The Mixing Desk

Basic Functions

The mixing desk is the hub for controlling all the sound of your live show.

It is important to understand at least the basic functions of the desk, so that you can give yourself the best sounding show possible and in case you run into any technical or audio difficulties.

The Signal Path

Most desks have a similar signal path: the input signal from a microphone or line source passes through the microphone amplifier or line buffer stage, where the signal level is optimised for headroom and noise performance, then passes on to the equaliser, before reaching the channel fader. Auxiliary outputs will usually be immediately before or after the fader, and there may also be insert points where the signal can be extracted from the desk, processed externally (perhaps with a compressor or noise gate), and then returned to continue through the desk.

Next, the signal is routed to the available outputs or groups as appropriate. In the case of the groups, the signal may pass through an additional equaliser stage in the groups before reaching the fader, and further routing to the main desk outputs. Groups are provided to make it easier to control a large number of signals, or to allow a single signal processor to affect a collection of channel signals simultaneously.

Input Channels/Faders

PFL: Pre Fade Listen

Output Selections: Chose whether to send your signal to the main Stereo out, bus 1-2 or bus 3-4.

Fader: To control the input level of the signal.

On switch: To activate the channel

Pan Control: Chose whether to spread the signal to the left or right. This is useful to make a mix sound ‘wider’ and less cluttered.

Effect Control: To control how much of the main effect you wish to apply to each channel. Mostly utilized with vocal Channels.

Aux: Most commonly used to control on stage monitors

Aux 1, pre: This means that the control is independent from the Main fader, (pre fader) so it’s volume will stay the same even if you change the main fader.

Aux 2: 2 Aux ‘s indicate that we can have 2 separate monitor Mixes. Note that Aux 2 has a switch to select whether You want it pre or post fader.

3 band EQ with adjustable mid sweep

Low to control the bass EQ, cut or boost

High to control the treble EQ, also cut or boost

Peak light indicates when the signal is to Strong and will start to distort.

Mid Sweep: This gives you the option to chose whereabouts you Want to boost the mid range. This control gives you the option to boost anywhere between 250 Hz (low mid) and 5KHz (very high mid). Each channel has an independent control so you can vary from instrument to instrument.

Gain: Input volume control. The gain adjustment is pre EQ and effects. Set this once and then use the fader to control your levels.

Low Cut: This switch cuts out all frequencies below 80 Hz. This is useful for instruments that don’t have a low range as it clears out any excess channel noise or low hum.

Compression: Evens out any peaks in the signal. 1 is low 10 is high.

Mic Input: XLR input for the microphone or to connect a DI signal.

Line input: Used for microphones with a jack output and any Instruments with jack outputs.

Insert: For use with external devices such as gates and effects units

Stereo Out Left and Right Monitor out Left and Right. This will be the same mix as FOH.

Rec Out, for recording a desk mix to an external device. 2TR in for CD players/MP3 players.

Limited control on the desk for this.

Phones input, for listening on headphones

Effects

Program selector – To select the desired effect from the list seen at the bottom of the picture.

Aux 1 and 2: To assign the desired level of effect to each aux (monitor mix).

Parameter Control: Controls the amount of effect produced

Stereo Out Controls the main FOH mix volume

Groups 1-2/3-4 Controls the volume of your bussed tracks

Monitor Mix Volume control for monitor mix

Level Meter

Phantom Power Switch

All Slides © 2011 Dave Evans Music – unless otherwise stated