Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Muisc Pro Editorial Team
Welcome to this guide on using audio mixers. Whether you call them a mixing board, mixing console, mixing desk, audio console, or soundboard, they all play a crucial role in audio production. This guide will introduce you to the basic concepts and setup processes to get you started.
What is a Mixer?
An audio mixer is a device that combines various audio inputs and channels them into one or more outputs. This is essential in various settings, from live concerts to studio recordings, as it allows for control over the balance and integration of sounds.
How Mixers Work
At their core, mixers function by accepting inputs from microphones or instruments and routing these signals to output jacks connected to loudspeakers. They allow for manipulation through gain, equalization, and level controls, ensuring the output level meets the desired quality and balance. For those using microphones that require phantom power, modern mixers provide this feature to support a wide range of microphones. Additionally, connecting devices through line inputs can enhance the versatility of your mixer, allowing you to integrate more sources into your mix.
Mixer Channels
The heart of any audio mixer is its channels. These channels are the pathways through which audio signals travel within the mixer. Typically laid out in vertical strips on the mixer’s surface, each channel strip starts with input connections at the back of the unit and runs through a series of controls. At the top of this strip, you’ll find the gain or trim control, and at the bottom, the fader. Understanding how to navigate and utilize these channel strips is crucial for effective audio mixing.
Gain
At the very top of each channel strip is a control labeled “Gain,” “Sens,” or “Trim.” These terms all refer to the same function: setting the initial volume level of the incoming audio signal. You can think of the gain control as a water faucet; it adjusts the flow of the audio signal into the mixer. High gain settings make the mixer more sensitive to quieter sounds, allowing them to pass through, whereas lower settings will filter out these softer sounds.
Using Gain Effectively
It’s essential to distinguish between gain and volume. Gain adjusts the strength of the input signal, not the loudness of the output. This control is not about making the sound louder for the audience but ensuring the mixer receives the signal at an optimal level for processing. This involves setting the gain so that all types of sounds, from the loudest to the softest, can be adequately captured without distortion. A common method for setting the correct gain level is to use a VU meter, aiming to match the output sound level to a specific decibel (dB) value on the meter. This process helps in creating a balanced and clear mix.
Gain Control
Proper gain setting is foundational for achieving high-quality sound reproduction. Incorrect gain levels can lead to a range of issues, from distorted, overly loud signals to faint, barely audible sounds. Additionally, changes to the gain setting can impact the sound in monitors or auxiliary outputs, affecting the overall audio experience for both performers and the audience. Therefore, mastering the use of the gain knob or control on your mixer is a critical skill for any sound technician or audio enthusiast.
Equalization
Equalization, or EQ, is a crucial aspect of audio mixing that involves adjusting the balance of frequency components within an audio signal. Located just below the gain control on most mixers, the EQ section can range from a single knob to more than a dozen controls, depending on the mixer’s complexity. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of EQ:
- Tone Knob: A simple control found on small mixers that adjusts high frequencies and low frequencies in opposite directions.
- 2-3 Band EQ: These offer basic control over low (bass), mid, and high (treble) frequencies.
- Semi-Parametric EQ: This type provides more detailed control with three or four bands, including at least one band (typically the mid-range) that allows you to select both the frequency and the amount of boost or cut.
- Fully Parametric EQ: Offers the highest level of control, with each band having its own frequency, boost/cut, and bandwidth (Q) adjustments.
- Graphic EQ: Uses sliders instead of knobs to adjust specific frequencies. These are often used for the overall mix rather than individual channels.
The EQ section is your tool for shaping the sound, whether it’s by enhancing certain frequencies to improve clarity and presence or by cutting frequencies to reduce feedback and unwanted noise. Learning to use EQ effectively is a matter of practice, experimentation, and listening.
Auxiliary Outputs
Auxiliary outputs, or auxes, are a flexible feature on audio mixers that allow you to route a portion of the signal from each channel to separate outputs. These outputs can serve various purposes, such as feeding stage monitors, adding reverb effects, or driving subwoofers. Here’s how they work:
- Stage Monitor: By using aux sends, you can create custom monitor mixes for performers on stage. For example, if a singer wants to hear more guitar in their monitor, you would increase the guitar channel’s aux send that feeds the singer’s monitor mix.
- Effects Processing: Aux sends are perfect for adding effects like reverb to specific channels. By sending a signal from a channel to an effects processor via an aux send and then returning it to the mixer, you can blend the processed signal with the original.
- Subwoofer: For live sound reinforcement, aux sends can be used to route low-frequency content to a dedicated subwoofer, enhancing the overall impact and depth of the sound.
Auxes offer a level of control and flexibility that can greatly enhance your live or recorded sound. Whether you’re managing stage monitors, incorporating effects, or optimizing your speaker setup, understanding and utilizing aux sends can significantly improve your audio mixing capabilities.
Faders
Faders are a fundamental aspect of any mixer, providing precise control over the volume of individual channels and the overall mix. Whether presented as sliders or knobs, faders adjust the level of a channel’s audio signal in the mix. They operate on a logarithmic scale to match the human ear’s sensitivity to changes in volume. Understanding and effectively using faders is key to achieving a balanced and dynamic mix.
PFL (Pre-Fader Listen) and AFL (After-Fader Listen)
PFL and AFL are essential tools for sound engineers, allowing them to isolate and listen to specific signals through headphones, regardless of their mix level. PFL (Pre-Fader Listen) enables you to hear the pre-fader signal of a channel, offering a clear view of the input signal without the influence of its fader position. AFL (After-Fader Listen), on the other hand, lets you monitor the post-fader signal, providing an accurate representation of what the audience hears. These features are invaluable for diagnosing issues and fine-tuning your mix.
Pan Knob
Positioned above the fader and typically after the auxiliary section, pan knobs determine the stereo positioning of a channel’s signal. Turning the knob left or right sends the signal predominantly to the corresponding side of the stereo field, allowing for creative spatial arrangements in your mix. Proper use of panning can enhance the clarity of the mix and provide a more immersive listening experience.
Faders, aux settings, PFL/AFL functions, and pan controls are critical tools in the art of mixing. By mastering these components, you can take full advantage of your mixer’s capabilities, creating polished and professional-sounding audio productions.
Buses and Subgroups
Buses, often referred to as subgroups, are integral to the structure and functionality of larger mixing consoles. Serving as a routing system, buses allow you to group multiple channels together into “mini-mixes.” For example, all drum channels can be assigned to a single bus, enabling the sound engineer to control the overall volume of the drums without adjusting each drum mic individually. This concept applies to various groupings, such as vocal sections or instrument types, facilitating easier management of complex mixes.
How to Use Buses
Buses streamline the mixing process by providing a level of control over grouped channels. Assigning channels to a bus is typically done via buttons located near each channel’s fader. It’s crucial to understand that adjusting a bus’s fader alters the volume of the combined channels within that bus relative to the main mix, not the individual channel volumes. Channels can be assigned to multiple buses, offering flexible mixing possibilities without affecting their levels in other buses.
Main Mix and Stereo Output
Most mixers feature a main mix bus that combines all the input channels into a comprehensive output. This main mix usually has stereo output, with separate faders for the left and right channels to adjust the stereo image of the overall sound. Additionally, some mixers provide an option to sum the main mix to mono, useful for certain live sound or recording situations where a single, unified output is preferred.
Voltage Controlled Amplifiers
Voltage Controlled Amplifiers (VCAs) are found in larger mixing consoles and offer another layer of control. Unlike buses that route audio signals, VCAs allow for adjusting the volume of assigned channels simultaneously as if you were moving their individual faders. This means that any changes made through a VCA will affect the signal post-fader, including the levels sent to post-fader auxes and subgroups. VCAs are particularly useful for making broad adjustments to multiple channels without altering their relative mix balance.
Setting Up Your Mixer
PA System/Mixer Setup Order
Setting up your mixer or PA system efficiently can save time and prevent issues during sound checks. A systematic approach—turning down all controls, connecting equipment in a specific order, including XLR cables for microphones and line level sources, powering on, and adjusting levels—ensures a smooth setup. This setup is crucial when aiming to achieve the exact sound you’re looking for, whether you’re recording music or amplifying a live performance.
- Turn Down Controls: Start with all gain knobs and level controls at their minimum to avoid sudden loud noises.
- Connect Equipment: Follow this sequence for connections:
- Main speakers
- Monitor speakers
- Microphones
- Instruments
- Playback devices
- Power On and Adjust: Once everything is connected and powered on, adjust the gain, mix, and speaker levels, followed by a sound check.
Mixer Setup Instructions
Before diving into connections, familiarize yourself with your mixer’s layout and features. Start simple—connect a microphone and aim for clear sound output. This basic step helps in understanding the flow from input through the mixer to the output.
Making Connections
- Connect Main Speakers: Main speakers are critical for your audience’s audio experience. Ensure they’re properly connected and positioned to cover your venue effectively.
- Connect Stage Monitors: Stage monitors allow performers to hear themselves. Connect these carefully to provide clear feedback to the performers without causing feedback or interference.
- Connect a Microphone or Instrument: Microphones and instruments are your primary audio sources. Connecting them involves navigating through the mixer’s gain, EQ, and level controls to ensure clarity and balance in the mix.
- Connect a Device: For playback from recorded music or backing tracks, connecting a playback device is essential. Ensure it’s properly integrated into your setup for smooth operation.
Enhancing Your Mix
- Add Effects (FX): Effects can enhance your mix by adding depth and texture. Learn to use your mixer’s effects section to bring out the best in your performance.
- Sound Check: A thorough sound check is crucial for identifying and correcting any issues before going live. This process helps ensure all elements are balanced and ready for the performance.
- Create a Mix: Creating the perfect mix involves adjusting the levels and effects of each input to achieve a harmonious sound. Practice and experimentation are key to mastering this skill.
Tips for Optimal Performance
Mixer Tips
Understanding your mixer’s capabilities and practicing its setup can prevent surprises during live events. Familiarize yourself with its features and layout for a seamless audio experience.
PA System Tips
Proper PA system setup is vital for clear sound distribution. Choose a setup that complements the venue’s acoustics and layout, and always prioritize safety and clarity in your audio setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the use of an audio mixer is a journey that combines technical knowledge with creative experimentation. From understanding the foundational aspects of channels, gain settings, and EQ adjustments to navigating the complexities of auxiliary outputs, faders, buses, and VCAs, each element plays a critical role in crafting the perfect mix. By taking the time to explore and understand each feature of your mixer, you’ll not only enhance your audio mixing skills but also unlock the full potential of your musical and sound projects. Whether you’re mixing a live concert, recording in a studio, or producing content for broadcast, the art of audio mixing is a powerful skill that brings clarity, depth, and nuance to your sonic creations.