Mackie Designs' SR56-8 Large Format Console Now Shipping

July 10, 1998 -- Mackie Designs' large format, center master section mixing console the SR56-8, 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 side-fills), the 56x8x3 is an incredible sound reinforcement mixing console. "Big Brother" to the Mackie SR40-8, the SR56-8 embodies all the best of Mackie's years of development of professional audio mixing applications..

The SR40-8 and SR56-8 both feature the Master controls section-including the UltraMute system-positioned in the center of the console, 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. A ClearCom compatible intercom, talkback, and pink noise oscillator are also included in the Master section.

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 channel strips also feature 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 develops 60 dB of gain and accepts mic signals up to +22 dBu without padding.

Both the SR40-8 and SR56-8 also feature UltraMute, Mackie's 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 is essential for theater applications, musicals, venues of all sizes, and any application where instant recall is required. 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. 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 and individual external line input.

Recently a sampling of SR40-8 and SR56-8 consoles were sent to Wyle Labs in Norco, California 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 consoles proved to be extremely reliable even under the most demanding situations. The SR56-8 is truly a quality product worthy of the name Mackie. Another superb addition to Mackie's ever growing product line of professional audio mixers, power amplifiers, and speakers.

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.