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In professional audio, a mixing console, 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. Electronics refers to the flow of charge (moving Electrons through Nonmetal conductors (mainly Semiconductors, whereas electrical Audio mixing is the process by which a multitude of sound sources are combined into one or more channels In Music, timbre (ˈtæm-bər' like timber, or, from Fr timbre tɛ̃bʁ is the quality of a Musical note or sound that distinguishes different A mixer can mix analog or digital signals, depending on the type of mixer. An analog or analogue signal is any continuous signal for which the time varying feature (variable of the signal is a representation of some other The term digital signal is used to refer to more than one concept The modified signals (voltages or digital samples) are summed to produce the combined output signals. Electrical tension (or voltage after its SI unit, the Volt) is the difference of electrical potential between two points of an electrical In Signal processing, sampling is the reduction of a Continuous signal to a Discrete signal.

Mixing consoles are used in many applications, including recording studios, public address systems, sound reinforcement systems, broadcasting, television, and film post-production. A recording studio is a facility for sound recording. Ideally the space is specially designed by an acoustician to achieve the desired acoustic properties (sound A public address or " PA " system is an electronic amplification system with a mixer, Amplifier and Loudspeakers used to A sound reinforcement system is an arrangement of Microphones electronic Signal processors Amplifiers and Loudspeakers that makes live or pre-recorded For the band see Broadcast (band Broadcasting is the distribution of audio and/or Video signals which transmit Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic See also Filmmaking Post-production occurs in the making of motion pictures, television programs, Videos audio recordings 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. Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, which is often contrasted with Speech. A duet is a Musical composition or piece for two Performers In Classical music the term is most often used for a composition for two singers For the Marty Friedman album see Loudspeaker (album A loudspeaker, speaker, or speaker system is an electroacoustical 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. Generally an amplifier or simply amp, is any device that changes usually increases the amplitude of a signal. Powered speakers (or active speakers) are speakers that have built-in Amplifiers They can be connected directly to a Mixing console or Sound

BBC Local Radio Mark III radio mixing desk
BBC Local Radio Mark III radio mixing desk

Contents

Structure

Yamaha 2403 audio mixing console in a 'live' mixing application
Yamaha 2403 audio mixing console in a 'live' mixing application

The input strip is usually separated into these sections:

On the Yamaha Console to the right, these sections are color coded for quick identification by the operator. A microphone preamp ( microphone Pre-amplifier) most commonly called mic preamp, is a device used to amplify the Voltage taken from a Aux-send is a feature of a professional multi-channel sound Mixing console which provides an effects loop allowing the insertion and level control of outboard audio processing Panning is the spread of a Monaural signal in a stereo or multi-channel sound field In Audio engineering, a fade is a gradual increase or decrease in the level of an Audio signal. Each signal that is input into the mixer has its own channel. Input is the term denoting either an entrance or changes which are inserted into a System and which activate/modify a Process. Depending on the specific mixer, each channel is stereo or monaural. Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of Sound, using two or more independent audio channels through a Symmetrical Monaural (often shortened to mono) sound reproduction is single-channel On most mixers, each channel has an XLR input, and many have RCA or quarter-inch Jack plug line inputs. The XLR connector is an Electrical connector design XLR Plugs and sockets are used mostly in professional audio and Video An RCA jack, also referred to as a phono connector or CINCH/AV connector, is a type of Electrical connector that is commonly used in the audio/video A TRS connector, also called an audio jack, phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, or mini-stereo, is a common

Basic input controls

Below each input, there are usually several rotary controls (knobs, pots). The first is typically a trim or gain control. The inputs buffer the signal from the external device and this controls the amount of amplification or attenuation needed to bring the signal to a nominal level for processing. A buffer amplifier (sometimes simply called a buffer) is one that provides Electrical impedance transformation from one circuit to another Nominal level is the operating level at which an electronic Signal processing device is designed to operate This stage is where most noise or interference is picked up, due to the high gains involved (around +50 dB, for a microphone). The decibel ( dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power or intensity relative to Balanced inputs and connectors, such as XLR or Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) quarter-inch connectors, reduce interference problems. A TRS connector, also called an audio jack, phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, or mini-stereo, is a common

There may be insert points after the buffer/gain stage, which send to and return from external processors which should only affect the signal of that particular channel. Insert points are most commonly used with effects that control a signal's amplitude, such as noise gates, expanders, and compressors. Amplitude is the magnitude of change in the oscillating variable with each Oscillation, within an oscillating system A Noise Gate or gate is an Electronic device or Software logic that is used to control the volume of an audio signal Dynamic range compression, also called DRC (often seen in DVD player settings or simply compression, is a process that reduces the Dynamic range of

Auxiliary send routing

The Auxiliary send routes a split of the incoming signal to an auxiliary bus which can then be used with external devices. Auxiliary sends can either be pre-fader or post-fader, in that the level of a pre-fade send is set by the Auxiliary send control, whereas post-fade sends depend on the position of the channel fader as well. Auxiliary sends can be used to send the signal to an external processor such as a reverb, which can then be routed back through another channel or designated auxiliary returns on the mixer. These will normally be post-fader. Pre-fade auxiliary sends can be used to provide a monitor mix to musicians onstage, this mix is thus independent of the main mix.

Mixing desk used for live performances.
Mixing desk used for live performances.

Channel EQ

Further channel controls affect the equalization of the signal by separately attenuating or boosting a range of frequencies (e. Equalization (or equalisation, EQ) is the process of changing the frequency envelope of a sound in Audio processing. Frequency is a measure of the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit Time. g. , bass, midrange, and treble frequencies). Bass (ˈbɛɪs as in base) when used as an adjective is used to describe tones of low Frequency or range. Most large mixing consoles (24 channels and larger) usually have sweep equalization in one or more bands of its parametric equalizer on each channel, where the frequency and affected bandwidth of equalization can be selected. Parametric equalizer (or parametric "EQ" is an electronic multi-band variable equalizer device used in sound recording and live sound reproduction with Public Smaller mixing consoles have few or no equalization control. Care must be taken not to add too much EQ to a signal that is already close to clipping; additional energy will overdrive the channel. Some mixers have a general equalization control (either graphic or parametric) at the output.

Subgroup and mix routing

Each channel on a mixer has an audio taper pot, or potentiometer, controlled by a sliding volume control (fader), that allows adjustment of the level, or amplitude, of that channel in the final mix. A potentiometer is a three-terminal Resistor with a sliding contact that forms an adjustable Voltage divider. A typical mixing console has many rows of these sliding volume controls. Each control adjusts only its respective channel (or one half of a stereo channel); therefore, it only affects the level of the signal from one microphone or other audio device. The signals are summed to create the main mix, or combined on a bus as a submix, a group of channels that are then added to get the final mix (for instance, many drum mics could be grouped into a bus, and then the proportion of drums in the final mix can be controlled with one bus fader).

There may also be insert points for a certain bus, or even the entire mix.

Master output controls

Subgroup and main output fader controls are often found together on the right hand side of the mixer or, on larger consoles, in a center section flanked by banks of input channels. Matrix routing is often contained in this master section, as are headphone and local loudspeaker monitoring controls. Talkback controls allow conversation with the artist through their wedges, headphones or IEMs. A test tone generator might be located in the master output section. Aux returns such as those signals returning from outboard reverb devices are often in the master section.

Metering

Finally, there are usually one or more VU or peak meters to indicate the levels for each channel, or for the master outputs, and to indicate whether the console levels are overmodulating or clipping the signal. A VU meter is often included in analog audio equipment to display a Signal level in Volume Units. A peak meter is a type of visual Measuring instrument that indicates the instantaneous level of an Audio signal that is passing through it (a Sound level meter Clipping is a form of Waveform distortion that occurs when an Amplifier is overdriven which happens through attempts to increase the voltage or current Most mixers have at least one additional output, besides the main mix. Output is the term denoting either an exit or changes which exit a System and which activate/modify a Process. These are either individual bus outputs, or auxiliary outputs, used, for instance, to output a different mix to on-stage monitors. For the Marty Friedman album see Loudspeaker (album A loudspeaker, speaker, or speaker system is an electroacoustical The operator can vary the mix (or levels of each channel) for each output.

As audio is heard in a logarithmic fashion (both amplitude and frequency), mixing console controls and displays are almost always in decibels, a logarithmic measurement system. Amplitude is the magnitude of change in the oscillating variable with each Oscillation, within an oscillating system The decibel ( dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power or intensity relative to This is also why special audio taper pots or circuits are needed. A potentiometer is a three-terminal Resistor with a sliding contact that forms an adjustable Voltage divider. Since it is a relative measurement, and not a unit itself (like a percentage), the meters must be referenced to a nominal level. Nominal level is the operating level at which an electronic Signal processing device is designed to operate The "professional" nominal level is considered to be +4 dBu. The decibel ( dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power or intensity relative to The "consumer grade" level is −10 dBV. The decibel ( dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually power or intensity relative to

Hardware routing and patching

For convenience, some mixing consoles include inserts or a patch bay or patch panel. In Audio processing and Sound reinforcement, an insert is an access point built into the Mixing console, allowing the user to add external line level devices A patch panel or patch bay or jackfield is a panel typically Rackmounted that houses Cable connections

Most, but not all, audio mixers can

Some mixers can

Digital vs. Analog

Digital mixing console sales have increased dramatically since their introduction in the 1990s. In professional audio a Digital Mixing Console (DMC, is an electronic device for combining routing and changing the dynamics of digital audio samples. Yamaha sold more than 1000 PM5D mixers by July, 2005,[1] and other manufacturers are seeing increasing sales of their digital products. Digital mixers are more versatile than analog ones and offer many new features, such as the ability to save multiple mute groups, multiple VCA groups and channel settings into a scene and reconfigure signal routing at the touch of a button. The faders can be "swapped" or "flipped" to show aux send levels; a feature very useful in mixing artist's monitors. In addition, digital consoles often include a range of special effects such as parametric EQ, compression, gating, reverb, automatic feedback reduction, tap delay and straight delay. Parametric equalizer (or parametric "EQ" is an electronic multi-band variable equalizer device used in sound recording and live sound reproduction with Public Dynamic range compression, also called DRC (often seen in DVD player settings or simply compression, is a process that reduces the Dynamic range of A Noise Gate or gate is an Electronic device or Software logic that is used to control the volume of an audio signal Reverberation is the persistence of Sound in a particular space after the original sound is removed Audio Feedback (also known as the Larsen effect after the Danish scientist Søren Larsen who first discovered its principles is a special kind of Feedback Delay is an Audio effect which records an input signal to an audio storage medium, and then plays it back after a period of time Some products are expandable via third-party software features (called plugins) that add further reverb, compression, delay and tone-shaping tools. Several digital mixers include spectrograph and real time analyzer functions. A spectrum analyzer or spectral analyzer is a device used to examine the spectral composition of some electrical, acoustic, or optical A Real Time Analyzer (RTA is a professional audio device that measures and displays the frequency spectrum of an audio signal a Spectrum analyzer that works in real time A few incorporate loudspeaker management tools such as crossover filtering and limiting. Audio crossovers are a class of Electronic filters designed specifically for use in audio applications especially Hi-fi. In Electronics, a limiter is a circuit that allows signals below a specified input power to pass unaffected while attenuating the peaks of stronger signals that exceed this input Digital signal processing can perform automatic mixing for some simple applications, such as courtrooms, conferences and panel discussions, but at this time no digital mixer in live audio includes automixing. A digital signal processor ( DSP or DSP micro) is a specialized Microprocessor designed specifically for Digital signal processing, generally

Digital mixers can be designed to be quieter than most analog mixers, as digital mixers often incorporate very low threshold noise gates to stop inactive mix bus background hiss from summing with active signals. Electronic noise is an unwanted signal characteristic of all electronic circuits. Digital circuitry is more resistant to outside interference from radio transmitters such as walkie-talkies and cell phones.

Propagation delay

Digital mixers have an unavoidable amount of latency or propagation delay, ranging from 1. Networking Propagation delay is defined as how long it takes for a certain amount of bytes to transfered over a medium 5 milliseconds to as much as 10 ms, depending on the model of digital mixer and what functions are engaged. This small amount of delay isn't a problem for loudspeakers aimed at the audience or even monitor wedges aimed at the artist, but can be disorienting and unpleasant for IEMs (In ear monitors) where the artist hears their voice acoustically in their head and electronically amplified in their ears but delayed by a couple of milliseconds. In ear monitors are devices used by performers to hear a mix of Microphones and/or instruments that are on the stage

Every analog to digital conversion and digital to analog conversion within a digital mixer entails propagation delay. An analog-to-digital converter (abbreviated ADC, A/D or A to D) is an electronic integrated circuit which converts continuous signals to In Electronics, a digital-to-analog converter ( DAC or D-to-A) is a device for converting a digital (usually binary code to an Analog signal Audio inserts to favorite external analog processors make for almost double the usual delay. In Audio processing and Sound reinforcement, an insert is an access point built into the Mixing console, allowing the user to add external line level devices Further delay can be traced to format conversions such as from ADAT to AES3 and from normal digital signal processing steps. Data conversion is the conversion of one form of computer data to another--the changing of Bits from being in one format to a different one usually for the purpose Alesis Digital Audio Tape or ADAT, first introduced in 1991 was used for simultaneously recording eight tracks of Digital audio at The digital audio standard frequently called AES/EBU, officially known as AES3, is used for carrying Digital audio signals between various devices

Within a digital mixer there can be differing amounts of latency, depending on the routing and on how much DSP is in use. Assigning a signal to two parallel paths with significantly different processing on each path can result in extreme comb filtering when recombined. Some digital mixers incorporate internal methods of latency correction so that such problems are avoided.

Ease of use

Analog consoles remain popular due to their continuing to have one knob, fader or button per function, a reassuring feature for the user. This takes up more physical space but allows more rapid response to changing performance conditions. Most digital mixers take advantage of the technology to reduce the physical space requirements of their product, entailing compromises in user interface such as a single shared channel adjustment area that is selectable for only one channel at a time. Additionally, most digital mixers have virtual pages or layers which change the fader banks into separate controls for additional inputs or for adjusting equalization or aux send levels. This layering can be confusing for operators.

Analog consoles make for simpler understanding of hardware routing. Many digital mixers allow internal reassignment of inputs so that convenient groupings of inputs appear near each other at the fader bank, a feature that can be disorienting for persons having to make a hardware patch change.

On the other hand, many digital mixers allow for extremely easy building of a mix from saved data. USB flash drives and other storage methods are employed to bring past performance data to a new venue in highly portable manner. At the new venue, the traveling mix technician simply plugs the collected data into the venue's digital mixer and quickly makes small adjustments to the local input and output patch layout, allowing for full show readiness in very short order.

Some digital mixers allow offline editing of the mix, a feature that lets the traveling technician use a laptop to make anticipated changes to the show while en route, further shortening the time it takes for the sound system to be ready for the artist.

Sound quality

Both digital and analog mixers rely on analog mic preamps, a high-gain circuit that is the origin of much of the perceived character of sound quality in an audio mixer. In this respect, both formats are on par with each other. In a digital mixer, the mic preamp is followed by an ADC which quantizes the audio stream. An analog-to-digital converter (abbreviated ADC, A/D or A to D) is an electronic integrated circuit which converts continuous signals to Ideally, this process is carefully engineered to deal gracefully with overloading and clipping while delivering an accurate digital stream over the linear dynamic range. Further processing and mixing of digital streams within a mixer need to avoid clipping and truncation if maximum audio quality is desired.

Analog mixers, too, must deal gracefully with overloading and clipping at the mic preamp and as well as avoiding overloading of mix buses. Background hiss in an analog mixer is always present, though good gain stage management minimizes its audibility. Idle subgroups left "up" in a mix will add their background hiss to the main outputs; many digital mixers avoid this problem by low-level gating.

Many electronic design elements combine to affect perceived sound quality, making the global "analog mixer vs. digital mixer" question difficult to answer. Controlled ABX double-blind listening tests haven't been published at this date; no conclusive answer can be reached. An ABX test is a method of comparing two kinds of sensory stimuli to identify detectable differences Experienced live sound professionals agree that microphones and loudspeakers (with their innate higher distortion levels) are a much greater source of coloration of sound than the choice of mixer. The mix style of the person mixing is also more important than the make and model of audio console. Analog and digital mixers both have been associated with extremely high-quality concert performances and studio recordings.

Remote control

Analog mixing in live sound has had the option since the 1990s of using wired remote controls for certain digital processes such as monitor wedge equalization and parameter changes in outboard reverb devices. That concept has expanded until wired and wireless remote controls are being seen in relation to entire digital mixing platforms. It's possible to set up a sound system and mix via wireless (or wired) laptop, touchscreen or tablet, especially if the performance requires no unpredictable fast responses to multiple changing conditions on stage. Computer networks can connect digital system elements for expanded monitoring and control, allowing the system technician to make adjustments to distant devices during the performance. A computer network is a group of interconnected Computers. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics The use of remote control technology can be utilized to reduce "seat-kills", allowing more paying customers into the performance space.

Virtual mixing

Increasingly, the mixing process can be performed on screen, using computer software and associated input, output and recording hardware. The traditional large control surface of the mixing console is not utilized, saving space at the engineer's mix position. Some virtual mixing (such as the Gamble DCX[2]) uses digital controls of analog audio circuitry, but most virtual mixers are fully digital so as to save cost and physical space. In the virtual studio, there is either no normal mixer fader bank at all or there is a compact group of motorized faders designed to fit into a small space and connected to the computer via USB or Firewire. Many project studios use such a space-efficient solution, as the mixing room at other times can serve as business office, media archival, etc.

Applications

A Behringer EuroRack UB1002FX in a DJ setup
A Behringer EuroRack UB1002FX in a DJ setup

Dub producers/engineers such as Lee 'Scratch' Perry were perhaps the first musicians to use a mixing board as a musical instrument. Dub is a form of music which evolved from Reggae in the late 1960s A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making Music.

Public address systems will use a mixing console to set microphones for different speakers to the correct level, and can add in recorded sounds into the mix. A major requirement is to minimise audio feedback.

Most bands will use a mixing console to combine musical instruments and vocals to the correct level.

Radio broadcasts use a mixing desk to select audio from different sources, such as CD players, telephones, remote feeds, or prerecorded advertisements.

Mixing console manufacturers

References

  1. ^ Yamaha PM5D Sales Top 1,000 Units
  2. ^ Gamble, Jim. Designer's Notebook: Four Decades of Evolution. The Yield is a Digitally-Controlled Analog Console. Live Sound Magazine, March/April 2001.

See also

External links

Alesis is a manufacturer of Electronic musical instruments owned by Numark and based in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Allen & Heath (also known as AH or A&H is a company based in Penryn Cornwall, UK specialising in the manufacture of audio Mixing consoles Allen & Heath also makes AMS Neve Ltd was the result of the amalgamation in 1992 of AMS ( Advanced Music Systems) with Neve Electronics International also known simply as Neve for Company information Founded in 1968, Automated Processes Inc (or API, formerly known as Audio Products Inc BEHRINGER International GmbH ( Behringer) is a Global Audio equipment manufacturer founded in its present form in 1989. The Carvin Corporation is an American Guitar, Musical instrument and equipment manufacturer located in San Diego, California. Crest Audio Inc is an American company that produces professional sound equipment including Audio mixers Power amplifiers and Loudspeakers D&R electronica Weesp BV is an Dutch company based in Weesp that produces professional Audio mixers History D&R was founded in March 1973 DiGiCO is an English company founded in 1980, that manufactures Digital mixing consoles targeted for live Audio mixing applications Digidesign is an American Digital audio technology company It was founded in 1984 by Peter Gotcher and Evan Brooks Euphonix is a pioneering professional audio company located in Palo Alto California, United States. Fairlight is a digital audio company based in Sydney Australia. Daniel N Flickinger was an Audio engineer in the late 1960s and 1970's who designed and manufactured some of the era's most important music recording consoles. Harris Corporation ( is an international communications equipment company that produces Wireless equipment electronic systems and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas Founded in 1975 Harrison Audio Consoles is an international company that manufactures mixing consoles for the post-production video broadcast sound reinforcement and In Greek mythology the Sun was personified as Helios (ˈhiliˌɑs ( Ἥλιος Latinized as Helius) Klotz Digital is a manufacturer of audio media products The company is based in Munich Germany, with subsidiary operations in Australia, Malaysia and Mackie is a brand of the United States based company LOUD Technologies. MCI was a company that manufactured recorders for Multitrack recording in professional recording studios Midas has been designing and manufacturing audio consoles since the early 1970s Neotek is a Danish electronic band which dates back to the mid eighties under other band names Phonic Corporation is a Taiwan based Professional audio company ( is a Multinational Corporation that specializes in digital entertainment products based in Tokyo, Japan. Rane Corporation is a pro Audio equipment manufacturer Located in Mukilteo, Washington, it was made up of former employees of Phase Linear Corporation Samick is the name of a Korea -based musical instrument manufacturer one of the largest in the world Samson Technologies is an audio production conglomerate that is made up of the following companies or elements Hartke Systems Samson Audio Shure Incorporated is a consumer and professional audio electronics Corporation. Solid State Logic, or SSL is a manufacturer of high-end mixing consoles and Recording studio hardware headquartered in Begbroke, Oxfordshire Soundcraft is a British manufacturer of Mixing consoles and other professional audio equipment Studer is a Swiss manufacturer of professional audio equipment founded in Zurich in 1948 by Willi Studer Studiomaster is a British manufacturer of Mixing consoles and other professional audio equipment Tapco or TAPCO may refer to TAPCO (audio, a generic brand of Mackie 's commissioned for the purpose of providing economical music solutions TASCAM is the professional audio division of TEAC Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo Japan, and is credited as the inventor of the Portastudio, the first A DJ mixer is a type of audio Mixing console used by Disc jockeys The key features that differentiate a DJ mixer from other types of audio mixers are the ability An electronic mixer is a device that combines two or more electronic signals into one composite output signal A board mix is a recording created by running lines directly off a Mixing console while sound is mixed in real time Pan Law is a Recording and Mixing principle that states if one has a Stereo signal then mixes it down to monophonic, any signal of equal Aux-send is a feature of a professional multi-channel sound Mixing console which provides an effects loop allowing the insertion and level control of outboard audio processing

Dictionary

mixing console

-noun

  1. An electronic device to combine (mix) and route audio signals from many sources to various destinations.
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