Multi-track Mixers.
February 19th, 2010How to choose the most suitable multi-track mixer for your needs. What multi-track mixers do and how to use them. How to buy a multi-track mixer.
Examples of multitrack mixers . . . great deals from Amazon.com
Multi-track mixers are designed for two main purposes. The most common purpose is to record and mix a recording in a “recording studio” environment. The second purpose is to mix multiple signals to send to the PA system for live use on stage. A powered mixer includes power amps for live use. Different types of audio mixer are designed for these two different purposes although there is not a huge difference. A DJ mixer is a lot more different and not very suitable for either recording or live use.
A multi-track mixer is an audio mixer designed to mix sound from a multi-track recorder, i.e. an audio recording device designed to record more than just a mono or stereo signal . . . a signal which has at least 3 separate tracks simultaneously. So the mixer will have more than three separate channels.
To choose the most suitable one for your needs, first look at what audio recording device you have. If you don’t have one of those yet, look at how many audio channels you might want to record simultaneously. For example, if you will be using it to record a band, think how many instruments play simultaneously in that band. Keep in mind that to record a drum set (drum kit) well you will need a separate microphone for each drum. Also keyboards typically have a stereo signal (so that’s 2 channels). The mixer you choose should have at least as many channels as that of your stereo recorder.
If you need to record all the instruments simultaneously, then your mixer also needs as many outputs as you’re the number of instruments. These outputs are usually provided as “groups” although for recording, each aux send can also be used as an output (unless it is used for effects while recording, such as providing some reverb on a vocal). If the groups are stereo, the pan setting will determine which side of the group output the signal goes to i.e. one stereo group can be used as 2 mono outputs or one stereo output.
The type and quality of the mixer you choose will affect the character and quality of the finished recording, so choose wisely. A good guide to the sound character of a mixer is that most mixers will sound something like they look, so choose the look of a mixer that is closest to the sound character you want. For example, Yamaha mixers typically look precise and slightly formal and a bit hard-edged, and their sound character is the same. The quality will also affect the quality of your mixes, so buy the best quality mixer you can afford.
Mixers also usually provide one or more “bus” mixes such as an “effects” mix or one or more “aux sends”. These are used for adding effects that are wanted on more than one track simultaneously, such as reverb and echo. Insert connections are sometimes provided and offer a method of adding an effect on a single channel. The “monitor” bus on a live mixer is the same as a pre-fade aux send on a studio mixer. Some aux busses allow the selection of pre or post-fade options, where as some are set to one or the other.