Mackie PPM608 powered mixer

you need a power amplifier between the mixer and the speakers to actually drive the speakers. You would have to choose which amp to use (the manual, found here: http://www.bose.ca/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/stereo_speakers/acoustimass_5/index.jsp#manuals suggests between 10-200 WRMS for power), and thus would have to determine the cabling options depending on the amp you choose, but...go from either the MAIN or CONTROL ROOM outputs of the Mackie mixer into the inputs of the power amp. Then go from the outputs of the power amp to the inputs on the Acoustimass bass module, which also runs the Acoustimass satellite speakers.

There is no such thing as "MAXIMUM" results... Connect the speakers to the MAIN L and R jacks on the face using 1/4 inch TRS (balanced) interconnect cables. DO NOT USE TS unbalanced cables!!! Also an absolute requirement is that the connected active speakers are powered from the SAME receptacle as this mixer. Yes, this means running extension cords, but unless you can tolerate noise due to ground bounce and damage to your equipment respect this requirement... it isn't in the manuals but is well known among professional sound people. Also please read my tip in regard to a hazard for PMP mixers on Fixya tips regarding Channel A when using 1/4 inch adapters from the Speakon outputs.

Balanced audio interconnects (either XLR or TRS cables from the mixer and then balanced audio interconnects from the amp daisy chain inputs to the existing speaker inputs. If the amps do not have linked input jacks, then use TRS type WYE connectors at the inputs. Then use speaker rated cables from the amps to the passive speakers.

You failed to give us the most important information... what brand and model of the mixer? Youwill use balanced interconnect lines to a balanced MAIN output jack, assuming it exists...

Use the main left and right... the CR outputs are INTENDED for running control room monitors.

The best way is to use a two-way crossover between the mixer and the amplifiers. In your case, the low output from teh crossover would go to the powered subs, the highs to the QSC. Use the crossover adjustment to set the frequency crossover point to get the sound quality you require.

Dan

Mackie 1604 ---> Crossover --- Highs ---> QSC --->Speakers
'
-----> Crossover --- Lows ---> Powered Subs.

ok, first thing will be the effects processor. look for the "aux sends" output jacks near the bottom center of the rear panel. run a 1/4 inch instrument cable from "aux send" 3 out into the input on the vocal processor, and run another from aux 4, if the effects processor has 2 inputs. then, from the vocal processors output, run 1/4 inch cables back into the "stereo returns" on the mixer, (located on the rear panel on the bottom, extreme left) 2 outputs per input, since its making stereo effects. so, if you ran just send 3 into the processor, you should have a left and right return instrument cables into the mixer for "stereo return" 3 (left and right). if your processor has 2 imputs, and you are using both "aux send" 3 and 4, then you will have to have a pair of cables going to each "stereo return" for 3 & 4. -to apply effects to a microphone(s), you would adjust the individual aux send levels for each channel you want to have effects, and you would have to ensure that the master aux sends and returns are also turned up..

ok, the snake is simple, each xlr (3 prong mic) connector on the snake is labeled, so, just plug each xlr jack into the corresponding channel on the board, and plug the first 2 1/4 inch ends of the snake into the "C/R out balanced" outputs on the board, located on the rear panel, up and to the left a bit.

at the stage end of the snake, ues a 1/4 inch instrument cable to copnnect the first 2 1/4 inch jacks on the snake to the left and right inputs of the crossover. then, from the crossover, connect the sub power amp to the "low" stereo outputs of the crossover with instrument cables, and connect the main speakers amp to the "high" stereo outputs of the crossover with instrument cables. if its an adjustable corssover, you will want to have it crossed over somewhere about 80-120 hz to allow only the lowest frequencies to the subs.

now, from the amps to the speakers, we ane going to have to use heavier 12-14 gague SPEAKER CABLES, instead of light gague instrument cables. hook the subs up to the stereo speaker outs of the sub amp with speaker cables, and do the same for the main speakers.

Your power amp should be connected to MAIN OUT left and right. NOT the MAIN "in".

The CD is connected correctely as you described. Make sure the CD has a line level output to match the input expected by the mixer.
Note:Walkman style CD players require a special cable to go between 1/8 inch stereo to dual RCA plugs.

You have to advance the MAIN fader.

You should be using TRS interconnect cables from the mixer to your amps OR using XLR cables.

Yes, there are chips in the unit and any COMPETENT tech should be able to repair.

Since both the XLR and the jack are bad, this implies something more.

USUALLY Mackie drives the XLR and the unbalanced jack seperately so the problem would be what drives the unbalanced jack.

CHECK if you have output at the UTILITY left output jack. If you do, the driver chip for the left output main is the problem.

If you don't, the problem may back up farther into the EQ.

A LOT of troubleshooting can be done on these by using the block diagram in your manual showing signal paths.