All questions, answers and specifications subject to change.www.mackie.com/support/
12. How is the mixer software updated?
Updates start at the iOS App Store where the user downloads
and installs an update to the Mackie Master Fader app (the
application that controls the DL1608 and DL806).
This is just like any other iPad app. The next time they launch
the app and connect to a mixer, the app will indicate the mixer
is running old firmware, and with a single button press, the app
will update the mixer. So be sure to update your mixer after an
app update with enough time before a gig.
Note that if a mixer with newer firmware is connected to an older
version of the app, it will also indicate this to the user and allow
the user to update the Master Fader app from the App store with
a single press.
13. Are the outputs line level? Balanced?
All outputs on the mixer are line level balanced outputs. The
aux sends are impedance balanced on 1/4 inch TRS. The main
LR outputs are on balanced XLR. We recommend always using
balanced cables to connect your DL Series to other equipment.
14. What is the power supply?
DL Series mixers use an external lump-in-line universal
switching power supply. It connects to the console via a locking
barrel connector. To change from one region to another, you
must simply supply the correct IEC cable.
15. Do the XLR inputs have 48V phantom power?
Yes. All 16 XLR inputs have +48V phantom power via the global
phantom power switch located on the rear panel.
16. How do I zero out/reset an EQ/Comp/Channel quickly?
Every processor has a “Default” factory preset. Simply recall
this just as you would any other preset to reset the processor to
its default state. There are “Default” presets for each individual
processor type as well as for input channels and output
channels allowing you to reset the complete channel. Finally,
there is also a “Default” snapshot allowing you zero the entire
console quickly and easily.
17. When using an iPad with 3G or LTE, do I need to disable
the 3G or LTE for operation?
No. The 3G and LTE iPads use high performance cellular
transmission for their data transfer. These networks both cause
no interference with audio signals or electronics in the DL
Series mixer and other audio gear. However, if you are using
your 3G iPad in an area with poor 3G or LTE coverage, the iPad
may fall back to a lower speed older network called GSM. GSM
communication uses data bursts to communicate with the
network and these bursts can cause interference with audio
called TDMA noise. This sounds like low level digital beeps in
your audio. This will be present to some degree in virtually all
audio equipment if the source of the TDMA interference is close
enough and the severity will depend on the mechanical and
electrical design of both the source and audio gear itself. We
have designed the DL Series to reject this noise quite well. But
there are still some situations where the interference can still
occur based on the current conditions. The solution if you do
hear this noise in your audio, is indeed to turn off the cellular
data functionality in your iPad for the show. Again, in most large
metropolitan areas the iPad will get good 3G or LTE signals and
this problem should not occur.
18. What is the Wi-Fi Range? What router should I get?
Wi-Fi range depends on the router hardware and the
environment. Obviously, each router is different and some
will be better than others. We recommend sticking with a
brand name you trust. If possible, purchase an 802.11n
router that works over 5 GHz, though 802.11g works. In
addition to choosing a good router, the Wi-Fi signal can be
obstructed and its strength reduced if there are many walls
or other obstructions it must pass through. A room full of
people each with a variety of wireless devices in their pockets
can also negatively affect your performance. This table gives
good coverage estimates: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
IEEE_802.11#Protocols). Wi-Fi repeaters can be added to extend
the wireless range for large venues, and many routers, such as
the Airport extreme have this feature built in allowing you to
simply use multiple routers to extend your coverage.
19. Is there a bag or cover available?
Yes. The DL Series nylon bag features a firm EVA cover to protect
the iPad in transport along with a fully padded interior and a
section for the external power supply plus a shoulder strap and
handle for carrying. The nylon cover protects your mixer from
dust and debris when not in use and features a rear section that
flips open to allow cable connection.
20. Can I link two DL Series mixers?
While the DL Series was not specifically designed for true
linking, creative audio engineers will figure out that you can in
fact create a larger mixer with two DL1608s or a DL1608 and
a DL806, a few balanced audio cables and some ingenuity.
First, the audio outputs from each mixer must be combined.
This is done by passing the eight analog outputs of one mixer
into the last eight inputs of the second. Combine these output
signals from the first mixer with the corresponding signals of
the second by configuring the channel routing on the second
mixer appropriately. Once you have the audio connected, you
need to control both mixers. Each mixer can have its own iPad
controlling it via the dock connector. And while a single iPad
can’t control both mixers at once, one or more iPad devices can
control each mixer wirelessly one at a time by changing the
Device setting in Master Fader back and forth. Note that even
with multiple mixers in use at once, only 10 iPad devices in total
can be used with the system.
21. Can I use a DL Series mixer while driving my car?
No.
I need more! Feed me information!
To learn more about any of these questions and answers, check
out the DL Series Podcast and the DL Series Quick Start Guide and
Reference Manual.
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ALL QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.