Mixers and Mixing consoles

1
Mixers and Mixing consoles

• Some Common Features

2
The Boards

• The Mixer takes the signal and amplifies it to a
  level needed by the recorder (tape, DAT,
  MiniDisc, etc.).
• A Mixing Console (board or desk) is a mixer with
  more knobs.
• A Recorder-Mixer combines a mixer and multitrack
  recorder.
• Also called a ministudio or portable studio.

3
The Boards

• Mixers can control loudness, EQ, pan, and/or many
  other aspects of the sound.
• A mixer can be desiganted by the number of inputs
  and outputs.
• An 8x2 has eight inputs and two outputs.
• A 16x4x2 has sixteen inputs, 4 submixes, and two
  outputs.
• Most boards are organized in three sections
• Input modules
• Output section
• Monitor section

4
Input Modules

• Each module or strip is assigned one signal.
• Input connectors are on the back of the module
  and accept the signal.
• On the DAW this is the A/D converter which is
  connected to the computer.
• The HUI has two input connectors that accept line
  or mic level
• Input selector is a switch that chooses
  mic/line/tape -- some dont have this option.
• The Preamp is inside the module and amplifies the
  signal to an appropriate level.
• On the DAW this is done with the mic preamps.

5
Input Modules

• The Gain or Trim Control adjusts the level of the
  incoming signal.
• For the DAW this control is on the mic preamp.
• The HUI has two mic preamps with trim control on
  the back beside the input connector.
• The Fader adjusts the balance among tracks during
  mixdown.
• EQ adjusts the tone.
• Some boards have three (high, mid, low), and
  others have more.

6
Input Modules

• Aux Send (or Effects Send) controls how many
  effects are added to each input signal.
• This can also be used for a monitor mix.
• The Assign Switch selects to which submix or tape
  track a signal is sent.
• The Pan Pot places sounds in the stereo field.
• An Insert Jack breaks the signal path in a module
  to insert an external device before the fader and
  EQ section.
• Some units use a TRS connector -- tip is send
  ring is return -- others have separate send and
  retun jacks.

7
Output Section

• Mixing Circuits control the signal from the
  assign switch.
• The Master Fader is usually on the far right side
  and controls the overall level.
• Submaster, Bus master, or Group faders control
  signal from the group assign.