subject: Choosing The Right Sound Mixing Board [print this page] In order to produce quality stage sound, you must have the right audio mixing board. There are several different models available from some of the most popular brands in the industry. These are known for producing great sound and they provide audio engineers with a wide range of useful features.
You must have a clear idea of where you will use the equipment most before you buy it. Some engineers mostly work with small worship services, clubs or other intimate venues so their needs are different from professionals who frequent larger venues. If you work in several different environments, it will be best to get a system that can be adapted to meet your needs for both live and studio recording.
Live music is the most difficult to work with, since several signals must be combined and processed to create what the audience hears. When you are choosing your gear, you must look for a model that offers good performance in general situations and can minimise time delays in huge spaces.
Several brands allow you to easily optimise your front of house mix whether you are in the front of the room or the back. This is often made possible by linking a wireless iPad to the mixer, so you can control it from anywhere. You can also set the ideal stage sound while you are right beside the performers. If the band can clearly hear what they are playing, it will increase the quality of their delivery.
A good digital mixer will allow users to edit audio and add special effects to it. The type of built in effects that a machine has is important. Popular effects like Fade, Spin and Gargle must be available. If you want to get really creative by mixing the sound of a dig braking with a pressure cooker, the product you select should allow you to do that.
You can control a broad array of functions with equipment of the highest quality. For example, you can set output levels on monitors and headphones. The number of microphone inputs is always a factor when engineers are selecting this type of machinery. The best are sold with varying numbers of direct outs so you have more control over the sound that is produced. Good mixers also have several auxiliary sends which allow monitor mixes to be sent directly to musicians on stage.
If you have an existing control surface, some brands will allow users to broaden the fader count associated with the plane. Real faders give you top notch feedback. When these can be reassigned as you wish, you can set the inputs and returns so that they are exactly where you want them to be.
Some sound mixing boards can be used to control a network of consoles. They also come with a security feature that prevents unauthorised users from accessing important functions. Quite a few house labels have EQ settings that give them a unique sound. You can lock out guest engineers while allowing other members of your team to use house EQ and other features freely.
