An Introduction to the Mixing Console

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An Introduction to the Mixing Console

stuart.jones3@southwales.ac.uk

www.stuartjones.org

Basic Principles

Agenda

1. Introduction

2. Basic Principles

3. Signal Flow

Introduction

? + =Obviously without knowledge of the mixing console..........

Introduction

We are going to run into problems

Introduction

Basic Principles

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

Basic PrinciplesStudio Layout

Live RoomMonitors

Headphones

Microphones

D.I. Boxes

Tie Lines

Control Room

Monitors

Tie Lines

Mixing Console Outboard

Recording

Two Track

Mixing Console Connections

Mic Inputs

Line Inputs

Tape Sends or Group Outputs

Tape Returns or Monitor Inputs

Microphones

Keyboards and other line level sources

Multitrack Recording

Headphone Amp

Effects

Dynamic Processing

Power Amplifier

Pre fade Auxiliary Output

Post Fade Auxiliary Sends

Stereo Auxiliary Returns

Insert Returns

Insert Sends

Monitor Outputs

2 Track Returns

Monitor Outputs

The Mixing Console has 3 sections:

• Input Section – Mic/Line Input

• Monitor Section – Recorded Input

• Master Section – Main Control

Basic Principles

There are two basic studio mixing desk configurations:

1.Split Consoles - The input path (channel path) is separate from the monitor path (tape return

path).

2.In Line Consoles - The input path and the monitor path are both included on the same physical

strip.

Basic Principles

Basic PrinciplesSplit Consoles

Input Section Monitor SectionMaster Section

Multitrack Recorder

In Out

{

{{Mic/Line Input

Basic PrinciplesIn Line Consoles

Channel Fader

Master Section

Tape Return Path

Multitrack Recorder

In Out

Input Section

{Mic/Line Input

Input Section

{Mic/Line Input

Basic PrinciplesIn Line Consoles

Multitrack Recorder

Mic Line

Gain

In Out

Mixing Desk Channel Strip

Channel Path

Monitor Path

Channel path and monitor

path are on the same

physical channel strip

Often, a mixing console will take it’s name from it’s configuration. For example:

12:2

Inputs Outputs

The format becomes a little more involved when it comes to dedicated recording mixers. For example:

32 : 8 : 32 : 2

Inputs Groups

Monitor Channels

Outputs

Functional DescriptionBasic Principles

Audient ASP8024

Inputs

Routing to tape

Basic Principles

Signal Flow

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

Input

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

Routing

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

Bus

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

Group or Tape Sends

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

Tape

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

Monitor

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

L -R

1 -2

Signal FlowMic Line

Gain

EQ

Aux

Routing

Pan

Solo Mute

Amp

Speakers

Left Bus

Right Bus

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

1 2Ins

1 2Outs

1 2Monitors

1 2Group Faders

Bus 1

Bus 2

Audient StudioBasic Signal Flow and Foldback Set Up

Mic Line

Gain

Routing

Mix

Amp

Speakers

L-R Master Faders

Multitrack Recorder

Ins Outs

Short Fader

1-24

Long Fader

1. Input - Signals from live room will always be a mic input. Does the

microphone need phantom power? If so, cut channel before turning on

phantom power. Adjust gain accordingly.

2. Routing - Where do you want the signal to go? It is advisable to work

in line (e.g. route channel 1 on desk to channel 1 on recording device).

3. Short Fader - This sends a level to your recording device. Set to 0dB

on desk. Do not put this fader into the mix.

4. Input Monitor - Engage recording track on your recording device. You

should now see your signal metering.

5. Long Fader - Put this into the mix. Check signal to noise ratio.

6. Master Section - Adjust the master faders and main monitor volume

accordingly.

Aux A

Foldback Aux AMaster Foldback A

L R

Aux A

Master Section Patchbay

L R

Foldback A

41 42

Live Room Returns

Signal FlowSummary

InputRouting

BusGroup or Tape Sends

TapeMonitor

An Introduction to the Mixing Console

© stuart jones, 2013

stuart.jones3@southwales.ac.uk

www.stuartjones.org

Basic Principles

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