Basic Operation Guide
Music Technology Labs 343/4
Startup Procedures & Proficiency
Before the proficiency, make sure you’ve completed the MTL Media Proficiency Canvas Course.
1. Sign into the log book.
2. Power on the standing rack labelled “main power.”
3. Turn on and log in to the computer.
4. Open YouTube or another sound source and choose a sound to play.
5. Check the output meters on channels 1-2 of the Apollo Audio Interface to make sure that sound is making it out of the computer. Why are there two channels?
6. Use the patch bay to patch Analog Outputs 1-2 of the Apollo to Mackie Line Inputs 1-2.
7. Set up Mackie Mixer Channels 1-2 for playback from computer
a. Set the trim to around unity gain on both channels. adjusting for the level LEDs to be a healthy green and not red.
b. Make sure aux knobs are all full CCW (off)
c. Make sure all EQ knobs are at noon, and and the low cut button is not pressed
d. Pan channel 1 all the way left, and channel 2 all the way right. Why do we do this?
e. Assign both channels to the L/R (main mix) bus.
8. Bring up the volume faders on channel 1 and 2.
9. Bring up the Main Mix (L/R) fader.
10. Set up the Control Room Output Section.
a. Assign Control Room Source to Main Mix.
11. You should now see the meters lighting up in response to the audio from the Main Mix.
12. Bring up the CTL Room / Phones volume knob.
13. Set up the Monicon Monitor Controller.
a. Choose either the “near field” or “far field” monitors on the output selection of the monitor controller.
b. Verify that the input of the monitor controller is set to “Mackie CTL Room out”
c. Verify that neither MUTE nor MONO buttons are pressed.
14. Turn up the monitor controller volume knob until you hear sound.
15. Put it all back nicely for the next lab user…
a. Turn the volume down.
b. Restore Mixer to default settings. All faders down, all buttons up, all knobs at noon or CCW.
c. Unplug any patch bay connections.
d. Log out of the computer
e. Turn the power off!
