Designations Inputs Outputs Signal processing Mixing Consoles Designations Inputs Outputs Signal processing

Sound Control Mixer - Heart of the Audio System Mixer - Heart of the Sound system Sound Board, Audio Console, Mixing desk Main tool of the operator (Board Operator) Basic Purpose - Controls What is it - Selects audio signals from various sources Devices are connected to input channels Microphones Output channels of CD players, MD players, DAT players, computers How Loud will it be - Controls signal level (volume) Where is it going - Sends audio to various locations Devices are connected to outputs Power amplifiers Input channels of MD players, DAT players, Computers

Cue Control Audio System – Sources, Control, Destinations Equipment System is the Primary Tool of Modern Theatre Sound Design: Block Diagram - Foreigner Setup 1 - 2 L/R Mono 3 Group/ Outs Mixer Amp Upstage L/R Cluster Radio Record Player MD 1 MD 2 Cass Computer 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 Input Channels

Input Buss This is the section where audio signals from microphones and/or playback equipment enters the mixer This is the area where impedance matching and Balanced / Un-balanced lines must be carefully watched The input buss typically starts at the rear of the console with either XLR or ¼” RTS connectors

Input Buss

Input Buss Rear view of Allen & Heath QU-32

Input Buss Pre-amplifier Pre-amp, trim, trim pot, gain Used to bring a microphone level signal up to line level for easy manipulation within the mixer Also used to adjust the line level inputs from other sources Pad or Attenuator A switch which will lower an inputs level by a set amount Usually used in an input device is too “hot” or much too high a level

Close up of Pre-amp section Input channel # Pad / low end roll off Gain adjust

Equalization section Onboard equalization control will vary greatly Simple “tone” control Simply varies the balance between high and low frequencies Treble and Base Boost or attenuate high frequencies (treble) or low frequencies (base) Only adjusts a preset range of frequencies Hi – Mid – Lo A fancier version of treble and base control 5 band EQ Able to boost of attenuate 5 different ranges of frequencies Parametric EQ Able to select which frequency range to control and then boost or cut it

Equalization section Low Low-Mid High-Mid High

Vocal EQ Cheat Sheet