Audio Mixers

From Jtvcommunity

An audio mixer is an electronic device that takes audio signals from different sound sources (computer, mp3 player, microphone, etc) and combines them into a single output signal. Depending on the mixer, it is possible to mix analog or digital signals.

Contents 1 Basic Layout 1.1 Connectors 1.2 Patchbay 1.3 Channel Strip 1.4 Master Section 2 Connecting the Cables 2.1 Without Skype 2.2 With Skype

Basic Layout

Connectors

First we will cover the most common types of connectors mixers use.

XLR

XLR connectors can be identified by the 3 pins on the male connector and the 3 holes on the female connector. XLR connectors are most commonly found on microphones.

TRS

TRS connectors are a very common audio connection. This is the type of connector that most headphones have on them. TRS come in both 1/4” and 1/8” versions.

RCA

Audio RCA connectors are identified by the single pin with a metal pin around it and color coded red and white. These connectors are very common in gaming systems, cameras and DVD players.

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Patchbay

The patchbay is where you connect the mixer to your audio sources and your broadcasting computer.

Mic Input

This is where you connect the cable from the microphone to the mixer. Most microphones use the XLR connector. Most microphone ports have an option to turn on a high pass filter. ‘’It is recommended to turn this option on if you are using the channel for voice.’’

Line Inputs

Line inputs are the most common way of connecting audio sources, other than the microphone to the mixer. Most mixers use ¼” TRS connectors and there are adaptors available to convert 1/8” connectors to ¼”.

Gain knob

On some channels of the mixer there is a knob to control the gain. This knob adjusts the signal level before it goes to the main parts of the channel. If the microphone is not picking up your voice as well try turning this up. ‘’Do not turn this to increase the volume of the channel.’’

Headphone Port

This is where you plug in your headphones to monitor the output signal.

Aux Send

This port sends a signal that is separate from the MAIN OUT port. This port is very useful when trying to broadcast a Skype call.

Aux Return

If you are using an external effects processor, this is where you feed the signal back into the mixer. This port can also be used as an extra line input.

2 Track

Use this port to connect any device that uses a RCA connectors that have their own volume control. ‘’Keep in mind that there is no way to control the volume of the 2 Track channel on the mixer, whatever device is hooked here MUST have it’s own volume control’’

Main Out

This is where the output signal comes out. Connect the port to the LINE IN on the broadcasting computer’s sound card.

Control Room Out

This port sends out the same signal that is heard through the headphone port. More than likely for broadcasting purposes you won’t be using this port.

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Channel Strip

The channel strip is where you can modify the incoming signal and route to different ports.

EQ

The EQ section allows you to modify what frequencies in the signal you want to amplify or cut. Depending on the mixer the amount of knobs will vary.

AUX

These knobs will allow you to control how much signal gets sent to the AUX ports in the patchbay.

PAN

Also known as BAL on some mixers, this knob controls where you want the signal in the stereo spectrum. For example, turning the knob all the way to the left will allow the signal to be heard only in the left stereo channel.

Peak LED

This LED will let you know if the channel is clipping. If this light is going off, turn down the gain to prevent clipping.

Level Control

This knob or slider will control the volume of the channel.

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Master Section

This is essentially the “heart” of the mixer. This is the part where all the signals are mixed together and sent out of the mixer.

Indicators

Power: When this is lit the mixer is on.

Phantom Power: When this indicator is on it means phantom power is on.

LED Meters: This shows you the signal level of the main out. Try to keep the lights from going into the red as that will cause clipping in the overall output signal.

Aux Knobs

These knobs control how much of the aux signals are mixed into the main mix.

2 TK Buttons

These buttons control if the 2 TK input signal will be routed to the main mix or control room.

Volume Knobs

Main Mix: Controls the Volume of the combined signals to the Main Out ports.

Control Room: Controls the Volume of the combined signals to the headphone/control room ports.

Connecting the Cables

Without Skype

1. Connect all your audio input devices (mp3 players, computer, etc) to the patchbay.
2. Connect the microphone via XLR or TRS to the patchbay.
3. Connect the MAIN OUT to the LINE IN of the broadcasting computer.cc

With Skype

Broadcasting with Skype requires another computer or another soundcard on the broadcasting computer.

1. Connect all your audio input devices (mp3 players, computer, etc) to the patchbay.
2. Connect the microphone via XLR or TRS to the patchbay.
3. Connect the MAIN OUT to the LINE IN of the broadcasting computer.
4. Connect the AUX Send to the Second Soundcard/computer’s LINE IN.
5. Make sure the broadcasting computer has the audio input set to receive the LINE IN port.
6. In Skype settings make sure the microphone is set to the LINE IN that has the AUX Send connected to it.