A mixing console is a necessary device for sound recording, concert sound reinforcement. Mixers can be analog and digital. Each of them has its own characteristics and advantages.
What is a mixing console
A mixing console (or mixer) is a device that is designed to sum several audio signals into one or more outputs. With the help of a mixing console, signals are routed.
This device is used in sound recording as well as in concert sound reinforcement. Mixers can be analog or digital. Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages. Also, these devices differ in the number of outputs. Professional mixers can have over 32 inputs. Inexpensive mixers have few channels.
DJs have slightly different mixers. There are certainly fewer input channels, and there is also a crossfader that allows for smooth input channel signals. The DJ mixer also has a special effects block.
Mixer structure
Each mixer has an input and output section. The input section has a certain number of stereo and mono input channels. Each channel consists of several blocks. This is a preamplifier that has adjustable sensitivity and allows you to set the operating signal level. At the input, most mixers have a phantom power supply, often needed for condenser microphones.
The multi-band equalizer allows you to adjust the frequency response of the signal. Professional remotes have up to six bands with semi-parametric adjustment. Also in the mixing console there is a block for routing the input signal to additional buses used for signal processing by the effects processor. The panning control is used to determine the position of the signal in the stereo sound picture. The signal volume fader determines the level in the channel balance.
Some of the mixers have what's called an insert point. This jack is both an input and an output that can be used to connect a device, such as a signal processing device.
The purpose of the mixing console
Today this device is used in many areas of sound reinforcement. A mixer is essential in recording studios, concerts, radio stations, etc. Mixing consoles with built-in amplifiers are great for small sound sets. Digital mixing consoles are more functional, can save all settings to presets, and are also more compact in size.