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Often times when a novice first looks at a sound sytem they can be intimidated by the sea of knobs and controls they see. Overcoming this intimidation is as simple as understanding that many of the controls are repetitive and that there are just a few that perform different functions.
Gain - Adjusts the input sensitivity before it enters the mixer
High - Adjusts the treble frequencies (tones)
Mid - Adjusts the mid frequencies (tones)
Freq - Shifts the range of pitch that the mid knob controls
Low - Boosts or cuts bass
Aux1 - Monitor level control
Aux2 - Effects level control
Main - Level control for that channel
On a large mixer this would be a generic example of one channel out of a possible 8, 12, 16, or 24 channels. Each channel looking just like the other.
As the sound flows into the mixer, the first stage that it travels through is the gain control. The gain function allows the signal input to be increased or decreased. If there is a strong signal coming into the mixer, it can overload the capability of the components and cause the channel to clip and distort. (A comparable analogy would be like hooking a garden hose to a fire hydrant. The result would be more input than the garden hose could handle.) Reducing the gain control cuts the input signal to a level which the components can control. Today, many mixers are equipped with lights to indicate if the gain is set to high. This is called a clip indicator.
NOTE: Many inexperienced sound operators are often tempted to use the gain control as a volume control. DO NOT use the gain control as a volume control. It exponentially affects everything that follows it in the signal path.
The main reason the gain control exists is to allow the sound man to balance differing input levels so they will be fairly equal on the mixer with maximum headroom. Some microphones have a much higher output than others. The gain allows them to be equal on the mixer controls.
Next, in the line of controls, is the equalization section. Starting with the knob labeled high or treble. The high/treble control boosts or cuts the high frequencies. These high frequencies affect the brightness or clarity of a tone. Crisp syllables and words with the letters s, k, ch, and t are a few that are affected. The mid tone control is next. The mid frequencies are the ones that fall in between the high and low frequencies. The bulk of vocal speech is in this range. The human ear seems to hear these frequencies best. Often, reducing these tones will be more pleasing to many listeners. Reducing them too much can leave a hollow empty sound.
The low or bass control is the foundation of the sound. This is where the real meat or punch comes from. Bass is something that can be felt as well as heard. It adds excitement to your tone if used in the right proportions.
Using the tone/equalization section of the mixer is where the engineer seasons the sound, as a master chef seasons a culinary masterpiece, making the sound pleasing to the ear.
The auxiliary sends can be used for monitors or auxiliary effect devices. Depending on the mixer, the auxiliary sends can be pre or post fader. They tap into the signal flow and route the signal out of the auxiliary master allowing a separate mix from the front of house signal. Pre-fader means this control is totally separate from the individual fader control. Post-fader means it comes after the channel fader making it subordinate to the front of house (FOH) fader control.
The final stage is the fader that controls the volume. This fader, when set at unity gain, allows you to increase or decrease the sound of the individual channel maintaining the same tone relationships just louder and softer.
NOW, you can mix sound.
There is much more to know, but maybe this will help you start your journey into the world of sound! Be sure to check out our upcoming videos for more details information!
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