fundamentals of audio production. chapter 5 1 fundamentals of audio production chapter five: mixing...

Fundamentals of Audio Production. Chapter 5

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Fundamentals of Audio Fundamentals of Audio ProductionProduction

Chapter Five:Chapter Five:

Mixing ConsolesMixing Consoles


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Three Functions of the Three Functions of the Mixing ConsoleMixing Console

• AmplifyAmplify

• MixMix

• Route or DirectRoute or Direct


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AmplificationAmplification

• The “gain stage” is the first stage in the The “gain stage” is the first stage in the console.console.

• Setting proper gain is Setting proper gain is criticalcritical for clear for clear audio.audio.– Gain settings too low result in noiseGain settings too low result in noise– Gain settings too high result in distortionGain settings too high result in distortion

Click to hear distortion from high gainClick to hear distortion from high gain

Click to hear noise from low gain Click to hear noise from low gain


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Gain SettingGain Setting

• If gain is too low, turning If gain is too low, turning up output levels will also up output levels will also increase the level of the increase the level of the inherent noise, as in the inherent noise, as in the top illustration.top illustration.

• Proper gain settings Proper gain settings maximize signal to noise maximize signal to noise ratio, as in the bottom ratio, as in the bottom illustration.illustration.


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ClippingClipping

• Setting gain too high Setting gain too high may result in may result in “clipping.”“clipping.”

• The signal’s wave The signal’s wave form becomes clipped form becomes clipped when it exceeds the when it exceeds the circuit’s capacity.circuit’s capacity.

• Clipping causes the Clipping causes the wave to become wave to become “square” and “square” and distorted.distorted.


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Gain Setting Gain Setting

• Many recording and live Many recording and live sound consoles provide “clip sound consoles provide “clip indicators” to assist in proper indicators” to assist in proper gain-settinggain-setting

• When the “peak” indicator When the “peak” indicator illuminates, distortion will illuminates, distortion will result.result.


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MixingMixing

• Adjusting the relative levels of the audio Adjusting the relative levels of the audio signals leaving the mixer.signals leaving the mixer.

• Mixing is accomplished using the Mixing is accomplished using the console’s faders or potentiometers.console’s faders or potentiometers.

• In most consoles, the potentiometers only In most consoles, the potentiometers only cutcut or reduce levels. or reduce levels.– Faders full up = no cutFaders full up = no cut– Faders completely down = full cutFaders completely down = full cut


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PotentiometersPotentiometers• Most simple Most simple

potentiometers use potentiometers use resistance to resistance to reduce levels.reduce levels.

• As the wiper is As the wiper is moved further from moved further from the input, the the input, the output level is output level is reduced.reduced.


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MixersMixers

Linear fadersLinear faders


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MixersMixers

Rotary PotentiometersRotary Potentiometers


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Mixing is aided by metersMixing is aided by meters


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Meters CalibrationMeters Calibration

• All devices in the recording chain must be All devices in the recording chain must be calibrated to assure proper levels.calibrated to assure proper levels.

• Using a steady tone, the console meter is Using a steady tone, the console meter is set to 100% modulation or “0 VU.”set to 100% modulation or “0 VU.”

• Then all device inputs are adjusted so Then all device inputs are adjusted so their meters match.their meters match.


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Meters CalibrationMeters CalibrationWhen all devices are calibrated, then When all devices are calibrated, then

maintaining proper meter levels on the maintaining proper meter levels on the console will assure that other devices are not console will assure that other devices are not

over-driven.over-driven.


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Routing or DirectingRouting or Directing

• Sending the signal to a variety of Sending the signal to a variety of destinations.destinations.

• Signals are transported via “buses.”Signals are transported via “buses.”

• Buses are simply wires or paths for the Buses are simply wires or paths for the signal to travel.signal to travel.


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• Typical console outputsTypical console outputs– MainMain or or stereostereo bus bus– SubgroupsSubgroups – MonitorMonitor or foldback send to headphones or foldback send to headphones– EffectsEffects sends to outboard effects devices sends to outboard effects devices– AuxiliaryAuxiliary sends sends – CueCue sends to headphones or cue speakers sends to headphones or cue speakers

• Different manufacturers use different termsDifferent manufacturers use different terms


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Stereo Master Fader Stereo Master Fader


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Subgroup FadersSubgroup Faders


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• Signals may be Signals may be routed to outboard routed to outboard devices either “pre devices either “pre fader” or “post fader.”fader” or “post fader.”


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• The pan control The pan control routes the signal to routes the signal to the left and right the left and right stereo channels.stereo channels.


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The Mixing Console ConnectionsThe Mixing Console Connections


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The Mixing Console ConnectionsThe Mixing Console Connections


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MixersMixers


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MixersMixers


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MixersMixers

fundamentals of audio production. chapter 5 1 fundamentals of audio production chapter five: mixing...

Documents

high gain

low gain slide

gain stage

clipping setting gain

audio signals

noise gain settings

proper gain settings

clear audio