digital audio mixer

How To Select A Digital Audio Mixer

A digital audio mixer is integral to the work of any music producer. It is the device used for balancing, positioning and equalizing different audio channels. In a digital sound mixer, you can add effects to some channels, route others to outboard gear, add some instruments to a location in the stereo field and do many other things. Those who know how to use the device can greatly improve the quality of music comprised of multiple tracks.

Considerations to Make When Buying a Digital Audio Console

There are hundreds of mixer types on the market, and this is a blessing as well as a problem. It is a blessing in that you have a variety of devices from which to choose your audio digital mixer. The problem is that it is extremely difficult to make a choice, especially if you are a novice in the industry. However, there are a few parameters you can use to create a checklist to use for the selection.

One of the parameters you need to consider is the input lines. This includes the microphone, line in and instrument ins.  You ought to know how many you will need, keeping in mind that in future you may want to expand your mixer. Some of the inputs you should be keen on include keyboard, bass amplifiers, guitar and DJ stations just like a Yamaha Audio Mixer has.

The other thing you should consider in your evaluation of digital audio mixing console is how you are going to set up your mixing board and also your equalizer. Some devices only feature the low/ high frequency adjustment, which all of these devices have anyway. If you are interested in multi-band equalizers on all channels, there are devices with that configuration. It might be wise to get a high quality device even if you do not plan to use all the settings from the word go, since with time you will need them.

Make sure you check if it has outboard or onboard effects

You should check the digital audio board to determine whether it features outboard or onboard effects. If you are building a new gig from scratch and you have already set up your mixing board, you may need built-in effects. However, chances are high that you just want a new mixer to insert into your current gig. If that is the case, you can use the existing outboard effects on your gig. One advantage of an onboard effect is that it reduces the number of devices you travel with considerably.

The number of buses on your chosen audio console is also important. The actual number you need depends on how you plan to handle your signal routing. For example, you may need an 8-bus mixer to handle different monitoring demands of your band members. You should also know that the number of speakers and amplifiers you intend to use should determine the output configuration you choose.

The monitor output of your digital audio board is the most important factor in determining the nature of your monitoring environment. You can even decide to purchase a digital audio mixing console without the monitor output if you are convinced you do not need it. Varieties are available, however, and you can even opt for a separate monitor mixer onstage.

This might interest you: Reasons To Buy A Mackie 402-vlz3 Sound Mixer.

Operation of a Digital Sound Mixer Console

In most cases, an audio console accepts both analog and digital input sources. The analog signal is then changed to digital before any outputting is done. These devices are used together with software applications to coordinate the action of the mixer part and the soundcard. As a first time user, you should look for a device with a great and user-friendly graphic interface. Most people first learn how to separate the different vocal ranges, bass, drums and others.

Another advantage of an audio digital mixer is that it has superior logic and memory capabilities, two things analog consoles lack. Thus, in a digital device, it is possible to set configurations and save for another engineer to launch at another time. Thus, this is necessary have tool for sound engineers.

These devices are normally used for recording music, in mixing different audio signals for performing artists live on stage and for film and television productions. In short, they are needed in all places that require the production of clear and rich sounds. The basic operation of this device is not difficult, and one can learn it in a short period. However, if you wish to become an expert at sound engineering, you will need an in-depth study of audio console.

Most sound engineering novices think that it is complicated to use a digital audio mixer. However, after a few lessons these misconceptions can be eroded. This is so because the channels are the same, and once you master how one channel works you can use the knowledge to operate the other channels.  Therefore, even a two-channel mixing board is roughly the same as a 48-channel board, in terms of operation. A word of warning though: you should keep your device away from liquids and smoke if you wish to use it for many years without major glitches.