Mackie PPM1012 Professional 12-Channel Powered Mixer

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Mackie PPM1012 professional powered mixer. This powerful mixer is designed to meet the needs of most small to medium-sized clubs, meeting rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces. Mackie understands the demands of life on the road, as our consoles have traveled the world in all conditions. We've incorporated everything we've learned into our powered mixers. Reliability is paramount in sound reinforcement, which is why our engineers have subjected our powered consoles to the most rigorous testing to ensure their design goes far beyond that of ordinary consoles or amplifiers.

General Features

• Two built-in power amplifiers (each delivering 800 Watts peak into 4 Ohms).
• Three amplifier modes (Stereo Mains, Mono-Main/Monitor 1, Mon 1/Mon 2).
• 12 channels (8 mono, 2 stereo).
• Mic inputs on 8 channels.
• Line inputs (8 mono, 2 stereo).
• Tape output for recording the main mix.
• Tape input for playing music during breaks.
• Break switch to mute all channels except Tape input.
• Jacks inserts on mono channels.
• Low-cut filter switches on mono channels.
• Instrument switches on channels 7 and 8 for direct guitar connection without a DI box.
• 3-band EQ with variable mid-frequency on mono channels.
• 4-band EQ on stereo channels.
• Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 sends.
• FX 1 and FX 2 sends.
• Stereo line-level main outputs.
• Mono main output with level control and switchable low-cut filter for subwoofer connection.
• Stereo insert on main output for connecting a processor in series with the output.
• 48V phantom power for all microphones.
• Built-in compressors on the first 6 mono channels (inline compressors).
• Two internal 32-bit stereo effects processors, each with 24 Running-Man effects with gain, tap delay, and mute/unmute controls.
• Footswitch jack (mute/unmute).
• 9-band graphic EQs with constant-Q filters on main and monitor outputs.
• 12-segment stereo meters on the main mix.
• Level LEDs on each channel.
• Solo switches on each channel, FX 1 and FX 2 returns, and Mon 1 and Mon 2.
• Mute switches on each channel and FX 1 and FX 2 returns.
• Speakon and 1/4" (6.35 mm) speaker outputs.
• Precision Passive EQ switch to optimize clarity and low-frequency response with Mackie passive speakers.
• Headphone output for solo or main mix monitoring.

Safety Instructions

Please read and follow all safety instructions provided. Key warnings include:

• Do not expose to liquids or moisture.
• Use only a dry cloth for cleaning.
• Do not block ventilation openings.
• Keep away from heat sources.
• Ensure proper grounding of the power plug.
• Avoid damaging the power cord.
• Use only manufacturer-specified accessories.
• Disconnect during thunderstorms or long periods of inactivity.
• Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
• Do not overload outlets or extension cords.
• This is a Class I electronic device and must be connected to a grounded mains socket.
• The power switch is located on the rear panel and must remain accessible.
• The mains plug serves as a total disconnection device and must remain accessible and functional.
• This apparatus complies with Class B digital device standards (FCC Part 15).
• Modifications not approved by LOUD Technologies Inc. may void user authority.
• Exposure to very high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Use hearing protection when necessary.
• Proper disposal: This symbol indicates that the product should not be disposed of with household waste. Follow local regulations for recycling electrical and electronic equipment.

WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

Installation and Setup

Ensure at least 15 cm (6 inches) of space behind the console for ventilation. Install in a clean, dry environment away from dust and dirt.

Initial Settings (Zeroing)

1. Turn all channel and master faders down.
2. Set EQ, graphic EQ, and Pan controls to their center positions.
3. Ensure all switches are released.

Connections

Before making connections, turn the rear panel power switch OFF.

1. Connect the mains power cord to the unit and a grounded outlet.
2. Connect microphones to the XLR inputs, or line-level signals (keyboards, guitar preamps) to the 1/4" (6.35 mm) line inputs.
3. If phantom power is required for microphones, engage the 48V Phantom Power switch.
4. For direct guitar connection to channels 7 or 8, press the Hi-Z switch.
5. Connect passive speakers to the rear Speaker Out connectors. Ensure speaker impedance is at least 4 Ohms per channel. Use appropriate speaker cables (minimum 1 mm diameter).

Setting Levels

Optimal level setting can be done without sound, but for monitoring, connect headphones and turn the Phones level knob clockwise.

1. Turn the mixer ON using the power switch.
2. Press the Solo switch on a channel and input a signal at a normal operating level.
3. Adjust the channel Gain until the Main Mix meter LED indicates a level around 0 dB (the "level set" LED).
4. Release the Solo switch.
5. Repeat for all channels.
6. Monitor the OL (Overload) LEDs; they should only illuminate occasionally. If they stay lit, reduce the gain.
7. Set channel faders to the "U" (unity gain) mark.
8. Slowly raise the Main Mix faders until the signal is heard in headphones or speakers.
9. Apply EQ as needed.
10. Adjust channel faders for the best mix. Keep gain and faders at minimum for unused channels.

Additional Notes

• Connect speaker outputs only to passive speakers.
• For optimal performance, set channel and master faders to unity gain (the "U" mark).
• When using external amplifiers or active speakers, power them on last and power them off first to minimize transient noise.
• Keep the original packaging.

Front Panel Overview

The PPM1012 features a comprehensive front panel with controls for each channel and master section. Key elements include:

• Channel Strips (1-8 Mono, 9/10 Stereo, 11/12 Stereo): Each channel strip includes Gain, Low Cut, Compressor (channels 1-6), EQ (3-band for mono, 4-band for stereo), Aux Sends (Mon 1, Mon 2, FX 1, FX 2), Pan, Mute, and Fader. Channels 7 & 8 also feature a Hi-Z switch for direct instrument input.
• Main Section: Includes Main Equalizer, Monitor 1 Equalizer, EQ Assign switches, Power Amp Limiter LEDs, Main Mix meters, Power Amp Mode selector, FX 1/FX 2 Send Masters, FX 1/FX 2 SIG/OL LEDs, Preset selector, Tap Delay, Internal FX Mute, and Master Faders for FX Returns, Monitors, and Main Mix.
• Rear Panel Connectors: Mains power input, power switch, speaker outputs (Speakon and 1/4"), ventilation grilles.

Diagram Description (Page 1): The front panel of the Mackie PPM1012 mixer is shown, illustrating the layout of 12 input channels, each with controls for Gain, Low Cut, EQ, Sends, Pan, Mute, and Fader. The master section includes main and monitor equalizers, effects processors, and master faders. Various input and output connectors are visible on the rear panel diagram.

Connections

The PPM1012 offers a variety of connection options:

• Microphone Inputs: Balanced XLR inputs with 48V phantom power.
• Line Inputs: 1/4" (6.35 mm) mono and stereo line inputs. Channels 7 & 8 have Hi-Z switches for instrument level signals.
• Inserts: 1/4" (6.35 mm) inserts on mono channels 1-6 for external processors.
• Sends: Mono 1, Mono 2, FX 1, and FX 2 sends are available for routing signals to external effects or monitor mixes.
• Returns: FX 1 and FX 2 stereo returns for integrating external effects.
• Main Outputs: Balanced 1/4" (6.35 mm) and XLR main outputs for connecting to power amplifiers or active speakers.
• Mono Main Output: Provides a mono sum of the main mix, useful for subwoofers or mono systems. Includes a switchable Low-Pass Filter (LPF).
• Headphone Output: 1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo headphone jack for monitoring.
• Speaker Outputs: Speakon and 1/4" (6.35 mm) outputs for connecting passive speakers.
• Tape In/Out: RCA connectors for connecting tape decks or other stereo line-level sources.
• Footswitch: 1/4" (6.35 mm) jack for connecting an external footswitch to control internal effects.
• BNC Lamp Connector: For connecting a gooseneck lamp.

Diagram Description (Page 6 - Piano Bar Setup): Illustrates connecting microphones to channels 1-2, guitars to channels 7-8 (with Hi-Z engaged), a keyboard to channels 9/10, and a portable recorder to the Tape outputs. Mackie SRM450v2 active speakers are connected to Monitor 1 for stage monitors. Passive speakers are connected to the main outputs, and active subwoofers are connected to the Mono Main Out. The LPF switch should be left disengaged if the subwoofers have their own active filter.

Diagram Description (Page 7 - Place of Worship Setup): Shows microphones connected to channels 1-4, a guitar to channel 7 (Hi-Z engaged), an acoustic guitar mic to channel 8, a keyboard to channels 9/10, and a drum machine to channels 11/12. A Mackie SRM150 active speaker is connected to Monitor 2 for stage monitoring. The Power Amp Mode is set to Mains/Monitor 1, sending mono main mix to speaker A and Monitor 1 to speaker B. Passive stage monitors are connected to speaker output B. Passive subwoofers are powered by an amplifier connected to the Main Mix Mono Out, with the LPF engaged and frequency adjusted for the subwoofers.

Diagram Description (Page 8 - DJ System Setup): Depicts wireless microphones connected to channels 1-2, a wireless mic receiver to channel 4, a graphic EQ via channel 4's insert (for feedback suppression). An iPod dock is connected to stereo channel 11/12 via RCA to 1/4" adapters. Two turntables are connected to a Mackie d.2 Pro DJ console, whose output feeds the stereo line inputs of channels 9/10. The PPM1012 amplifies the DJ console's output and controls microphone and iPod signals. Main Mix stereo is sent to passive speakers via speaker outputs, and active Mackie HD1521 speakers and subwoofers are connected to line outputs.

Diagram Description (Page 9 - Band Sound System Setup): Shows microphones connected to channels 1-4, guitars to channels 7-8 (Hi-Z engaged), a line-level effect to channel 7's insert, a keyboard to stereo channels 9/10, and a drum machine to channels 11/12. Compression can be added to vocals via channels 1-4. Power Amp Mode is set to Mains/Monitor 1, sending Monitor 1 mix to output A and Monitor 2 to output B. Active Mackie HD1531 speakers and subwoofers are connected to Main Mix line outputs. Passive C200 stage monitors are connected to speaker output B (Monitor 2 out), and passive C300z stage monitors are connected to speaker output A (Monitor 1 out).

Channel Controls

Each channel strip offers independent control over signal processing:

• Gain: Adjusts input sensitivity for mic and line signals.
• Low Cut: (Channels 1-8) Attenuates frequencies below 100 Hz (18 dB/octave) to reduce low-frequency rumble and stage noise.
• Compressor: (Channels 1-6) Provides adjustable threshold compression for vocals and drums, helping to control dynamic range and prevent distortion.
• Hi-Z Switch: (Channels 7 & 8) Optimizes input impedance for direct guitar connection.
• EQ: 3-band EQ (mono channels) with variable mid-frequency; 4-band EQ (stereo channels) with Baxendall bass/treble and bell mid-EQ.
• Aux Sends (Mon 1, Mon 2, FX 1, FX 2): Control signal levels sent to monitor mixes or external effects processors.
• Pan: Adjusts the stereo image for mono channels or balance for stereo channels.
• Mute: Silences the channel's output to the main mix and aux buses.
• Fader: Adjusts the channel's output level to the main mix.
• Solo: Routes the channel's pre-fader signal to the headphone output for isolated monitoring.
• Channel Meter LEDs: Indicate signal level (-20, 0, +10 dB) and overload (OL).

Master Section

• Main Equalizer: 9-band graphic EQ affecting main outputs and monitor outputs (if assigned).
• Monitor 1 Equalizer: 9-band graphic EQ for the Monitor 1 output.
• Main EQ Assign: Switch to assign the Main EQ to Monitor 2 instead of the main mix.
• Power Amp Limiter LEDs: Indicate when the internal power amplifiers are limiting due to overload.
• Main Mix Meters: Stereo meters showing the level of the main mix after the main fader and EQ.
• Power Amp Mode Selector: Determines the source routed to the internal power amplifiers (Stereo Mains, Mains/Monitor 1, Monitor 1/Monitor 2).
• FX Send Masters: Control the signal level sent to the internal effects processors.
• FX Return Faders: Control the level of processed effects signals added to the main mix and monitor mixes.
• Monitor Faders: Control the level of monitor mixes sent to the monitor outputs.
• Main Fader: Controls the overall level of the main mix sent to the main outputs.
• Effects Processors: Two 32-bit stereo effects processors with 24 presets each.
• Preset Selector & Tap Delay: Selects and activates effects presets. Allows tap tempo input for delay effects.
• Internal FX Mute: Mutes the internal effects processors. Can be overridden by a footswitch.

Appendices

Appendix A: Maintenance Information

Troubleshooting tips are provided for common issues related to channels, outputs, noise, and power. For repairs, Mackie products not covered by warranty are serviced by authorized centers. Locate a service center via www.mackie.com/support.

Appendix B: Connections

Details on XLR, 1/4" (6.35 mm) mono and stereo jacks, and RCA connectors are provided, including pinouts and typical usage.

Appendix C: Technical Specifications

Includes specifications for distortion, frequency response, noise, gain, maximum levels, impedances, EQ curves, power output, effects type, power consumption, dimensions, and weight.

Appendix D: List of Effects Presets

A table lists all 24 internal effects presets with descriptions and suggested applications.

Limited Warranty

Mackie provides a limited warranty on its products, covering defects in parts and workmanship under normal use. The warranty is valid for the original purchaser and requires proof of purchase. For full terms and conditions, visit www.mackie.com/warranty.

Contact Information

Mackie's contact details are provided:

• Address: 16220 Wood-Red Road NE, Woodinville, WA 98072, USA
• USA & Canada: 800.898.3211
• Europe, Asia, Central & South America: 425.487.4333
• Middle East & Africa: 31.20.654.4000
• Fax: 425.487.4337
• Website: www.mackie.com
• Email: sales@mackie.com