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How to Run an Automated Mixing Board

Recording engineers and music producers use mixing boards in a variety of situations. Mixing boards allow incoming audio signals to be routed to many different output devices. Mixers also include volume, equalization and panning controls that can significantly alter how sounds are heard by the audience. Automated mixers include controls for recording changes to knobs and sliders on the mixing console that later can be duplicated without physical manipulation by the audio engineer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set the initial balance of the audio mix using the volume sliders assigned to each audio channel. Use the master volume slider to control the total volume output of the production. Use the graphic displays next to the volume sliders to ensure that the mix is not exceeding the volume limit. Red lights typically indicate dangerous volume levels.

    • 2

      Adjust the sonic characteristics of the incoming signals using the equalizer functions on the board. Users can augment or diminish audio in the high-, middle-, and low-frequency ranges of the sonic spectrum for each incoming signal. The equalization knobs for an audio channel typically are located directly above the channel's volume slider.

    • 3

      Change the location of the signal within the stereo field using the pan knobs assigned to each audio channel. Audio signals can be allocated to the right, left and center areas of the stereo field.

    • 4

      Take note of any volume changes, equalization and pan settings during the course of an individual song or musical number. Use the visual display panel and keyboard built into the automated mixer to record the position of individual sliders and knobs at key moments in the production. These positions are processed by the mixer and replicated during the actual performance. The documentation provided with the mixer includes additional information on the specific steps required for the product.

Live Music

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