Mixing Desks

Level 3 BtecMusic Technology

What is a Mixing Desk?

A mixing desk allows you to gather a number of sound sources (instruments, microphones etc), mix them together, and send them to various outputs (Speakers, monitors, recording devices)

Channels Every mixing desk will have a set

number of channels. This is the number of sound sources you can connect to the desk. Mixers will range from 2 channels to 48 channels and more. Each channel has its own ‘Channel Strip’ where everything for that input is controlled.

Each channel will have an ‘Input’ which is where you connect the sound source. You will then have controls for the input gain, EQ, Aux sends, groups/busses, panning and a level fader.

Auxiliary Channels Auxiliary (aux) channels are used to send the signals to

other outputs. You could use them to send audio to FX units or to stage monitors.

Some mixing desks will have lots of aux channels so you can set up different mixes for musicians on stage and send these mixes to stage monitors or in-ear monitors.

This diagram shows how you can send a different mix to monitors than you send to the main speakers.

Changing the path of the sound signal, and sending it to different places is called Routing.

Subgroups and Busses Subgroups allow you to combine signals before sending

them out of the desk. For example, if you had vocal mics plugged into channels 3-6, you could assign them to a subgroup. You will then be able to control this group using 2 faders (Left and Right). Using these 2 faders will then let you control the level of everything in the subgroup at once.

You could use a subgroup to control the overall level of a group of instruments.

You could also use it for sending to a stereo recorder, such as a CD recorder

Outputs The output section of the mixer is where the sound leaves the

mixer.

The Main Outs will provide your main mix from the master faders. C-R Outs are Control Room outputs for studio monitors Headphone Outs usually mirror the main output but have their

own volume control Direct Outs will output only that channel. E.G Direct out 1 will

output whatever is connected to input 1. Group/Bus Outs will send the signal that is on the subgroup faders. Aux Outs will send the signal from the aux mixes. E.G The Aux 1

control from each channel will be mixed and sent to Aux Out 1 Tape Outs (usually phono connectors) can be used to connect CD

recorders.

Digital and AnalogMixers come in 2 main types. These are Analog and Digital.

Analogue: Easier and faster to useCan be easier to troubleshoot problemsCheaperExamples –Yamaha MG, Mackie VLZ,

Digital:Built in FXAbility to save settings/mixesThere is often lots of complex menusSmaller than analog equivalentsMore expensive Examples – Yamaha PM5D, LS9, 01V96, DM2000, Behringer X32, Tascam DM-4800

Your Task

Pass – Give unelaborated descriptions of the following words:Routing, channels, busses/groups, auxiliaries, inputs, outputs.

Merit – give illustrations and specifications of three examples of mixing desks

Distinction – describe the benefits of using the different types of mixing desks