402-VLZ3 Dilemma

Hi All,
I'm using the Mackie 402-VLZ3 for recording/etc. and I'm getting tired of unplugging my monitors every time I record.
 
You see, the Main Mix has to be turned up in order to get good signal levels into X3, but at the same time, that turns up the monitor gain. The only ways I've found around this are:
1) to unplug the monitors, or
2) walk around back of my monitors and turn _both_ of them down.
 
The first method is a pain because when I'm "in the groove" so to speak, I sometimes mix up the leads and then spend the next few minutes/hours wondering why everything's mirrored in the stereo image.
 
The second method is also a pain because getting the levels on both monitors back to where they were takes several tries and involves walking around back of each monitor several times. That _really_ kills my concentration.
 
There must be some kind of kill switch I could put inline, but knowing nothing about them (or if that's even what they're called) I have no idea what to Google to get me started on tracking something down.
 
Any help would be muchly appreciated. :)
 
 
 

Thanks for the reply, Mike and sorry it took me so long to respond.
They're powered speakers, Event 8XL, biamplified and I have them plugged into the Main Outs on the Mackie (2 x 1/4"). The Mackie is plugged into an EMU 0404 PCI (not the PCIe, the older one) via Tape In/Out (RCAs).
 
For visual reference:

Is that enough, or do you need more?

mike_mccueA passive line level switcher, either unbalanced or balanced as per your specific set up, will work fine. Ironically, even a simple item, such as the Coleman Audio LS3 Line Selector, will probably cost more than your mixer.
It might be cost effective to upgrade your mixer to something that has control over an extra line level output.

 
Yeah, I see your point. The least expensive switcher I can find in Canada is over $200. For $1 less, I could upgrade to the 802VLZ4 which has a separate gain for control room output. Also, I'm guessing that any switcher is going to introduce noise, so to combat that, I'd likely have to throw even more money at it.
 

mike_mccueYou might also try using the headphone out on your 402-VLZ for the monitors and the main outs for the sound card. My guess is that the headphone out is a little noisier than the main outs... but it may work out ok for you. You can try that with some adapters or different cables. Be sure to turn down your the levels on your monitors before hitting play.

Yup. I have things set up that way ATM. Trouble is, turning down the CR out affects the recording level, too. As in: 0 out for CR means no signal at all to Sonar.
 

mike_mccueYou can also build a line level switcher out of simple parts... but it's going to cost about $30 in parts and take some basic soldering time.

I'm not prepared to deal with that yet. Maybe in my next life. :)
 
My conclusion is that I'll just have to save up some money and upgrade to the 802 at some point.
 
Thanks for all the input, Mike. If nothing else, at least now I know what to call those do-hickeys... I mean, audio line selector switches. :)

sock monkeyActually my solution would be a better audio interface. Most interfaces have the monitor volume control on the front panel. Also most have pre amps that would be equal to the Mackies. 

I have been considering this, too. And I suppose it's hard to justify spending $200 on a new board when a new interface would do the job cheaper. Thanks for jumping in with that thought.
 

sock monkeyI'm surprised you don't have a loop back?  If your Audio interface is running into the mixer and your using the main outs to feed the speakers?? 

I've never really dug deep into any of this stuff, so I'm unsure how a loop-back would help. My interface is connected to the tape in/out on the board, the recommended connections according to the board manual when recording. How would the loop-back fit into this?
 

sock monkeyFor a little over $120 a better interface would solve your problem.

What do you think of the FocusRite Scarlet ($159 here in Canada)? Most everything I saw that was cheaper was USB 1.1 which I don't think I want to mess with.

sock monkeyMake sure you don't cheap out and get the one you need. It will last you a lot longer that way.

Yeah, I admit I'm really tight with money which is why I ended up with the smaller Mackie board. :(
 
But, you're right. Perhaps you could convince my wife.

sock monkeyHa ha I use cash I earn from gigs. Just don't put it on the Visa :>

Nice! I haven't played a gig in 31 years. :(

Uhh that's a bad idea, turning powered monitors off and on with the system powered up and volume sends up will possibly send a surge to the monitors damaging them. 
Hopefully the OP got a nice new interface for Christmas. :) 
 

Ya , actually some speakers have a soft on / off feature that stops this, But my system really thumps at me if I forget to turn the monitor volume down to off on my interface before shutting down or firing up. I'm an idiot however and one out of ten times I forget...
I have a Furman line conditioner with a master switch that is the last and first thing that I do on power down and up. I soon "hear" that I forgot to initiate " plan A" when I fire it up in the morning and my beloved , irreplaceable, Yamaha NS10M's thump at me... Ouch!  #^&%$$# Idiot!
That's the same day I'll trip on a patch cord and send my also beloved, irreplaceable G&L ASTAT flying towards my drum kit! 
 

 
Would something like the Nano Patch+ be suitable ?  60$  Or make your own.
 

 

I think the best way is have a nice size mixer that has a switch for the main outs. but what fun would that be! I just love that WowGeeerGaaalW blast that hit my ears when powering down is awesome!
 
:)