SAEDNEWS: Mixers can be thought of as the heart of PA systems and recording studios. These devices give you the power to easily shape and achieve the sound you want. In this mixer buying guide, we’ll walk you through the key points to consider when choosing a mixer, helping you make an outstanding choice.
With mixers, you can easily record various sounds or route them to audio playback systems, allowing you to achieve outstanding sound quality. However, with so many mixers available worldwide, buying the right one requires comprehensive knowledge about these devices.
Mixers designed for live performances or studio recording are devices that allow you to achieve your desired sound. They enable you to record multiple elements and mix them using your monitoring system. The main difference between studio mixers and live performance mixers lies in the number of inputs and outputs.
When purchasing a mixer for live performances, you must consider the number of outputs needed to route your recorded sounds to a PA system, ensuring the audio fills the entire venue or stage.
Conversely, a studio mixer requires multiple inputs to record different instruments simultaneously and use them for producing music tracks.
In recent years, manufacturers have significantly blurred the line between studio mixers and live performance mixers. To purchase an excellent mixer, it is essential to understand its main components.
Generally, the more channels a mixer has, the more elements you can record simultaneously. Channels can be stereo or mono. You can connect microphones or instruments to these channels and use the built-in preamps to achieve your desired sound. Mixers also feature faders to adjust the volume of each element and produce a perfect mix. Each channel usually includes an equalizer, a send, and a pan control, providing precise control over your sound.
Mixers transfer audio signals from channels to buses. The main output is called the Master Bus Channel, allowing you to mix all elements together. Each bus also has a dedicated fader for volume control, enabling batch adjustments. You can send buses to other channels or buses, either pre-fader or post-fader, and use them for recording a headphone mix for musicians. Many mixers also include effect buses, letting you send various elements to built-in effects for unique sound processing.
Some large mixers allow channel grouping, a practical way to manage multiple channels. Simply assign channel outputs to a bus that feeds the group fader.
Certain mixers offer mute groups, letting you assign a single control to silence or activate multiple channels simultaneously.
While aux sends are ideal for applying effects like reverb or delay to multiple channels, channel inserts are perfect for connecting external processors such as compressors or equalizers to individual channels.
Mixers with built-in effects allow you to select effect types and adjust parameters. Common effects include reverb and compression, with the variety and complexity depending on the mixer’s class and manufacturer.
Mixers come in various types, catering to different needs and budgets. They are generally classified as analog, digital, line, and powered mixers.
Analog mixers use high-quality analog circuits for components like compressors, equalizers, and preamps. This design provides warm, natural sound and allows intuitive adjustments to achieve outstanding audio.
Digital mixers rely on digital circuits after the preamp section, using high-performance AD/DA converters to produce sound. Many include DSP chips for low-latency processing, making them ideal for live sound engineering. Although powerful, digital mixers can be more complex to learn than analog ones.
Line mixers are user-friendly and resemble analog mixers, delivering similar sound quality. Each channel has a dedicated control knob, letting you mix multiple elements into a single output efficiently. High-quality versions, known as Summing Mixers, are often used by engineers to prepare files for mastering.
Powered mixers combine a mixer and power amplifier in one unit, ideal for portable PA systems. They can connect to compatible speakers to create an efficient, all-in-one sound system.
Many modern devices can replicate some mixer functions via tablets or smartphones, but for professional musicians, studio owners, or home recording enthusiasts, nothing replaces the tactile control of a physical mixer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting the right mixer:
Before thinking about functionality, assess your financial capacity. Set a spending limit to filter out high-priced models.
Decide whether you primarily need the mixer for recording or live performance. If both are important, choose a mixer with strong capabilities in each area. For recording, ensure the mixer can amplify microphones effectively and connect to external processors. For live sound, confirm compatibility with your PA system and sufficient input/output options.
Identify how many microphones you plan to connect. Ensure the mixer provides enough outputs and phantom power for condenser microphones. Stereo channels may be necessary for keyboards, and enough inputs/outputs are required for instruments like guitars.
Select a mixer that allows flexible routing for monitors, headphones, external effects, and other devices, giving you precise signal control.
Recording requires precise sound shaping. Look for mixers with versatile equalizers to adjust live or recorded audio accurately.
If you rely on external processors like pedal effects or microphone amplifiers, internal effects may be less important. However, built-in effects and processing are convenient for mobile setups or live performances.
Some leading mixer brands include Dynacord, Allen & Heath, Yamaha, Montarbo, and Mackie. Knowing the top manufacturers can guide you toward high-quality, reliable options.
If you feel overwhelmed by the variety of analog and digital mixers, experts at Digisound can help you find a mixer that fits your needs and budget.
