Mackie Designs' SR40-8 Now Shipping
March 11, 1998
Mackie Designs' large format, center master section mixing console the SR40-8, has finally hit the streets! Equally at home as the prime front of house mixer in any auditorium, church or other large venue, or as a dedicated 10 bus monitor mixer (8 mixes + stereo sidefills), the SR40-8 is an incredible 40x8x3 sound reinforcement mixing console. A built-in 12x4 matrix mixer provides access to any combination of the 8 subgroups, as well as the main Left-Right and Center channels. Each matrix mix has access to the 8 subgroups, and Left, Center and Right main outputs as well as individual external line input.
SR40-8 master controls - including the UltraMute system - are in the center, along with 4 complete, full-length "aux" return strips. This gives more control over aux functions (4-band EQ, pan and trim controls, for example) without sacrificing space on the channel strips. Eight aux send masters can also be found here, complete with mute and solo buttons (with their own LEDs), eight submix buses, aux send/submix fader flip switches, more aux and tape returns, and Mackie's unique "AIR" EQ circuit.
Mono channel strips feature 4-band EQ with sweepable Hi-and Lo-Mids, individual 48v phantom power switches with LEDs, a polarity switch and a Low Cut Filter that's variable from 30 to 800Hz. The console also features 8 aux sends, constant-power panning, a flexible array of assign switches, and Mackie's smooth 100mm log-taper faders. Finally, the legendary Mackie mic preamp has 60 dB of available gain and it accepts mic signals up to +22 dBu without padding. The four stereo aux returns (line level only) each have 4-band EQ, Low Cut Filter (150Hz@18dB/octave), and the same complement of assign switches, faders and level controls.
The SR40-8 features UltraMute, a computerized group muting system that stores and recalls the particular mute group or snapshot status of the console. UltraMute encompasses all mic inputs and stereo inputs Aux 1-4, as well as aux, sub and matrix outputs. In Group mode, inputs can be assigned to a mute group that can be turned on or off at any time. Multiple groups can be muted simultaneously as well. Snapshot mode comes in handy for things like plays, musicals, corporate presentations, etc. Since these events are scripted in advance, Snapshot mode allows you to store a sequence of mute groups which correspond to the scenes, dialog or other cues during an event and recall them in that order. With all the features on Mackie's SR40-8 (and the forthcoming 56-8), you'll be astonished at the price!
Recently a sampling of SR40-8 consoles were sent to Wyle Labs in Norco, CA, and subjected to sine sweep vibration, 15 g shocks, 10 and 40 degree C operating temperatures, and 93 % humidity at 40 degrees C. All "shake and bake" tests were easily passed. The SR40-8 proved to be extremely reliable, even under the most demanding situations and is truly a quality product worthy of the name Mackie.The new, soon to be released, SR56-8 console was also tested under the same conditions and proved to be equally as reliable and durable as the SR40-8.
Mackie Designs is known worldwide as a manufacturer and marketer of high-quality, affordable professional audio systems. Mackie products can be found in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post production facilities, sound reinforcement applications including churches and nightclubs, and on major musical tours. Mackie Designs is marketed by 54 distributors to over 100 countries.
NOTE: "Mackie" and the "Running Man" figure are registered trademarks of Mackie Designs Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. For more information, visit their web site at www.mackie.com. |
