An analog mixer relies on electrical circuits and filters, whereas a digital mixer converts the analog signal into digital audio data that is sent to an onboard processor. In general, there are two flavors of mixer: analog and digital. Keep in mind that aux buses are usually mono, so a stereo monitor mix for in-ear systems will require two aux buses. If you use aux buses exclusively for monitors, the number of aux buses you have determines the number of discrete monitor mixes you can create. The aux bus output can then be connected to a stage monitor or in-ear system. You build your monitor mix by setting the individual aux-send levels for any channels you want to be heard in that mix. Each channel is equipped with a level control for each aux send.

This is typically done with auxiliary buses-вЂњaux busesвЂќ for short. Most mixers can send at least one monitor mix to the stage. If you will connect line-level sources, make sure your mixer has at least a few line inputs to reduce the need for direct boxes. If you plan to mostly connect microphones, make sure to select a mixer with enough microphone preamps. In addition to knowing how many sources youвЂ™ll connect to your mixer, itвЂ™s important to know the types of sources. This is important to keep in mind as you make your selection. Stereo channels are counted as two inputs, even if they share a single channel.

Some smaller-format consoles provide stereo channels in addition to mono channels. For example, a 24-channel mixer will allow you to connect at least 24 audio sources, although there may be additional specialized inputs, such as Tape and Talkback inputs. Also known as вЂњframe size,вЂќ a mixerвЂ™s channel count determines how many sources can be connected to its channel inputs simultaneously. Because every signal comes into and out of the mixer, investing in a quality product is crucial and will save a lot of operational headaches.

If you have more than one sound source (say, five microphones, an electric guitar, a bass, and a keyboard), you need a mixer to combine these audio signals so that you can control the relative balance between them before sending the summed signal to a loudspeaker system, recording device, etc. Selecting the Right MixerДЄt the most basic level, an audio mixer does exactly what its name implies: mix audio signals. This chapter will help you pick out the best mixer for your budget and set it up so that you get the best results. Selecting a mixer for your application can be a challenging task but the right mixer, properly gain-staged, will make mixing and recording much easier.

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