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.
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