Understanding Mixing Consoles in Audio Production

1. Fundamentals of Audio Production Chapter Five: Mixing Consoles Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

2. Three Functions of the Mixing Console • Amplify • Mix • Route or Direct Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

3. Amplification • The “gain stage” is the first stage in the console. • Setting proper gain is critical for clear audio. • Gain settings too low result in noise • Gain settings too high result in distortion Click to hear distortion from high gain Click to hear noise from low gain Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

4. Gain Setting • If gain is too low, turning up output levels will also increase the level of the inherent noise, as in the top illustration. • Proper gain settings maximize signal to noise ratio, as in the bottom illustration. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

5. Clipping • Setting gain too high may result in “clipping.” • The signal’s wave form becomes clipped when it exceeds the circuit’s capacity. • Clipping causes the wave to become “square” and distorted. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

6. Gain Setting • Many recording and live sound consoles provide “clip indicators” to assist in proper gain-setting • When the “peak” indicator illuminates, distortion will result. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

7. Mixing • Adjusting the relative levels of the audio signals leaving the mixer. • Mixing is accomplished using the console’s faders or potentiometers. • In most consoles, the potentiometers only cut or reduce levels. • Faders full up = no cut • Faders completely down = full cut Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

8. Potentiometers • Most simple potentiometers use resistance to reduce levels. • As the wiper is moved further from the input, the output level is reduced. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

9. Mixers Linear faders Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

10. Mixers Rotary Potentiometers Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

11. Mixing is aided by meters Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

12. Meters Calibration • All devices in the recording chain must be calibrated to assure proper levels. • Using a steady tone, the console meter is set to 100% modulation or “0 VU.” • Then all device inputs are adjusted so their meters match. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

13. Meters Calibration When all devices are calibrated, then maintaining proper meter levels on the console will assure that other devices are not over-driven. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

14. Routing or Directing • Sending the signal to a variety of destinations. • Signals are transported via “buses.” • Buses are simply wires or paths for the signal to travel. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

15. Routing or Directing • Typical console outputs • Main or stereo bus • Subgroups • Monitor or foldback send to headphones • Effects sends to outboard effects devices • Auxiliary sends • Cue sends to headphones or cue speakers • Different manufacturers use different terms Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

16. Routing or Directing Stereo Master Fader Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

17. Routing or Directing Subgroup Faders Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

18. Routing or Directing • Signals may be routed to outboard devices either “pre fader” or “post fader.” Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

19. Routing or Directing • The pan control routes the signal to the left and right stereo channels. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

20. The Mixing Console Connections Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

21. The Mixing Console Connections Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

22. Mixers Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

23. Mixers Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

24. Mixers Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5