Mixers

In professional audio, a mixing console, digital mixing console, mixing desk (Brit. more...

), or audio mixer, also called a sound board or soundboard, is an electronic device for combining (also called "mixing"), routing, and changing the level, timbre and/or dynamics of audio signals. A mixer can mix analog or digital signals, depending on the type of mixer. The modified signals (voltages or digital samples) are summed to produce the combined output signals.

Mixing consoles are used in many applications, including recording studios, public address systems, sound reinforcement systems, broadcasting, television, and film post-production. An example of a simple application would be to enable the signals that originated from two separate microphones (each being used by vocalists singing a duet, perhaps) to be heard through one set of speakers simultaneously. When used for live performances, the signal produced by the mixer will usually be sent directly to an amplifier, unless that particular mixer is “powered” or it is being connected to powered speakers.

Structure

The input strip is usually separated into these sections:

• Input Jacks / Microphone preamps
• Basic input controls
• Channel EQ (High, Mid high,Mid and low)
• Routing Section including Direct Outs, Aux-sends, Panning control and Subgroup assignments
• Input Faders
• Subgroup faders
• Output controls including Master level controls, EQ and/or Matrix routing

On the Yamaha Console to the right, these sections are color coded for quick identification by the operator. Each signal that is input into the mixer has its own channel. Depending on the specific mixer, each channel is stereo or monaural. On most mixers, each channel has an XLR input, and many have RCA or quarter-inch Jack plug line inputs.

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