Sound projection Flashcards
INPUT channels
Handle Microphone/line level signals and also process them to some degree, with EQ and often other forms of processing.
INPUT channels routing
Routes the signals to FOLDBACK via the auxiliary system, and the GROUP OUTPUTS via the GROUP system. Routes to the recorder directly using DIRECT OUTS. Routes signals to the stereo mix.
MONITOR INPUT channels
used for monitoring audio and processing/routing sounds that have been recorded. Monitor inputs never have mic amp circuits as they’re post-input channels.
Stereo mix
The main feed out of the desk. Sent to both the stereo recorder, and the control room amplifier. [Can usually be addressed by INPUTS, MONITORS and GROUPS.]
Split Console Design
Physically separates the INPUTS (left) from the GROUPS and MONITORS (right)
Inline Console Design
To save space, monitor and group functions are embedded within the INPUT channel and therefore share its processing. Twice as many INPUTS and typically as many MONITORS as there are INPUTS.
Hybrid Design
A fusion of the split and inline design; Monitors are embedded like an Inline design, Groups are separate like a Split design.
Mixing desk basic functions
- Routing/processing monitor inputs as they are played back.
- Blending and processing all of the sound sources necessary to achieve a complete mix
Amplifying and processing Microphone and
Line level inputs.
Microphone inputs have different electrical requirements to line inputs. Occasionally condenser Microphones require 48v Phantom Power. Processing always includes a level fader, panning control and a destination selection. Almost all have EQ and occasionally Compression/Gating.
Routing inputs to a variety of outputs
The Auxiliary Output and Group Output systems handle channel routing. Typically for a large scale desk there is 4 auxiliaries and 8 groups.
The Auxiliary System
Used to route playback signals to musicians headphones or loudspeakers. Also used to route effect system signals, such as Reverb.
The Auxiliary System faders
PRE FADE mode = moving channel fader has no effect on the level sent to the auxiliary.
POST FADE mode = moving the fader OR the send level to the auxiliary will change the level sent.
The Grouping System
allows you to control multiple channels/tracks together as a single unit. This is useful when you want to apply the same processing, or to pan/change volume.
Routing and processing recorded signals
- Recorded signals are sent to the monitor channels.
- Monitor channels have less processing/routing capabilities than INPUT CHANNELS, but they do have the ability to change levels, via a knob/fader.
completing a mix
At this point, INPUT CHANNELS are used to process recorded sounds. Monitor channels are used as a spare alternative to the input channels.
