
The Rane MLM 65 Mic/Line Mixer is designed for easy manual mixing of up to 6 mic/line inputs and playback of one of several stereo audio sources, including modern USB audio and old school vinyl. The MLM 65 features and topology are simple for non-technical operators, and it's dedicated USB Charge port supports the kids' MP3 players.
The MLM 65 provides 6 manually mixed mic/line XLR inputs each with a front panel Pan and Fader Level control, plus a window slot atop each input for installer-created labels. These inputs also have independent rear panel screw-driver Gain trims, Overload indicators, 12 volt Phantom Power and Mic/Line switches.
One of six stereo Aux inputs is selectable on the front panel with a Level fader for the selected source being mixed. A single large window slot for installer-created Aux source labels makes operation simple for newbies. The stereo Aux inputs include five consumer RCA inputs each with screw-driver input gain trim. The Aux 1 input provides an additional 3.5 mm stereo TRS jack and an adjacent dedicated USB Charge port for an iPod or other USB-powered audio device.
For audio sources requiring diamond needles drug through the spiral-grooved black lacquer discs of yore, the Aux 4 input's phono/line switch satisfies those addicted to the warm even-order harmonic distortion of phono cartridges. A large phono ground post is nearby for added sheen.
The sixth Aux input enters via the USB Audio port. The MLM 65 registers as a standard USB audio device with either Windows® or Apple® operating systems, and both incoming and outgoing audio is stereo 16-bit, 48 kHz PCM. This accommodates pristine, far-beyond-CD-quality playback of audio from dozens of instantly compatible laptop software programs.
The front panel Headphone outputs on 1/4" and 3.5 mm jacks have a dedicated meter with peak hold, rotary Level control and are fed audio from the selected/illuminated Cue button. Stereo headphone cueing of any mic, the selected Aux input or the Main mix is supported.
The Main Level fader and meter with peak hold on the front affects only the Main stereo XLR Outputs which sport a Mono switch. The stereo Record RCA outputs with screw-driver adjustable attenuator provide a local analog output for recording to MP3 players or nearby camcorders.
Simultaneous digital audio recording of the manual mix to S/PDIF, TOSLINK and/or USB audio provides a formidable mixing ally in today's audio world. The three digital audio outputs of the mix are 24-bit / 48 kHz S/PDIF and TOSLINK, and 16-bit / 48 kHz USB audio. The same laptop can simultaneously playback and record via USB.
The MLM 65 contains an internal universal power supply (100-240 VAC). The unit is CSA certified.

Mics, computer, MP3 player, keyboards, even a turntable, it accepts them all. Applications can include hotels, churches, conference rooms, schools and rental sound systems.
The MLM 65 includes a USB audio interface providing simultaneous stereo playback and recording (16-bit, 48 kHz). The MLM 65 uses the drivers that ship with Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Once the operating system recognizes the MLM 65, the blue LED on the MLM 65 rear-panel illuminates.
The USB Input is available as one of the switchable sources for the AUX Input.
The USB audio record output is from the Main Mix, before the Main Level control. This lets you adjust the room speakers with Main Level control without affecting the recording.
MACINTOSH SETUP
When OSX detects the MLM 65, it adds it to the list of audio input and output devices, but does not automatically set it as the default device. Some Macintosh applications allow you to select the device you want to use. Other applications only use the device specified as the OSX default. We recommend that you set the default audio input and output device to the MLM 65 before starting the application you want to use.
Configure the default audio device in OSX by navigating to:
System Preferences > Sound > Output (tab) and Input (tab).


MACINTOSH PLAYBACK & RECORDING
Any program that plays in stereo or mono will play to the MLM 65, such as iTunes, Quicktime or a website in Safari. Apple's Garageband works well as a recording program. You can simultaneously playback and record with two programs open. For instance, you can play from iTunes into the MLM 65, mix in your microphones, and record into Garageband.
WINDOWS SETUP
When Windows detects the MLM 65, it automatically sets it as the default Recording and Playback device. With Windows XP and Vista, any audio applications currently running will continue to use the previously selected default device. Restart the application to make it use the MLM 65 for recording or playback. Windows 7 automatically switches a running application to the newly connected MLM 65. We recommend you keep the Stereo Aux fader down when connecting to avoid surprises.
Remember that Windows likes to play different bleeps and bloops when updates install, devices are plugged in and unplugged, or other operating system events happen. If you do not want these sounds played into your mix, turn off Windows system sounds. This can be found in: Start > Control Panel > Sound > Sounds (tab) > Sound Scheme > No Sounds.
Finding the audio properties and devices in Windows varies slightly with each version. Windows XP and VIsta details are found in the MLM 65 Manual. Windows 7 is illustrated here:
In Small/Large Icon View
Start > Control Panel > Sound > Playback (tab) and Record (tab)
In Category View
Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound > Playback (tab) and Record (tab).


WINDOWS PLAYBACK & RECORDING
Programs that play back through your speakers will play back when the Sound panel is set as above. Windows doesn't include a sound recording program, but here are some options, one free, others inexpensive (less than $100 USD):
You can simultaneously playback and record with two programs open. For instance, you can play from iTunes into the MLM 65, mix in your live microphones, and record into Audacity.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Aux Inputs 1,2,3,5 | Stereo, Unbalanced, RCA |
| Maximum Input | +20 dBu |
| Input Impedance | 20 kΩ, 1% |
| Gain Trim Range | ±12 dB |
| Frequency Response | ±0.25 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Aux Input 4 | Stereo, Unbalanced, RCA |
| Phono/Line | Selectable |
| Input Impedance | 47.5 kΩ, 1% |
| Gain Trim Range | ±12 dB |
| Line Frequency Response | ±0.25 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Phono Gain | 35 dB, 1 kHz |
| Phono Frequency Response | RIAA ±0.5 dB, 30 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Record Output | Stereo, Unbalanced, RCA |
| Maximum Output | +20 dBu, 10 kΩ load |
| Output Impedance | 200 Ω, 1% |
| Output Trim Range | 0 dB to -12 dB |
| S/N | >98 dB re +4 dBu, 20Hz to 20 kHz, 0 dB gain |
| THD+N | < 0.1%, 20Hz to 20 kHz, +4 dBu, 0 dB gain, 10 kΩ load |
| Main Output | Stereo, Balanced, XLR |
| Mono/Stereo | Selectable |
| Maximum Output | +26 dBu, 10 kΩ load per leg |
| Output Impedance | 200 Ω, 1% per leg |
| S/N | >92 dB re +4 dBu, 20Hz to 20 kHz, 0 dB gain |
| THD+N | < 0.1%, 20Hz to 20 kHz, +4 dBu, 10 kΩ load per leg |
| Headphone Output | Stereo, Unbalanced, 1/4" and 3.5mm TRS |
| Maximum Output Power | 180 mW into 150 Ω |
| Output Volume Range | +4.5 dB to off |
| Frequency Response | 23 Hz to 70 kHz, -3 dB points |
| S/N | >96 dB re +4 dBu, 20Hz to 20 kHz, 4.5 dB gain |
| THD+N | < 0.02%, 20Hz to 20 kHz, +4 dBu, 150 Ω load |
| Master/Cue Meters | Mono, peak detecting |
| Sensitivity | 0 dB indication = 0 dBu (-20 dBFS) |
| Mic Inputs | Mono, Balanced, XLR |
| Mic/Line | each Input selectable |
| Phantom Power | 12 V, 681 Ω per leg, each Input selectable |
| Overload Indication | 5.5 dB before clipping |
| Mic/Line Maximum Input | +12 dBu / +28 dBu, minimum gain |
| Mic/Line Input Impedance | 637 Ω / 4 kΩ per leg |
| Mic/Line Gain Trim Range | 10 dB to 52 dB / -6 dB to 10 dB, typical |
| Mic/Line Frequency Response | 20 Hz (-0.5 dB/-0.5 dB) to 20 kHz (-1.5 dB/-2 dB) |
| EIN | 127 dBu, Rs = 150 Ω, g = 55 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Mic/Line CMRR | -40 dB, max., 1 kHz |
| TOSLINK and S/PDIF Outputs | Optical and RCA |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Resolution | 24-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 104 dB |
| THD+N | < 0.02%, 20Hz to 20 kHz, -20 dBFS |
| USB Digital Audio | Stereo In/Out, USB Type B |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Resolution | 16-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 94 dB |
| THD+N | < 0.04%, 20Hz to 20 kHz, +4 dBu |
| Parameter | Specification |
| USB Charge Only Port | USB Type A |
| Output Voltage | +5 VDC max. |
| Output Current | +500 mA max. |
| Power Supply Requirement | 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, .24 amp |
| Agency Listing | c/CSA/us |
| Construction | All Steel |
| Unit Size | 5.25"H x 19"W x 5.3"D (3U) (13.3 x 48.3 x 13.5 cm) |
| Unit Weight | 7 lb (3.16 kg) |
| Shipping Size | 11" x 23" x 16" (27.9 x 58.4 x 40.6 cm) |
| Shipping Weight | 11 lb (4.99 kg) |
If the above options don't answer your question, or it's urgent...
Phone 425-355-6000, 8 AM to 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday.
If it's less urgent, you can email the factory.
For local service within the USA, find a service center.
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | RACK SPACES | CONNECTORS |
| AM1 | Automixer, 4 Mic / Line In, 2 Aux In, USB Audio I/O, Headphone Amp, Cascadable, RAD Port | 1 | |
| AM2 | Automixer, 8 Mic / Line In, Cascadable, RAD Port | 1 | |
| MLM 42S | Mixer, 4 Mic / Line In, EQ, Effects Loop, 2 Out | 1 | |
| MLM 82S | Mixer, 4 Mic / Line In, 4 Mono / Stereo In, 2 Out | 1 | |
| MLM 103 | Mixer, 6 Mic / Line In, 2 Stereo In, 3 Out | 3 | |
| SM 26S | 6 In x 2 Out Line Mixer, 2 In x 6 Out Line Splitter | 1 | |
| SM 82S | Mixer, 8 Stereo Line Inputs With Aux Sends | 1 | |
| RPM 88 | Multiprocessor, Drag Net, 8x8 +AES3 I/O | 2 |