Mixing Consoles

Label the following parts of the mixer

a

b

c

d

Auxiliary pots

EQ pots

gain pot

HPF

Where do you plug in the following

a

b

c

Effects

DI output

Instrument

Answer explanation

Microphones or balanced connections are connected through the XLR connection.

The 'Line' connection is used for instrument or 1/4" line connections - Y-Cables, keyboards, etc.

External effects processors (compressors, reverb, etc) can be connected via the 'insert' connection. This is called 'in-line' processing. The signal is run in via the XLR or Line connection, through out of the insert connection to the 'tip' (black) connection, into the effects processors (reverb, compressor, etc), returned through the red 'Ring' connection and back into the mixer.

Where do you connect the following?

a

b

c

Keys L+R

Foldback

Main L+R speakers

Label the following

a

b

c

d

Solo

Stereo Bus

Mute

Fader

Answer explanation

Many mixers have differnt buttons and functions at the track fader section.

Most channel strips have a 'mute' button. In this case it is the 'on' button.

The 'ST' button serves as a 'buss' output button. This routes the channel to the stereo output (can be L+R for main Left and Right).

The 1-2 button also serves the same function, but sends the signal to a group output that can be controlled via another output bus.

The fader (slider) balances the output volume on the track in the overal main L+R output. This is generally set at '0dB' (unity gain) when setting the input gain. Then balanced in relation to the other tracks.

The PFL (pre fader listen) shows the signal gain on the meters at the output section. This is also called 'solo'.

Label the

a

b

c

Foldback gain knob

Pre/post button

Balance pot

Answer explanation

The auxiliary pot is used to set the output volume for the designated instrument channel. This sends the selected instrument to the foldback.

Auxiliary sends can also be sent to additional effects units and output destinations.

The 'Pre' button means that the auxiliary pots control the levels sent out the Aux 1 output. When pushed it is then set as 'post'. This means the auxiliary pot is affected by the fader. They call this 'post fader'. Now, the auxiliary (foldback) level works in tandem with the track fader.

Pan, also know as BAL (balance), balances the signal to the Left and Right main output speakers. This is often used for laptops and keyboards that have two signals that can be sent left and right.