An audio mixer, also known as a mixing board or a soundboard, is used to control the levels of multiple inputs so you can balance the sounds correctly.When you record music or perform live, one instrument doesn't overpower the others.It is not hard to use a mixer once you know what the knobs do.When you connect your instruments or microphones, adjust the volume of each input until you find the right mix.
Step 1: The master volume and channel faders should be turned down completely.
The main volume control is on the bottom right side of the mixer.The volumes of individual inputs found along the bottom of the mixer are either knobs or sliders.If the controls are knobs, turn them clockwise.Pull the controls down as much as you can to lower the volume.If you don't turn the volume down on the mixer, you could cause loud feedback or damage the speakers.The main volume control has a different color than the other controls so you can tell them apart.
Step 2: Plug microphones into the channels.
The ends of the cables have pins inside a metal cylinder.The back side of the mixer has the XLR ports while the top edge has them.Plug the end of the cable into the microphone.The number above the port determines the input channel, which is a column on your mixer with knobs that controls that single input.You can buy the cables at a music supply store.The number of inputs depends on how many channels the mixer has.A mixer can have up to 8 inputs and 32 sources.
Step 3: Attach instruments to the line inputs.
The line inputs on your mixer are near the audio jacks.Plug the end of the audio cable into the instrument.Attach the other end of the audio cable to the line input if you choose a channel that doesn't have another cable attached to it.The number above the input tells you which channel is controlling the audio.It's not possible to plug an instrument into a line input on a channel that already has an XLR cable plugged into it.You can buy audio cables for instruments that are attached to a mixer.It will work for your audio.
Step 4: To use monitors, connect the mixer output to the audio interface.
You will get less feedback and noise from your inputs, and they look like headphone jacks on the end, because they are a balanced audio source.The master output ports can be found near the top of the mixer or on the side.Plug the cables into the ports labeled "L" and "R" on the back of the interface.You can get the audio interface and cables from a music store.You can play the audio from your mixer through an interface.
Step 5: Plug headphones into the mixer.
You can adjust the levels later on if you listen to your mixer through headphones.Plug your headphones into the mixer with a 6.35mm headphone jack.The cords for the headphones should not tangle around the knobs.If you do not want to use headphones, you don't need to.
Step 6: The power switch can be used to turn on your mixer.
The back of the mixer is where the power switch is located.Before flipping the switch to turn it on, make sure the volume and fader controls are turned down.As soon as the power is connected, a light will turn on.Aphantom is a switch that supplies electricity to microphones.Turn on the switch if you have a microphone that uses phantom power.
Step 7: The main volume needs to be turned to 0 dB.
The main volume control has numbers printed on the side so you can easily see its output level.The maximum setting is usually when the knob is turned so that it points at 0 dB.The sound will get distorted if it's loud.You will not be able to hear anything through speakers or headphones until the faders on each channel are turned down.
Step 8: You can hear all of the inputs clearly if you balance the channel faders.
You can start by turning the knob on one of the channels.You can hear the channels through your speakers or headphones if you keep turning up the faders.If you can hear each microphone or instrument in the mix, you should test the inputs at the same time.When you can hear each source of audio, raise or lower the levels.Since it could create interference and make the audio sound muffled, turn the fader more than 34 to the maximum volume.
Step 9: To adjust which frequencies come through, change the treble, mid, and bass.
Each channel on your mixer has a column of knobs that control the bass and treble levels.The bass knob adjusts the lowest and highest frequencies, while the treble knob controls the high frequencies.As you adjust the knobs, listen to the audio input on the channel to see how it changes the sound.If the microphone is attached to the channel, lower the bass and raise it to make it sound more prominent.If the channel has an instrument, adjust the knobs and play it to see how it affects the sound.It is not possible to have a perfect mix since it depends on the audio sources and the sound you are looking for.
Step 10: The gain knobs can be used to increase the volume of specific channels.
Slowly adjust the gain knob for the channel that you want to boost the audio for and test it compared to the rest of the instruments to see if you can clearly hear it.You don't need to raise the gain for everything.All of the audio sources will sound muffled if you do.
Step 11: Place the channel's audio in the left or right speaker by adjusting the pan knobs.
The pan knobs are located above the channel faders and control the balance between the left and right speakers.The audio will play through the left and right speakers if the knob points down the middle.If you want the audio to be more prominent from the left side, you can turn the knob left or right.The pan should be adjusted for each channel.The mix may sound flat if you leave all of your audio sources panned in the middle.If you want the input to come through one of the speakers but not the other, you can turn the knob away from the middle.
Step 12: You can turn off audio on a channel by pressing the "Mute" button.
When you click the button, the audio from all the other channels will go through the mixer while the selected channel is quiet.Press the "Mute" button if you want the audio to go through your mixer again.Pressing the audio will not cause the original input source to stop working, but you won't be able to hear it through the speakers or headphones attached to the mixer.If you want to, you can mute multiple tracks at the same time.
Step 13: Click the button on the channel to isolated it.
When you press the solo button, every other channel will stop playing so you can only hear the channel you selected.You can turn it off when you want to start the other inputs.A single channel on a mixer makes it easy to make adjustments to instruments or vocals.You can do it at the same time.
Step 14: The auxiliary channel can be used to send an audio signal.
When you need to send copies of audio to specific monitors, auxiliary channels work well.To use the labeled auxiliary port on your mixer, plug the monitor or effects rig into one of it's ports.To adjust the volume level of the input, turn the knob labeled "AUX" on the channel you want to send it to.The auxiliary knob should match the auxiliary channel you are plugged into.Multiple channels can be sent to an auxiliary channel.If you want to hear the drums and guitars in a monitor, you can use an auxiliary channel.