Buzz
An audio mixer, also referred to as a mixing board or soundboard, is essential for managing the levels of multiple inputs to achieve a balanced audio output. The process of mixing is pivotal in both music recording and live performances to ensure each instrument maintains its presence without overshadowing others. While operating a mixer might seem daunting initially, understanding the function of each knob simplifies the process. Once your instruments or microphones are connected, adjust the volume levels of each input until you attain the desired mix!
Getting Started
Prepping Your Equipment
Initiate by lowering the master volume and channel faders completely. Locate the primary volume control, typically positioned on the bottom right corner of the mixer, labeled as 'Main Mix' or equivalent. The faders, either knobs or sliders lining the bottom of the mixer, govern individual input volumes. Rotate knobs counterclockwise or slide sliders downwards until reaching their minimum position. This precaution prevents potential feedback or damage to the mixer and speakers upon activation.
To power up your mixer, flip the switch located either at the back or on the top right, adjacent to other controls. Before switching it on, ensure all volume and fader controls are set to minimum. A light indicator will signal the connection of power.
- If your mixer features a 'phantom' switch for microphones requiring electricity, activate it alongside the main switch.
Adjusting Sound Levels
Set the main volume to 0 dB. Locate the main volume control, typically marked with output levels. Adjust the slider or knob to reach 0 dB, the optimal setting. Going beyond this level may result in distortion.
- No audio will be audible through speakers or headphones yet, as individual channel faders are still muted.
Balance channel faders for clear audio from all inputs. Begin by gradually increasing the fader on each channel with active inputs. Adjust the faders until all audio sources are audible through speakers or headphones. Fine-tune the levels to ensure clarity.
- Avoid pushing faders beyond ¾ of maximum volume to prevent interference and muffled sound.
Modify treble, mid, and bass to control frequency output. Each mixer channel is equipped with knobs for adjusting treble, mid, and bass. Treble controls high frequencies, bass regulates low frequencies, and mid adjusts everything in between. Experiment with knob adjustments while monitoring audio input to gauge changes in sound.
- For microphone channels, reduce bass and boost treble for enhanced prominence.
- For instrument channels, explore knob adjustments while playing to assess impact on sound.
- There's no universal mix balance; it varies based on audio sources and desired sound.
Pro Tip: Certain mixers feature a 'Lo Cut' button, effectively filtering out frequencies below a specified level. Utilize this function for microphones and vocals to eliminate unwanted low-end noise.
Utilize gain knobs to further increase individual channel volumes. These knobs, typically situated atop each channel and labeled 'Gain,' allow gradual volume adjustments. Experiment with the gain knob of desired channels, comparing audio levels with other instruments for clarity.
- Not all inputs require gain adjustment; excessive gain may result in muffled audio across all sources.
Fine-tune audio placement using pan knobs to distribute sound between left and right speakers. Located above channel faders, pan knobs control stereo balance. Center position evenly distributes audio, while left or right adjustments favor respective speakers. Customize pan settings for each channel.
- Maintaining all audio sources centered may result in a flat mix.
- Subtle pan adjustments can enhance stereo presence while maintaining balance.
Channel Isolation and Routing
Engage 'Mute' to silence specific channel audio. Locate the 'Mute' button adjacent to channel faders. Activating 'Mute' silences the selected channel while allowing audio from other channels to pass through. Reactivate 'Mute' to restore audio transmission.
- Activating 'Mute' doesn't affect the original input source, but it silences audio through connected speakers or headphones.
- Multiple channels can be muted simultaneously if required.
Activate the “Solo” button on a channel for individual isolation. Adjacent to the “Mute” button, locate the “Solo” button. When engaged, all other channels mute, allowing focus solely on the selected channel. To revert, simply press the “Solo” button again.
- Soloing a channel simplifies adjustments for specific instruments or vocals without affecting other channels.
- Multiple channels can be soloed simultaneously.
Utilize auxiliary channels to route audio signals to alternate destinations. Auxiliary channels are ideal for sending audio copies to specific monitors or applying effects. Connect monitors or effects equipment to mixer ports labeled “AUX” and adjust volume using the corresponding “AUX” knob.
- Ensure the correct auxiliary knob corresponds to the designated auxiliary channel.
- Multiple channels can be routed to an auxiliary channel.
- For instance, singers may use an auxiliary channel to monitor drums and guitars, aiding rhythm consistency.
Helpful Tips
Warnings
- Ensure mixer is powered off before adjusting volume to prevent feedback, speaker damage, or mixer malfunction.
Essential Equipment
- XLR cables
- TRS cables
- Audio interface
- Headphones
