Valerie: Initial draft

2024-10-06T22:31:17Z

Initial draft

New page

The following equipment is hosted by a member to provide Asmbly with professional audio equipment for various AV needs. This page outlines the gear on hand and how to properly use it.

== Inventory List ==

* Mackie PA speakers (2)
* Speaker stands (2)
* Mackie mixer
* Wired mic (2)
* Mic stand (2)
* Cables & Adapters
** Power cords (3)
*** 1 for mixer
*** 2 for speakers
** XLR cables (7)
** 1/4" TS cable (mono)
** 1/4" TS cable - stereo pair
** RCA cable
** 1/8" to 1/4" adapter

== Mackie PA Speakers ==

Important info:

* Speakers go on last and off first!
* Turn on only with sound all the way down
* They have built in power amplifier (i.e. no need for separate amplifier)
* You want contour button out (or off) bc no contour
* Low cut on (cuts out low frequency)
* Start volume at 12:00 (North) - set both the same, and adjust from there (preferable to adjust via mixer for fine tuning)
* Carry PAs using the handles with the back away from you as shown. The heat sink grill is metal and can scratch you/your clothes (it can also be warm).
* Woofer is bottom speaker, tweeter is top
* If you’re moving the speaker after wires are in, hold wires while doing it - be careful not to break attachment!

=== Speaker Stands ===
These are typical tripods — unscrew to expand.

Important setup info:

* You want tweeter to be above people’s heads (top, concave area with treble sounds)
* Determining feet position — trade off steadiness vs trip hazard with the speaker stands in terms of how far the legs go out.
* When extending the central pole, you must use the attached pin to set height + stabilize in addition to screw knob. Be careful not to pull pole all the way out when extending.

== Mackie Mixer ==

* Switches should be off before plugging anything in
* Phantom power should NEVER be on
* Start with trim down
* 4 Channel Mixer (outputs are 3+4)
* Not powered mixer (no amplifiers)
* Vertical lines are channels, horizontally, those are all the buttons you use for tasks.
** Mono Section (Channels 1-6) used for microphone stuff
*** Image:
** Stereo Section (Channels 7-14)
*** Image:
** Master (controls the whole board, working with other channels that are engaged)
*** The only thing you’ll touch in this section is the
*** Image:

* Sound knobs
** “U” means unity - not gaining or cutting, just passing through
** EQ knobs need to be facing north - “u” pointed at 12 o’clock
** Mute button: pressed in means enabled, and pushed out means not
*** Mixer stored with everything muted, but manually unmute channel 1 (or whatever channel you’re using)
** Adjust master volume last
*** This is also your first thing to cut when a loud/bad noise is happening!
** Mic Volume:
*** Put in solo mode
*** Look at lights in master section next blinking red “rude solo” light
*** Aim for green lights reaching middle line

== Microphones ==

1 mic stand

* Lefty loosey, righty tighty
* Use counterweight to balance so mic doesn’t fall over

== Troubleshooting ==

=== No Sound ===
Sound volume is controlled in many places. If you aren’t getting sound, check these places:

* PA speakers — power and volume
* Mic on/off switch
* Mixer
** Power — "Power" switch only; never turn on "phantom" power switch
** Main mix faders
** Individual channel fader
** Individual channel trim knob (1-6)/button (7-14)
** Individual channel mute button
** Solo button pressed on a channel (“rude solo light” will be blinking red in the master section)

Audio Equipment Guide - Revision history

Valerie: Initial draft