Mackie Musical Instrument RTA 31 User Manual

U S E R ’ S G U I D E  
RTA-31  
Plug-in for Mackie Digital Mixers  
®
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Contents  
Iconography ----------------------------------------------------- 2  
Introduction ---------------------------------------- 5  
About Acuma Labs ---------------------------------------------- 5  
About the D8B UFX Card --------------------------------------6  
About the RTA-31 ------------------------------------------------6  
Let’s Get Started -----------------------------------7  
Requirements ----------------------------------------------------7  
Authorizing the Plug-In----------------------------------------7  
Unlock Procedure ---------------------------------------------- 8  
Configuring the Plug-In----------------------------------------9  
Using the RTA-31 ---------------------------------- 11  
Front Panel (Overview) --------------------------------------- 11  
EQ Panel --------------------------------------------------------- 11  
31 Bands of Graphic EQ --------------------------------------- 11  
Mouse Control -------------------------------------------------12  
Input/Output -------------------------------------12  
The Main Control Bar ---------------------------- 13  
EQ ----------------------------------------------------------------- 13  
Analyze ---------------------------------------------------------- 13  
Morph ------------------------------------------------------------ 13  
Morph Rate ----------------------------------------------------- 13  
Menu ------------------------------------------------------------- 13  
Memory A/Memory B ---------------------------------------- 13  
Enable ------------------------------------------------------------14  
Preset Toggle Buttons-----------------------------------------14  
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Preset Title Window ------------------------------------------14  
Input Select ----------------------------------------------------14  
The Close button ----------------------------------------------14  
The Analyzer Panel -------------------------------15  
The Analyzer Window ---------------------------------------- 15  
The dB Range Magnifier -------------------------------------- 15  
The dB Reference Window----------------------------------- 15  
Graph Type ------------------------------------------------------ 15  
Graph Speed Select------------------------------------------- 16  
To EQ (Live Application/Pre EQ Only) ------------------ 16  
Pre EQ ----------------------------------------------------------- 16  
Post EQ ---------------------------------------------------------- 16  
Freeze ----------------------------------------------------------- 16  
The Reduced Screen Control Bar --------------17  
The Reduced Screen Control Bar ---------------------------17  
Input/Output Meters (Reduced Screen) -----------------17  
31-Band Graphic EQ (Reduced Screen)---------------------17  
EQ -----------------------------------------------------------------17  
Analyze ----------------------------------------------------------17  
Saving, Loading and Resetting a Preset ------------------ 18  
Automation and Snapshot Control -----------21  
Dynamic Real Time --------------------------------------------21  
Dynamic Off-Line ----------------------------------------------21  
FX Routing ---------------------------------------- 22  
Factory Presets----------------------------------- 27  
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Introduction  
Thank you for purchasing the RTA-31, the ultimate in  
equalization and frequency analysis from Acuma Labs. It is one  
of the exciting new family of 24-bit plug-ins for the D8B,  
specifically designed for the new Mackie Universal Effects (UFX)  
card.  
The RTA-31 is a highly creative tool that enables you to produce  
great mixes quickly and easily. The first time that you use the  
visual and easy-to-use graphic user interface (GUI), you will  
quickly understand the power of this package. After using the  
functions that let you draw EQ curves, you will soon realize that  
the RTA-31 is destined to become an integral part of the way you  
produce sessions from now on.  
About Acuma Labs  
Acuma Labs develops real-time embedded systems for  
professional audio applications to create high-quality products  
for the music and pro-audio industries. Acuma specializes in  
digital audio effects using DSP, real-time operating systems,  
graphical user interfaces, and digital hardware design.  
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About the D8B UFX Card  
The Mackie UFX card provides robust processing power for  
computation-heavy plug-ins. The UFX card is a 4-in/4-out  
architecture, which means it can support four mono, two mono  
and one stereo, or two stereo sends simultaneously. Up to four  
UFX cards can be installed in the D8B, allowing up to sixteen  
simultaneous single-channel effects, eight stereo plug-ins, or  
combinations thereof.  
Note: It is recommended that you increase the D8B’s memory if you install  
more than one UFX card. Memory upgrade instructions are supplied with each  
card.  
About the RTA-31  
Acuma Labs' RTA-31 is a dedicated software plug-in for the  
Mackie Digital 8•Bus that utilizes 24-bit digital processing  
power to view and modify the frequency response from any given  
signal within the D8B. An invaluable tool for live sound and  
studio applications, the RTA-31 lets you create great sounding  
mixes quickly and easily. View frequency response using the on-  
board spectrum analyzer to quickly identify the peaks and  
valleys of your signal. Modify frequency response using the To  
EQ function, which automatically compensates for the highs and  
lows of your signal. A unique feature called Sweep Draw lets you  
quickly paint any EQ curve using your mouse like an on-screen  
paint brush. Save your edits and settings as presets or create  
comparative editing references by toggling (morphing) between  
the Memory A and B settings. The Spectrum Analyzer has a  
selectable dB reference level (0dB to –60dB) that enables you to  
zoom in on a specific signal range. Five different graph types  
(bar, peak hold, peak difference, point, and peak bar) are  
available for various display options. As with all Mackie plug-  
ins, 31-Band Graphic EQ+ Analyzer can be routed via channel  
insert, auxiliary sends, or inserted on the main Left and Right  
Masters.  
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Let’s Get Started  
Requirements  
• One or more Mackie UFX cards  
• Mackie Real Time OS 3.0 Software  
• Plug-in Software  
We will assume you have successfully installed a Mackie UFX  
card and Mackie Real Time OS 3.0 software upgrade. If you have  
encountered problems with the installation of hardware or  
software, please see their associated user guides or contact  
Mackie support (www.mackie.com).  
Authorizing the Plug-In  
If you have Digital 8•Bus version 3.0, build 186 or higher, the  
RTA-31 may already have been installed on the Digital 8•Bus  
download the Digital 8•Bus Plug-in Demo Kit for Macintosh or  
Windows. When the demo kit has been installed, the D8Bs  
Setup Screen Licensing window displays a “locked” icon for  
GraphicEQ. You must enter an authorized unlock code to unlock  
the plug-in for normal operation.  
An Unlocked  
Plug-In  
AUTHORIZE  
LICENSING  
D8B Electronic Serial Number (ESN)  
D8B SETUP screen’s  
LICENSING window  
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Unlock Procedure  
1. Locate your D8Bs Electronic Serial Number (ESN). This  
is displayed at the bottom of the Licensing window,  
which is accessed from the Setup screen. The 12-digit  
ESN is made from numbers 0–9 and letters A–F. It is  
unique to the D8B processor, and is not the same as the  
serial number on the rear of the control surface or CPU  
chassis.  
2. You will also need your plug-ins serial number, which  
is printed on the floppy disk label. If you download the  
plug-in, you won’t have a serial number unless you  
purchase it (and obtain the floppy disk).  
3. To obtain the unlock code, have the ESN and plug-in  
serial number ready. Then you have two options:  
• Log on to the Mackie plug-in authorization web page:  
(http://www.mackie.com/d8bauthorize.htm)  
or  
• Telephone Mackie Tech Support at 800-258-6883.  
4. When you have obtained an unlock code, open the D8B  
Setup window, and click Licensing.  
5. With your plug-in highlighted in the Licensing window,  
click Authorize, and enter your unlock code in the  
UNLOCK CODE box. Click Enter, and enjoy your newly  
expanded console.  
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Configuring the Plug-In  
After installing your UFX card, unlocking the plug-in, and  
booting up the D8B, all you need to do is assign the RTA-31 to a  
UFX card slot.  
Assigning the Acuma RTA-31 to a UFX Card  
1. Click the Plugins menu and select  
Plugins, or use the keyboard  
shortcut Ctrl+P.  
2. In the Plugin Configuration menu, locate the card slot  
that contains the UFX card to which you want to  
assign the RTA-31.  
3. In the MODE column, click the MONO/STEREO toggle  
button and select MONO.  
4. In the PLUGIN column, select Graphic EQ.  
It should look something like this:  
Note: A Plug-in can also be loaded from the Setup section on the console.  
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Assigning an Input Source  
In the INPUT column of the Plugin Configuration screen, select an  
input source for the RTA-31. This can be an auxiliary send, a Pre-  
or Post-DSP channel insert, or the main left or right mix. In this  
example, we’ve chosen the Pre-DSP insert point for Channel 1.  
Deactivating the RTA-31  
If you wish to deactivate  
the plug-in from a UFX  
card slot, select none  
from the PLUGIN  
columns pull-down menu.  
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Using the RTA-31  
Front Panel (Overview)  
You can think of the RTA-31 as being comprised of two separate  
panels: the EQ Panel and the Analyzer Panel. There is also a  
reduced view (Shrunk Screen) that collapses the plug-in window  
into the minimized control strip.  
EQ Panel  
The 31-Band Graphic EQ section of the GUI (graphic user  
interface) is a fully functional 1/3-octave frequency EQ  
controlled by a series of linear sliders. These sliders may  
attenuate only (band cut) or, more typically, attenuate and boost  
(band cut/boost) the frequency response curve of a given signal.  
This can help to reduce resonating peaks and dips associated  
with live sound systems and acoustic environments. It does so  
by eliminating feedback and other unwanted noise as well as  
shaping the frequency response of your mix.  
31 Bands of Graphic EQ  
The thirty-one bands of EQ range from 20Hz to 20kHz. Each  
band allows for –12 dB to +12 dB of level. All of the linear  
sliders can be adjusted up or down independently. The  
adjustment of the sliders can have a dramatic or subtle effect on  
the EQ depending on the amount of boost/cut applied.  
There are four adjustment modes for the EQ sliders (Sweep,  
Single Set, Sweep Default, and Sweep Copy). These modes  
adjust one or more of the bands at a time. Sweep is the feature  
that lets you adjust more than one band at a time using your  
mouse in conjunction with selected key commands.  
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Mouse Control  
Use your mouse to perform various editing EQ functions:  
Single Set: Click the left mouse button to adjust  
individual bands and sweep across the GUI to quickly  
paint a new EQ curve.  
Sweep Default: Press Ctrl and click the left mouse button  
(Ctrl + left click) to set the default (0 dB) on individual  
EQ bands as you sweep across the bands. When using  
Sweep Default, you must press the Ctrl key before the  
mouse click and keep it down when you click the mouse.  
Sweep Copy: Click the right mouse button to copy a  
selected value to all other bands with one sweeping  
motion.  
Input/Output  
The input and output meters, located at the far-left side of  
the GUI, represent the incoming signal and the output (post-  
effect) signal. The “In” signal meter is determined by the  
amount of aux send or insert level sent from the D8B. The  
“Out” meter level from the RTA-31 is controlled with the  
Level slider found on the far-right side of the GUI. You will  
notice the Output level may need to be adjusted using the  
Level slider to compensate for changes made in band  
frequency levels in the graphic EQ.  
The Level slider, found on the far-right side of the GUI,  
controls the output level of RTA-31. It represents the pre-  
effect gain level to let you create headroom when boosting  
the signal. This value ranges from –12 dB to +12 dB.  
Remember: Changes in EQ settings will have an effect on the  
output and can cause clipping in the EQ. You will notice that  
the Output level may need to be adjusted from time to time  
using the Level slider to compensate for changes made in the  
graphic EQ settings.  
Note: Use Ctrl + click to set the level to 0 dB.  
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Preset Toggle  
Input Select  
Close Button  
Preset Title  
The Main Control Bar  
Memory B  
Menu  
Analyze  
Morph Rate  
EQ  
Morph  
Memory A  
Enable  
EQ  
The EQ selection button toggles the graphic EQ in and out of  
view via the mouse. Clicking the EQ button when the analyzer is  
not activated shrinks the EQ GUI to a condensed yet functional  
screen that can access and modify EQ curve settings, change  
between Mem A and B, and access the Menu functions.  
Analyze  
The Analyze select button activates the analyzer drop panel,  
which is not visible when the plug-in is first activated. Clicking  
the EQ button off when the full screen is active brings up the  
Analyzer panel only. Clicking the Analyze button brings up the  
Analyzer panel. (More on this in the next section.)  
Morph  
The Morph button activates a morph sequence that gradually  
changes an EQ curve from the Mem A setting to the Mem B  
setting, or vice versa.  
Morph Rate  
The Morph rate is measured in milliseconds and varies from 0 to  
4000ms (four seconds). You can adjust the rate using the mouse  
cursor to drag the values up or down. This timing setting  
determines how long the Morph sequence takes to change between  
Mem A and Mem B.  
Menu  
Pressing the Menu button opens a pull-down menu that performs  
familiar functions such as load, save as, cut, copy, and paste.  
Memory A/Memory B  
The Mem A and Mem B buttons temporarily store EQ settings to  
allow comparative referencing. You can also copy and paste  
settings from one memory location to another.  
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Enable  
This button simply enables or disables the RTA-31 for a wet/dry  
comparison.  
Preset Toggle Buttons  
The up/down arrows, located just to the left of the Preset  
window, enable you to scroll up or down through either the  
Factory or User Presets.  
Tip: As there is no delay in loading presets, you might try  
building performances by stacking user presets and  
toggling between them using the up/down arrows located  
at the right-hand side of the Preset window. For example,  
you can quickly switch from a mix EQ to Low Fi and  
back for an effect, recording the preset switch into  
automation. Remember to name your presets with similar  
names as the list is organized alphabetically.  
Preset Title Window  
The Preset Title window, located at the top of the control bar,  
displays the currently selected preset that corresponds to the  
visible EQ or Analyzer curve. Click on the window to open a  
pull-down menu that selects specific Factory or User presets.  
Note: It is possible to save presets to the User Preset folder (which is the de-  
fault folder) or a folder of your own making. The user presets then point to the  
last folder you’ve saved or recalled presets from.  
Input Select  
The Input Select is located directly to the right of the Preset  
Title window. Use your mouse to select from pre/post insert,  
auxiliary, or master insert inputs.  
The Close button  
The X button in the top-right corner hides the GUI, although it is  
still active, until it is disabled or recalled in the Plugins window  
of the D8B.  
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The Analyzer Panel  
dB Range Magnifier  
dB Reference Window  
Graph Type  
Graph Speed Select  
To EQ  
Post EQ  
Pre EQ  
Freeze  
The Analyzer Window  
The analyzer window is represented by thirty-one bar graphs  
that correspond to the same thirty-one sliders of the graphic EQ  
section. The Analyzer displays a frequency spectrum from 20Hz  
to 20kHz with a range that runs from –40 dBr to +20 dBr or –24  
dBr to +12 dBr. The reference point is 0 dBfs in the D8B.  
The dB Range Magnifier  
The dB Range Magnifier, represented by the magnifying glass  
icon/dB symbol button, switches the analyzer viewing range  
between –40 dBr to +20 dBr (a 60 dB range) and –24 dBr to  
+20 dBr (a 44 dB range) for fine-tuning.  
The dB Reference Window  
The dB reference window, found just to the right of the Range  
Magnifier, is used to select a dB reference point relative to  
0 dBfs found in the D8B. Adjusting the reference point will  
change the relationship of the graph display relative to 0 dBr,  
giving you specific analysis information pertaining to your  
signal. The reference select range is from 0 dB to –60 dB. Adjust  
the dB Reference value to raise or lower the entire display (for  
instance, to boost the whole spectrum up to determine the  
lowest level frequencies).  
Graph Type  
The Graph Type window enables the selection of different graph  
types (Bar, Peak Hold, Point, Peak Diff., and Peak Bar) to suit  
your analyzer view preference.  
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Graph Speed Select  
Graph speed select refers to the response speed of the Analyzer  
meters. It controls the peak and hold times as well as the decay  
rate of the meters. This is very useful when you are trying to  
identify quick transients and is probably most noticeable when  
you have selected either Peak Hold, Point, or Peak Difference.  
To EQ (Live Application/Pre EQ Only)  
The To EQ feature is designed to optimize your live sound by  
finding high and low spots in the room and then applying an  
automatic flattening curve to the signal. Additional tools needed  
to use this feature are a pink noise generator and a reference  
microphone setup in the room that is to be analyzed. As you  
generate pink noise through your house speakers, return the  
signal to the D8B via the reference microphone, selecting your  
reference point as you route signal through the RTA-31 (Pre-  
EQ). Pressing the To EQ button will take a snap shot of the  
analyzers current state and then send those settings to the EQ  
section, which will automatically compensate (flatten) the curve  
based on the input signal.  
Note: You only have approximately four seconds to Undo the To EQ button  
before it is saved as the current Graphic EQ state.  
Pre EQ  
The Pre EQ button selects the analysis point (on the analysis  
graph) to occur prior to the EQ section.  
Post EQ  
The Post EQ button selects the analysis point (on the analysis  
graph) to occur after the EQ section.  
Freeze  
Freeze will freeze the Analyzer at the same instant that the  
button is pressed. The freeze frame can also be copied to the  
Graphic Equalizer by selecting the To EQ button.  
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The Reduced Screen Control Bar  
Analyze  
31-Band Graphic EQ  
Input/Output Meters  
EQ  
The Reduced Screen Control Bar  
The control bar is a convenient way of viewing your signal  
without taking up valuable real estate on the D8B screen. With  
the Analyzer button off, simply click the mouse pointer on the  
EQ button to switch from the full screen GUI to the reduced  
version.  
Note: The analyzer must be closed to access the smaller screen. The reduced  
screen is intended for EQ control only. The full GUI is required to access the  
spectrum analyzer. The features found in the minimized control bar are exactly  
the same as the ones found on the larger EQ screen. You can quickly view and  
adjust your EQ settings or select different modes from this handy reduced  
panel.  
Input/Output Meters (Reduced Screen)  
The horizontal input and output meters represent the incoming  
signal and the output (post-effect) signal. The functions work  
exactly the same as they do in the larger GUI.  
31-Band Graphic EQ (Reduced Screen)  
A reduced version of the 31-Band graph is represented by a  
series of blue and yellow bars located directly to the right of  
the input and output meters. The graph curve can be adjusted  
with the same mouse commands used in the full screen (see  
page 12).  
EQ  
Pressing the EQ button on the reduced screen will show or hide  
the full EQ panel.  
Analyze  
Pressing the Analyzer button while in reduced mode will show  
or hide the full Analyzer.  
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Saving, Loading and Resetting a Preset  
RTA-31 settings can be saved and  
recalled from the hard drive. You can  
save and load files to either Memory A or  
Memory B.  
To Save a Preset:  
1. Click and hold the MENU button.  
2. Select Save User Preset to  
overwrite the file currently opened.  
3. Select Save User Preset As to save  
to a new file name. The Save Preset  
File As dialog box appears.  
4. A default name for the preset is  
automatically displayed, such as  
Preset#1. If you want to rename it,  
simply type the name you want, using up to 20  
characters.  
A new subfolder can  
be easily created to  
help organize custom  
patches.  
5. Select INTERNAL (default hard drive) or FLOPPY.  
6. Click Save to complete the operation.  
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To Load a Preset:  
1. Click MEM A or MEM B to  
choose the memory location  
from which to load the file.  
2. Click and hold the MENU button.  
3. Select Load Graphic EQ to open a  
file. The Load Preset File dialog  
box appears.  
4. Click INTERNAL if the file is on the internal drive, or  
click FLOPPY if the file is on a floppy disk.  
5. Select the preset you want to load.  
6. Click Open to load the selected preset.  
Click in the Preset Display to load  
from the pull-down menu or scroll  
through presets using the Up/Down  
buttons alternatively.  
a floppy disk and loaded onto the D8B.  
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To Reset The Preset:  
Reset will reload the previous patch.  
1. Click and hold the MENU  
button.  
2. Select Reset Graphic EQ.  
To Cut Preset Settings:  
1. Click and hold the MENU  
button.  
2. Select Cut Graphic EQ.  
The current settings are temporarily  
stored in the clipboard memory in case you want to paste them  
to a new preset. The plug-in also reverts to its default state (it is  
reset).  
To Copy Preset Settings:  
1. Click and hold the MENU button.  
2. Select Copy.  
The current settings are temporarily stored in the clipboard  
memory in case you want to paste them to a new patch.  
To Paste Preset Settings:  
1. Click and hold the MENU button.  
2. Select Paste Graphic EQ.  
The current settings are replaced with the settings in the  
clipboard memory.  
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Automation and Snapshot Control  
Dynamic Real Time  
On The Console  
To Write Automation on a Loaded Plug-In:  
1. Engage AUTO TOUCH.  
2. Engage ALL, disengage  
BYPASS, and send  
timecode to the console –  
the POSITION readout changes to show time code is  
being received.  
3. Move a parameter or recall a patch (user or factory  
preset).  
Subsequent edits to any recorded automation moves may be  
performed in the Mix Editor. Enable the channel view by clicking  
the Channel View button, then choose the plug-in you wish to  
view from the page pull-down  
menu. This displays a list of  
available channel and plug-in  
automation tracks on a  
parameter basis.  
Note: Parameters can be controlled from either the GUI plug-in graphic param-  
eters (using a mouse to modify the parameters) or via the VFD V-Pots and  
SELECT buttons (with the plug-in parameters called up on the VFD readout).  
Dynamic Off-Line  
To Write a Snapshot on a Loaded Plug-In:  
Use the Event Automation Track, available under the  
Window Menu as ‘Event Track’, to load plug-in user  
(previously stored) or factory preset patches at a  
specific time during automation playback.  
General Note:  
Plug-in settings are recalled as part of a console Snapshot, but may also be re-  
called as Presets (patches). If you are recalling snapshots and presets, be aware  
that one may override the other.  
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FX Routing  
The Plugin Configuration Window  
Input Source As-  
signment Column  
Plug-in Assign-  
ment Column  
Card Slot Column  
Close Window  
Plug-in  
display toggle  
Stereo/Mono  
Mode Column  
Input Channel  
Assignment Pull-  
Stereo/Mono  
Toggle Button  
down Menu Button  
Card A  
Card B  
Card C  
Card D  
Select RTA31 from the Plugin configuration window in one of  
two ways. You may go to the Plugin pull-down menu at the top of  
the Digital 8•Bus software or press the associated hot key to  
bring it back into view. You may also select RTA31 from the  
Plugin Bar at the bottom of the Digital 8•Bus software to bring  
it back into view.  
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Inserting a Plug-in into a Channel  
A pre- or post-DSP channel insert can also be used as the input  
source for a plug-in. When a channel insert point is selected, the  
plug-in output returns to the channel. The FX return path is  
disconnected, although the plug-in output is still displayed on  
the FX return channel meter.  
A plug-in channel insert assignment can be made from the  
Plugin Configuration window, or from a pull-down menu from the  
mixer screen, or from the RTA-31 front panel.  
Plugin Configuration Window  
Post-DSP Pull-down  
Pre-DSP Pull-down  
This assignment can also be made from the control surface and  
VFD by holding in the desired channels SELECT button for two  
seconds, then paging over to Plug Pre or Plug Post, selecting  
the input source, then selecting the desired plug-in slot from the  
guided menu.  
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Using an Aux Send with a Plug-In  
Click on the associated INPUT menu button and select  
an Aux input source. In the example below, we have  
chosen the Aux 5 Bus.  
Send the Input Signal to the Aux Bus  
1. Send a signal to a D8B mixer input channel (MIC/LINE  
or TAPE IN).  
2. Assign the input channel V-Pot/GUI  
Control Pot to an aux send. We have  
chosen AUX 5 according to the example  
above.  
3. Use the AUX 5 control to  
adjust the input level to the  
plug-in.  
GUI Control  
Pot Assigned  
to AUX 5  
Remember to select an aux send before using the V-pot or GUI  
Control Pot on the mixer input channel (MIC/LINE or TAPE IN).  
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You will see the plug-in’s input meter become active as you raise  
the mixer input channels aux send.  
Set the plug-in input/output signal levels as you would with any  
effect, so the meter reaches its upper-most range every so often  
(always trust your ears first). This can be accomplished from the  
console or GUI.  
Pre-Fader and Post-Fader Auxiliary Sends  
Normally, effects sends are post-fader, so the signal sent to the  
effect follows the program level in the mix. Occasionally you  
may wish to feed an effect from a pre-fader source so that the  
signal level from the aux control is independent of the channel  
fader position. Aux sends are selectable pre- or post-fader  
globally (all Aux 1s for instance) from the Mix Options screen in  
the Setup window, or individually on a channel-by-channel basis  
either from the channel strip or the Fat Channel.  
In the channel strip, Alt-click the Aux Send level  
indicator to toggle between pre-and post-fader operation.  
Post-fader is indicated by a red bar, pre-fader is indicated  
by a yellow bar.  
In the Fat Channel,  
clicking on the small  
indicators below the Aux  
knobs toggles between  
pre- and post-fader  
operation. Yellow  
indicates pre-fader,  
otherwise the Aux is  
post-fader.  
Channel Strip  
Fat Channel  
25  
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The FX Return Channel  
Switch the D8B Bank Select to  
EFFECTS (49-72) and bring up  
faders one and two (channels 49 and  
50). You will also see meter activity  
associated with these channels.  
FX Channels 1&2  
(channels 49&50)  
Mono plug-in  
The Plug button  
toggles between  
Windows menu  
buttons and FX  
buttons (lower  
left on the D8B  
mixer screen).  
Plug-ins button opens the Patch  
Configuration window (or Ctrl-  
P on the keyboard)  
Here the Graphic EQ + Analyzer  
plug-in is selected for display.  
26  
Acuma RTA-31  
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Factory Presets  
The following table is a simple guideline to help you understand  
the factory presets, and which type of source file was applied to the  
individual presets. But don't be afraid to run anything through the  
plug-in preset and customize the parameters to your specific needs,  
and save it as a user preset. So get creative and have fun! Please  
examples and free presets.  
Analyzer  
Preset Name  
Function  
Comments  
Analyze Fast  
Sets Analyzer bar graphs to  
respond quickly.  
Good for general noise  
monitoring.  
Analyze feedback  
Sets Analyzer to identify peaks  
where potential feedback is likely to peak at the point of  
Adjust your reference dB  
to occur.  
feedback. Adjust the EQ  
band that corresponds to  
the peak (light blue).  
Analyze Medium  
Analyze Mix 1  
Analyze Mix 2  
Analyze Mix Rain  
Analyze Slow  
Sets Analyzer bar graphs to medium Good for general noise  
response speed.  
Check your mix.  
monitoring.  
A good overall analyzer  
for full mix.  
Check your mix.  
A good overall analyzer  
for full mix.  
Sets Analyzer bar graphs to show Impress your clients with  
Peak Difference.  
Sets Analyzer bar graphs to slow  
response.  
cool graphics!  
Use to check out live  
sound with Pink Noise.  
Find resonant peaks using  
test tones or tone sweeps.  
Analyze Tone  
Sine Wave or Tone test setup.  
Graphic EQ  
Preset Name  
Function  
Comments  
EQ 60Hz Removal  
Removes the 60Hz band associated This is the spot.  
with noisy track or power hum.  
EQ Air  
EQ Bass Boost  
EQ Big Bottom  
5k to 20k boost  
Slight boost from 20Hz to 160Hz. Beef up the bottom.  
20Hz to 80Hz full boost (+12dB).  
100Hz to 20K are at –12dB.  
Good drum kit EQ.  
Slight boost of bottom and top end. Give me more.  
Boost from 400Hz to 2.5K.  
Boost from 2.5K to 20K.  
Brighten your mix.  
Over the top bottom end.  
This works great.  
EQ Drum Kit  
EQ High + Low  
EQ Lo Fi  
Boom Box.  
Brighten it up.  
EQ Top End  
27  
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®
©2001 Mackie Designs Inc. and Acuma Labs. All Rights Reserved.  
Part No. 820-257-00 Rev. A1 07/2001  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

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