How to Use a Studio Mixer

Mixers can be an intimidating array of knobs and buttons to a novice.

An audio mixer is the brains of the operation in a recording studio. It maintains ultimate control over the sound level of all the microphones as well as frequency adjustments and some effects. Some audio producers spend hours getting the perfect settings for a recording session and will continuously tweak it as the session goes on. Using a mixer on a basic level--getting it to hook up to the microphones, electronic instruments and into the computer--is easy. Mastering it, however, takes much time and practice.

Instructions

1. Plug the mixer into its A/C power source and turn it on. The "on" switch is normally on the back of the mixer. An indication light on the mixer should turn on when the mixer is powered.

2. Connect the audio input devices into the mixer. Microphones will have an XLR plug that should fit into the mixer. Be aware that some microphones require an outside power source (known as phantom power) to work correctly. Some mixers can provide their own phantom power and will have a button on the channel to indicate this option.

3. Connect the audio output of the mixer to the audio interface. This is the electronic equipment that will connect to the computer either through a firewire or USB line.

4. Slide up the faders (sliding knobs on the mixer) to begin running currents through the mic. Speak into the mic and listen through the computer (or studio monitor speakers) to hear the current mic settings.

5. Adjust the EQ, or equalization, knobs to alter the sound input from the microphones or instruments. Basically, EQ knobs isolate different frequencies from the audio input to change the way it sounds. High and low frequencies can be accentuated with the EQ knobs, which creates a unique sound, and can be set to whatever the audio engineer desires. There are no "right" EQ settings; they should be adjusted constantly until the recorded sound is to the specifications of the engineer and recording artists.

References

• Podcasting News: Setting up a home studio
• Media College: Sound Mixers