The Mixing Desk: Basic Functions
The Mixing Desk: Basic Functions
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.
Input Channels/Faders
PFL:
Output Selections:
Chose whether to send your signal to the main Stereo out, bus 1-2 or bus 3-4.
Fader:
On switch:
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:
Aux 1, pre:
This means that the control is independent from the Main fader, (pre fader) so its 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
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 dont have a low range as it clears out any excess channel noise or low hum.
Evens out any peaks in the signal. 1 is low 10 is high.
Compression:
Mic Input:
XLR input for the microphone or to connect a DI signal. Used for microphones with a jack output and any Instruments with jack outputs.
Line input:
Insert:
For use with external devices such as gates and effects units
Stereo Out Left and Right Rec Out, for recording a desk mix to an external device. Phones input, for listening on headphones
Monitor out Left and Right. This will be the same mix as FOH. 2TR in for CD players/MP3 players. Limited control on the desk for this.
Effects
Program selector To select the desired effect from the list seen at the bottom of the picture.
Parameter Control:
Controls the amount of effect produced To assign the desired level of effect to each aux (monitor mix).
Aux 1 and 2:
Controls the main FOH mix volume Controls the volume of your bussed tracks Volume control for monitor mix
Level Meter