The Mixer

Question 1

MP: What is a good strategy for mixing? How do we control that strategy?

Answer 1

Decide beforehand where you want what sound to be most important. Guide the listener through your song. E.G. now listen to the bass, now listen to the melody.
The main way to accentuate sound is volume.

Question 2

MP: What is the normal sound flow in a mixing board, in a channel strip?

Answer 2

The sound flows from top (inputs) to bottom faders.

There are exceptions!

Question 3

MP: Does a mixing board change a mono signal to a stereo output?

Answer 3

Yes, most of the time.

Question 4

MP: How does a pan knob work?

Answer 4

It reduces sound from the left or the right. It does not transfer audio from one side to another!

Question 5

MP: What is an audio bus?

Answer 5

A single location to send different sounds to. Use it to group sub-mixes.

Question 6

MP: What are the three categories of audio effects?

Answer 6

1) Dynamic effects (related to amplitude)
2) Delay effects (related to propagation of sound)
3) Filter effects (related to the timbre of sound)

Question 7

MP: What is the use of a pre-fader send?

Answer 7

For example if you want a different ‘monitor’ mix, e.g. for a singer’s monitor speaker. This differs from the mix you release on the audience.

Question 8

MP: What is the use of a post-fader send?

Answer 8

For audio effects. e.g. reverb.

Question 9

MP: Explain the touch mode/overdub automation

Answer 9

The automation gets overwritten everytime. WHen you let go of the parameter, it will return to the previous automation value

Question 10

MP: Explain the Latch automation setting

Answer 10

When you let go of the automation, the value will remain there. It will not revert to the previously automated value.