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16. Setting Up A Home Recording Studio & Understanding MixersSetting up a home recording studio audio mixer, or mixing console, means understanding a device able to combine, route, and change the dynamics of individual digital audio samples. Also, how digital audio samples can be brought together for a combined output. Symphony orchestras, choirs and bands use a mixing console to combine musical instruments or vocals and for achieving nominal recording levels. Individual channels or strips on the audio mixer are how a signal is received from the sound source. Channels have different rotary knobs, or pots, for controlling the dynamics of an input signal. The gain or trim knob, controls the amplification (gain) or attenuation (trim), required for the signal. Good input connectors such as XLR cables, or Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) quarter inch connectors are best for a quiet, interference free recordings. Auxiliary sends, or 'aux sends' communicate incoming signals to external devices and processors, which can be sent back through different channels or aux returns on the mixer. Other input channel controls are for used for equalization. Equalizing a signal means separately boosting or trimming a specific range of frequencies. Usually bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. Each channel on a mixer controls volume with a sliding fader, which allows for balancing the level of that channel volume in the final mix. A submix is a group of input channels added to the primary mix, combined by using a bus. Useful for several balanced drum microphones, for example, and controlling them with a single fader in the final mix. There can also be insert points, for a bus, or the main mix. Where compressors, expanders, noise gates and other processors can be patched into the signal. VU or peak meters indicate clipping of signal levels for individual channels, or for master outputs. Audio is heard in both amplitude and frequency. Mixing controls and displays are in decibels. This is a relative measurement. The professional mixer nominal level is +4 dBu. The consumer level is −10 dBV. Most audio mixers are also able to provide 48 volts of phantom power, required for some microphones. Virtual mixing can also be performed using computer software. This process uses an audio interface converting analog audio into a digital signal.
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