If you want to connect anything other than a microphone or an instrument, for example, a playback device, you should use the same input on your mixer that you’ve used for instruments and mics. And always put your mixer at unity gain before you turn it on. In which order you would connect your instrument to the mixer does not matter, but don’t forget to properly label everything so you wouldn’t forget what goes where. Mics and instrumentsĪll of the inputs for microphones and instruments are located on the top of your mixer’s front panel. A connection point for the stage monitors varies from mixer to mixer, but it is always very clearly labeled, so you wouldn’t have a problem finding it no matter what mixer you are using. Stage monitors are smaller speakers that are used on stage to let performers and musicians hear what they are doing, which would be otherwise impossible. Majority of mixers have XLR outputs for the main speakers, which means that you’ll need proper cables in order to connect them. You can find the outputs for the loudspeakers in the top right corner of your mixer. Usually, there are two with one on each side of the stage. Main loudspeakers are the primary speakers that you use to output the sound from the stage.
MIXING LIVE SOUND BASICS MANUAL
If you’re not yet familiar with the features and the layout of your mixer, it would be wise to read the manual first. The particular order in which you put everything together doesn’t really matter as long as you keep everything powered down while connecting. Now when everything is ready, it is time to connect each piece of equipment to your mixer. Otherwise, you’ll have to use extension power cables which are a lot less safe. Considering this, you may try to place your mixer closer to the wall opposite to the stage if there is an outlet. PowerĪll of the preparations mentioned above will be worth very little if you don’t have convenient and safe access to the power outlet.
If you have access to cable ramps, use them as much as possible. The same goes for the cables that run through the stage.
Try to lead them as close to the walls as possible, and where it could not be done, secure them with tape to avoid tripping. Once you’ve determined the perfect location for your mixer, you must think about laying your cables properly. Its location shouldn’t bother the audience but at the same time you should be able to have a clear picture of what’s going on on the stage and hear exactly what comes out of the PA system. Keeping exactly that idea in mind you should carefully choose the place where your mixer will be located during the gig. After all, our job as audio engineers is to give the audience the most joyful experience possible. And more importantly where exactly your gear wouldn’t get in the way of the concert. The first thing to do when you are given the opportunity to set up your gear is to look around the room and determine what goes where. To avoid those unnecessary steps first you should get yourself familiar with the room layout to make strategic decisions about cable management, power outlets and mixer location. Chances are you’re going to have to re-do everything from the ground up. Before plugging everything inĮvery time you venture into a new venue, don’t rush to plug everything in your mixer right away.
Main and secondary outputs usually are located in the back or on the top left corner of the mixer. On the top of a mixer you can find all of the inputs and under each input are located effect controls and faders that control the volume. Most mixers have a master section on its left side, which controls the main output and some master bus effects. However it may be there are a lot of very decent options that you can check out. If this is not the case, you may look for versatility and number of functions over the number of inputs. If you intend to accommodate very large venues that house orchestras you should look for the most number of inputs above else. What mixer to choose depends solely on your initial goals and budget.
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