Using a Mixer: The Basics

To teach new members about the absolute basics of how to use a mixer To ensure that all new members have basic knowledge on AV. The mixer, with all its knobs and controls may seem overwhelming But its really quite simple!

A mixer, or meshes an array of inputs into a few controllable outputs (hence the name, MIXer). Will have at least a volume control on the output. Many have a variety of controls on each channel, from gains or trims to EQ and aux'es and PFL's and more. (Dont worry, I will go through all of these)

The Auditorium mixer, a Mackie Onyx 4880.

Master Section

Fader Section (48 channel strips)

It is made out of 3 general parts:

Fader, mutes (MOST IMPORTANT) C Pan, Auxes - B EQ , Gain, Phantom power- A
B A
Note: This is an approximation to the auditorium mixer. It is a photo of an Onyx 2440.

Fader- Controls Volume.

0/U - No change in volume + - Adds extra volume (amplifies volume) - - Reduces volume
- -Volume is completely reduced, (no sound for that channel)

This is the Mute Button. It Mutes the channel. These Buttons assign the channel to the respective master fader
Make sure that the Main Mix button is pushed down at all times

Solo Button-also known as PFL, Cue, AFL.

Enables you to hear sound coming out of the monitor speakers in the CR

Pan knob
Left- All sound coming from left, none from right. Right- Vice Versa.

AUX outs- Enable sound to be sent to secondary speakers eg. Subwoofers, Stage Monitors etc.

Phantom Power- sends a power current through the mic cables.

Used for Condenser mics.

Gain- Increases the sensitivity of the mic EQ

It is this which allows the frequency of the persons voice to change Can make a guy sound uber high- pitched and a girl sound like a guy

Important:
Stereo Channel Faders (PC, CD1) Mutes L-R Stereo Masters Cue output control
Rest can be generally ignored.

These faders are generally similar to the normal (mono) channel faders, but they are stereo (L-R) instead of Mono They are usually used for CD inputs and inputs from the PC. Their operation generally works similar to the standard channel faders
Note: Their faders are shorter (short-throw), so when pushing them up, exercise some caution.

These Series of Faders Control the output of all the channels to the speakers Generally, Groups 1,2,8 and the Main Mix Faders should be at the 0 level.

There are 4 mute groups on each channel strip, from M1 to M4. These buttons enable you to mute all those channels which have the mute groups at one go. Try not to use them. Use the individual controls on the channel whenever possible.

Button 2nd from the top is marked main to mon/phones. It cues the entire output from the Main mix faders The dial marked monitor (2nd dial) is the cue volume control.