Mackie 1220I User Manual

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   Onyx 1220i

The aux 1-2 switch routes the talkback signal to the 

aux send 1 and 2 outputs [6]. Use this to communicate 
with the musicians through their stage monitors when 
you are setting up a live performance.

It is fi ne to have both destination switches pushed in 

at the same time, so the talkback signal will be routed 
to both destinations. But if you don’t have either of the 
destination switches pushed in, the talkback signal 
won’t go anywhere. You might as well be talking to a 
brick wall.

This is a momentary switch, and as long as you hold 

it down, talkback is activated. You can talk into the  
built-in microphone and be heard in the headphones 
and/or stage monitors.

Release the switch so you can talk about the band 

without them hearing you.

This stereo fader allows you to adjust the levels of  the 

main mix signals sent to the XLR and 1/4" main  

 

line-level outputs [4, 13], and the tape outputs [16].

This gives you the ultimate feeling of power and  

control over the sound levels sent to your audience. If 
you press the main mix switch [35], you can see the 
main mix levels in the meters [40]. Adjust this control 
carefully, with your good eye on the meters to check 
against overloading, and your good ear to the levels to 
make sure your audience (if any) is happy.

This fader does not affect the aux send outputs [6], 

alt 3-4 outputs [14], or the main mix FireWire outputs 
11-12. It affects the control room or headphones if the 
main mix switch [35] is engaged.

The main mix signals are off with the fader fully down, 

the “U” marking is unity gain, and fully up provides   
10 dB of additional gain. This additional gain will    
typically never be needed, but once again, it’s nice to 
know that it’s there. The fader is stereo, as it affects 
both the left and right of the main mix equally. This is 
the ideal control to slowly bring down at the end of a 
song (or quickly in the middle of a song if the need ever 
arises).

The left and right main mix are permanently assigned 

to FireWire outputs 11 and 12. For example, you can  
record the live performance main mix onto your 
computer. This does not affect the analog main mix 
outputs.

The output level to your computer is not affected by 

the main mix fader [51].

Congratulations! You’ve just read about all the  

features of your mixer. Time for a frosty beverage.