Mackie 1604-VLZ3 User Manual

1604-

VLZ3

The 1604-VLZ3’s peak metering system is made up of 

two columns of twelve LEDs. Deceptively simple, con-
sidering the multitude of signals that can be monitored 
by it. If nothing is selected in the SOURCE [42] matrix,  
and no channels are in SOLO [27], the meter display 
will just sit there. To put them to work, you must make a 
selection in the SOURCE matrix (or engage a channel's 
SOLO switch).

Why? You want the meter display to refl ect what the 

engineer is listening to, and as we’ve covered, the engi-
neer is listening either to the control room output or the 
headphones. The only difference is that while the listen-
ing levels are controlled by the CTL ROOM/PHONES 
[43] knob, the meter display reads the SOURCE mix 
before that control, giving you the real facts at all times, 
even if you’re not listening at all.

When the solo MODE [44] switch is set to LEVEL SET 

(PFL) (down) , all soloed signals will be sent to the left 
meter only. That, combined with the LEVEL SET LED 
[45], are along the path of   enlightenment known as 
the Level-Setting  Procedure (page 3).  During NORMAL 
(AFL) mode, the meters will  behave normally.

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You may already be an  expert at the world of “+4” (+4 

dBu=1.23 V) and “–10” (–10 dBV=0.32 V) operating 
levels. Basically, what makes a mixer one or the other 
is the relative 0 dB VU (or 0 VU) chosen for the meter 
display. A “+4” mixer, with a +4 dBu signal pouring out 
the back will actually read 0 VU on its meter display. 
A “–10” mixer, with a –10 dBV signal trickling out, will 
read, you guessed it, 0 VU on its meter display. So when 
is 0 VU actually 0 dBu? Right now!

At the risk of creating another standard, Mackie’s 

compact mixers address the need of both crowds by 
calling things as they are: 0 dBu (0.775 V) at the output 
shows as 0 VU on the meter display. What could be 
easier? By the way, the most wonderful thing about stan-
dards is that there are so many to choose from.

Thanks to the 1604-VLZ3’s wide dynamic range, you 

can get a good mix with peaks fl ashing anywhere be-
tween –20 and +10 dB on the meter display. Most ampli-
fi ers clip at about +10 dB, and some recorders aren’t so 
forgiving either. For best real-world results, try to keep 
your peaks between “0” and “+7.”

Please remember: Audio meter displays are just tools 

to help assure you that your levels are “in the ballpark.” 
You don’t have to stare at them (unless you want to). 
If you fi nd that staring at the meters sends you into a 
hypnotic trance, please do not be alarmed. Just cut my 
lawn and polish my car every Tuesday.

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