1. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 1 Fundamentals of Audio Production Chapter Five: Mixing Consoles

2. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 2 Three Functions of the Mixing Console AmplifyAmplify MixMix Route or DirectRoute or Direct

3. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 3 Amplification The “gain stage” is the first stage in the console.The “gain stage” is the first stage in the console. Setting proper gain is critical for clear audio.Setting proper gain is critical for clear audio. –Gain settings too low result in noise –Gain settings too high result in distortion Click to hear distortion from high gain Click to hear distortion from high gain Click to hear noise from low gain Click to hear noise from low gain

4. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 4 Gain Setting If gain is too low, turning up output levels will also increase the level of the inherent noise, as in the top illustration.If gain is too low, turning up output levels will also increase the level of the inherent noise, as in the top illustration. Proper gain settings maximize signal to noise ratio, as in the bottom illustration.Proper gain settings maximize signal to noise ratio, as in the bottom illustration.

5. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 5 Clipping Setting gain too high may result in “clipping.”Setting gain too high may result in “clipping.” The signal’s wave form becomes clipped when it exceeds the circuit’s capacity.The signal’s wave form becomes clipped when it exceeds the circuit’s capacity. Clipping causes the wave to become “square” and distorted.Clipping causes the wave to become “square” and distorted.

6. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 6 Gain Setting Many recording and live sound consoles provide “clip indicators” to assist in proper gain-settingMany recording and live sound consoles provide “clip indicators” to assist in proper gain-setting When the “peak” indicator illuminates, distortion will result.When the “peak” indicator illuminates, distortion will result.

7. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 7 Mixing Adjusting the relative levels of the audio signals leaving the mixer.Adjusting the relative levels of the audio signals leaving the mixer. Mixing is accomplished using the console’s faders or potentiometers.Mixing is accomplished using the console’s faders or potentiometers. In most consoles, the potentiometers only cut or reduce levels.In most consoles, the potentiometers only cut or reduce levels. –Faders full up = no cut –Faders completely down = full cut

8. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 8 Potentiometers Most simple potentiometers use resistance to reduce levels.Most simple potentiometers use resistance to reduce levels. As the wiper is moved further from the input, the output level is reduced.As the wiper is moved further from the input, the output level is reduced.

9. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 9 Mixers Linear faders

10. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 10 Mixers Rotary Potentiometers

11. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 11 Mixing is aided by meters

12. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 12 Meters Calibration All devices in the recording chain must be calibrated to assure proper levels.All devices in the recording chain must be calibrated to assure proper levels. Using a steady tone, the console meter is set to 100% modulation or “0 VU.”Using a steady tone, the console meter is set to 100% modulation or “0 VU.” Then all device inputs are adjusted so their meters match.Then all device inputs are adjusted so their meters match.

13. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 13 Meters Calibration When all devices are calibrated, then maintaining proper meter levels on the console will assure that other devices are not over-driven.

14. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 14 Routing or Directing Sending the signal to a variety of destinations.Sending the signal to a variety of destinations. Signals are transported via “buses.”Signals are transported via “buses.” Buses are simply wires or paths for the signal to travel.Buses are simply wires or paths for the signal to travel.

15. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 15 Routing or Directing Typical console outputsTypical console outputs –Main or stereo bus –Subgroups –Monitor or foldback send to headphones –Effects sends to outboard effects devices –Auxiliary sends –Cue sends to headphones or cue speakers Different manufacturers use different termsDifferent manufacturers use different terms

16. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 16 Routing or Directing Stereo Master Fader

17. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 17 Routing or Directing Subgroup Faders

18. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 18 Routing or Directing Signals may be routed to outboard devices either “pre fader” or “post fader.”Signals may be routed to outboard devices either “pre fader” or “post fader.”

19. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 19 Routing or Directing The pan control routes the signal to the left and right stereo channels.The pan control routes the signal to the left and right stereo channels.

20. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 20 The Mixing Console Connections

21. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 21 The Mixing Console Connections

22. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 22 Mixers

23. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 23 Mixers

24. Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5 24 Mixers