【 Weak current College 】 on a mixer of tuning skills---Power By 【 China power house network 】

A simple but complete sound system, from start to finish at least include a microphone, mixer, amplifier, speakers four cells. Of course, the tuner of actual use of the sound system to be much more complex than this, multi-channel signal input, in addition to the microphone, DVD player (or CD player), recording and playing audio deck, MD decks, etc. In addition, you will use to professional audio processing equipment such as reverb, delay, incentive, compressor, Expander, equalizer, divider, and so on. However, from the entire work process, the mixer is located in the key and the location of the hub, plays a role, thus connecting the tuner tuning will play a vital role.
The functionality of a sound mixer
Before using a mixer, mixer functionality we fully understand. Mixer is a professional audio system in the most important equipment, a professional sound system is often at the core of a mixer. Common mixer can also accept 8 ~ 24 channels of different signals, and these signals in tone and amplitude to adjust the processing on. In General, a mixer has four main functions.
The first function is to zoom in on the signal. When various program source signal into the mixer, its different signal desired magnification is also different, so the mixer must be able to handle different signals respectively. As various musical instrument music signal and voice signals in the range is not the same, of course, you will need to be handled separately.
The second function is to respectively on various signal frequency adjustment (i.e. tuning). We know that different signals, because of its spectrum distribution, harmonic constituents and other reasons, formed a different timbre, while building on the sound of that Giga produce great changes. Audio division according to the different PA environment into a mixer of different sound signals, respectively, make it sound as close to original sound. Each channel mixer will have the same processing techniques, such as: 3 balance, gain controller, high-pass filter, etc.
The third function is the signal of the merge. Mixer will signal adjusted to various signals into standard left and right channels (stereo) form output, as the next level of equipment of the input signal, this is the most basic functionality.
The fourth function is assigned. Mixer in addition to the primary output of stereo sound, you can provide two or more auxiliary output signal, the signal has two purposes: one is sound, listen back to listen to or stage; the second is the effects of stimulus signals available.
There are also people who put it simple:
* Pickup signal, to zoom in;
* Press the required high, mid, bass tone Equalization;
* Will signal about bus as needed into or control group;
* On the fed to the secondary bus signal processing for art;
* Press the required output control.
However, no matter how articulate, its functionality is the same. Tuner of all work, all in the mixer functionality as core to expand.
2 a mixer function partition
When we are just beginning to come into contact with a mixer, can easily be it panel presenters, a large number of knob and push to get dazzled and don't know what to do. But in fact, on a per push rod and knob of meaning are identical, so we only need to concentrate on understanding a channel operation method you can acquire a mixer of overall use.
We are often exposed to the sound mixer are both 8-channel 24-channel, 4-way less, but the way up to a 96-channel and even more. However, regardless of the way, more or less sound mixer for the control of each group are classified into main and secondary control of two parts. Auxiliary signals has a separate output can be realized in the same sound mixer can also output two sets or more mix signal.
Now, let us to do a channel mixer section Anatomy, as in Figure 1. This is a 16-channel mixer in the way of anatomical figure, signal circuit from the left input and gain, balance, volume, push to, audio-visual and auxiliary parts control, the final output from the right.
1. signal input
Each channel has one or more specifications of signal input used to connect the system's sound recorder, audio sources, sampler or synthesizer, audio output, or plug in the circle, capacitance, microphone, etc. Balanced input mainly for microphone input, non-balanced input is mainly for the line input. Note that when using a capacitor microphone, the capacitor microphone power supply 48V switch must be turned on.
2. gain knob (trim)
And inputs of the next-door is usually a knob, we call it gain knob (trim), is used to adjust the amount of the input signal, that is, when the signal is too strong when it cuts, too weak when you upgrade to their (sometimes gain knob will be an attenuation of the button instead of the "pad", when the button is pressed or when the input signal up is to do a certain amplitude attenuation). Gain knob is as sound input mixer of the first gate, adjusting the fit, to guarantee the sound mixer next level of processing circuit can receive a full and "clean" signal.
3. volume faders
When the gain knob set up later, you can use the channel volume faders (or volume knob, usually located at the bottom of the Mixer Panel) to determine the channel signal is sent to the size of the volume. Volume faders is actually a attenuator for on the channel output signal attenuation. When the bottom-most faders (or volume knob located on the left-most), signal attenuation is infinite, then the channel no signal output.
4. sound like (PAN) knob
Above the volume faders, you can find a sound like (PAN) knob, which is used to adjust the channel signal between the left and right speaker stereo position.
5. mute sound (MUTE) and solo (SOLO) button
Some table in volume faders and sound like a knob design also between two buttons, namely the mute sound (MUTE) and solo (SOLO) button. MattTone button can be dynamic volume faders will mix bus in the channel's signal to shut down. When the channel output volume has been fine-tuned, but don't want to touch it again, this feature is very useful. When the solo button is pressed, then the other solo button was not pressed by the channel does not make any noise.
6. balance
The vast majority of mixer provides a certain channel Equalizer function. A lot is not very professional mixer provides are segmented balanced function, reflected on a mixer is labeled "treble" and "bass" two knobs, when adjusting the two knobs at higher and lower than the manufacturer intended frequency signal, that is to be promoted or attenuation. The above is also commonly referred to as a two-stage balanced, and the third paragraph is more of a balance on the frequency bands (mid) to upgrade or attenuation knob. Other mixer also adds a select intermediate frequency point of knobs, we call it a semi-parametric equalization, and all intermediate frequency parameters if balance not only to selected Central frequency, but also can select a frequency range to improve or attenuation.
7. auxiliary send (SEND, also called effect send) button
General sound mixer for each channel are designed 2 ~ 6 aux send button. These knobs to control the channel signal is sent to the secondary output (AuxSEND) semaphore, several channels of signals can be supplemented by secondary dial out to a secondary port. When the auxiliary outlet connections after the effects, from auxiliary port output signals through effects processing, the effects of the output returned to the secondary return input mixer (AuxRETURN), and then blend with bus signals.
Control the amount of auxiliary signal returns knob General are arranged in a mixer control section on the right side of the bus. In live recordings, the auxiliary outlets can also be used to connect headphone amplifier for multiple listens to music while the singer.
8. tape/line (Tape/Line) toggle switches
For multitrack recording system designed for large-scale mixer each channel has a tape/line (Tape/Line) switch. This switch can determine each channel input source is microphone/line input source or multiple Rails machine's rail-independent output. When a multitrack audio recording, this switch should be placed in the line input status; sound recording is complete, on-rail signals contraction mixed, the switch should be placed in the tape input state, then the channel faders is actually the regulation more rail-rail signal output to the stereo bus semaphore.
9. breakpoint insert (INSERT)
The mixer has its channel in addition to the above mentioned enter the estuary, there is also a breakpoint insert (INSERT), used to connect l/4-inch stereo plug (divided into head-Tip, ring-Ring, sleeve-Sleeve of three parts). When the mouth is no plug, the channel signal according to the above process with a mixer sections are processed; when there is a plug, the channel of input signal is disconnected, the plug Tip parts sent to external effects, treated by the Ring part back to the channel, and then gain, balance, sound like, volume, adjust the final output to a mixer's stereo bus. Like actuators, compressors, etc generally use this way to connect with a mixer. This way you can make the effect is only a certain channel signal processing without having to use effect send and return control.
10. bus control
Ultimately, the channel output signals mixed together, and then enter the stereo bus. Bus control part usually have control left/right channel of two (or a) master volume faders, adjust the effect returns quantity control knob, Headphone volume control knob, the output of the secondary output volume control knob (secondary output output signal is part or all of the channel's mixed-signal). On the secondary output of various flexible use, no space to do more to explain.
11.UV indicator
A mixer will typically have two or more VU (VolumeUnit abbreviation, which means the volume indicates) indicator. The indicator is the kind of old-fashioned pointer table, the LED (light emitting diode) level table. Some sound mixer you can switch on indicator displayed with a different bus and channel level; some are designed for each channel and the bus has its own VU meter.
Three tips for tuning a mixer
Mixer features and functions of partition we have a clear understanding, then, the next step we will be able to carry out a specific regulation of the mixing console. Tuning techniques have many aspects, but summarize up mainly sound compensation, volume adjustment and the art of sound signal processing, both before the main stresses here.
1. sound compensation
Mixer sound compensation is to be machined with sound source, not only technical and artistic, but also with the audience of psycho. Sound compensation is to use quality compensator, adjust the frequency of the center frequency to change the tone of the voice. Sound compensation must follow the following principles.
(1) bass compensation
16Hz ~ 64Hz as most bass, existing instruments can play the bass is the organ that can be played 16Hz so low frequency ear normally not hear, but you can feel the body; from 20Hz ~ 64Hz ear can hear, but you must use the Hi-Fi equipment to play out. From 63Hz ~ 250Hz is bass area, it is our bass compensation the focus of this band for music is very important, it is the foundation of music, bass rhythm type instrument which belong to this band, the musical instrument sound quality adjustment is good or bad, determines whether the complete skeleton of music. Therefore, the low-frequency characteristics to use flat cable, so you can make sound full of nature, of course, also according to the requirements and preferences of musical instruments to compensate.
(2) baritone compensation
From 250Hz ~ 2000Hz for bass area, this band in the transmission and recording the most vulnerable to loss, is the backbone of the sound. 2000Hz ~ 4000Hz as inTreble zone, the band's sound clarity and luminance are important contributions, but also our most important control object. If the sound is too dark cloudy, Giga can enhance this band sounds excellent attenuation can be carried out to make it soft, voice when you can upgrade from dull to make it clear, however, raise too much then the sound will be harsh. Language or songs are usually a band you want to adjust this.
(3) treble compensation
From 8000Hz to treble 4000Hz ~, the treble zone can remain flat line characteristics, maintain level feature sounds of nature. According to the music content and source properties for attenuation or appropriately, but be sure to note that, regardless of attenuation or upgrade to modest but not too much, otherwise sound will not sound natural and even metal. 8000Hz above is brilliance, this band has a significant contribution to timbre, also belongs to our control object that can be combined with the tone of the sound source to the appropriate compensation.
Human ear on the tone of the feeling is quite sensitive, it cannot directly discriminant sound is realistic. If the sound processing is not good, not only will it make a sound monotonous, boring, but also people will make a musical instrument or singing have serious distortion, so sound processing should not be overlooked that the importance of sound compensation. Specific to the singers, for men, the majority of low, missing sound treble, to improve the clarity of the singing, generally on how often the very conduct 3kHz; for girls, high-pitched seems too much again, the sound from the "sharp", to enable sound rolling, not too harsh, generally on the frequency components 400Hz compensation.
This shows that the quality principle of compensation should be a flat line, proportionate and necessary. If the sound is the true nature, keep the flat line, but once the necessary adjustments must be moderate. No matter which band combine for compensation are required to programme content and auditory effect, while also tie in with the volume adjustment, so as to achieve an overall balance.
In fact, we can know that our sound compensation is in fact mainly around the figure of balance (i.e. Channel Equalization).
2. volume adjustment
Volume adjustment for two purposes: one is to control the dynamic range of the sound signal, adjust the ratio of the signal. Volume adjustment needs and quality combined with compensation, as the volume and frequency are inseparable. Therefore, before you in tuning, acoustic signal of frequency characteristics of the dynamic level, as well as on-site all signal proportional relationship between all of them in the chest, the need to repeatedly hear, repeated debugging, taking into account future playback of various conditions and playback effect. Volume adjustment is to follow the following principles.
(1) dynamic range control
We know that the various sound sources of dynamic range sizes, Orchestra can have 100 dB dynamic range, language sound was only around 40 DB. Sound mixer to control the dynamic range is approximately 60 DB. The dynamic of the sound signal can be divided into strong signal, moderate signal, three types of weak signals. Strong signal of the highest level to control the volume of 0 DB table, medium signal to control in-10 DB, weak signal to control the-40 to-20 DB. It is important to note that at least a weak signal than noise level 6 DB, we can improve the weak signal level to improve the signal to noise ratio, signal to noise ratio, the greater the volume, the more noise reduction. You know, noise is the sound recording and playback of natural enemies, our tuning is an important task is the noise reduction, and the best means of reducing noise is through raising signal level to improve the signal to noise ratio.
(2) the signal of the volume balance
Actual performance, we contacted is definitely the multi-channel input signal, then it should be noted that the volume balance. Volume balance is adjusted the way sound signal proportional to the size of the sound is not entirely depend on the level of high and low, it is closely linked with the volume balance. For example, in singing, how to adjust the good singing microphone volume and the ratio between the music accompaniment? a nice song, should be accompanied by music and 40%, 60% of the singing voice, if the singer sound good, may be appropriate to reduce the number of components, the accompaniment of music to prominent singers singing; if the singer on the song by Melody is not familiar, easy to sing out of tune, is taken on, in order to cover up these shortcomings, this may be appropriate to increase the number of accompanying music. But how to do this, you should be careful not to put the microphone volume too much larger, much less vocal volume level significantly higher than the accompaniment of music. The result is too weak, the accompaniment of music most of the time only hear the singer's voice, like the one where the municipality, lost scene concert atmosphere; but you can't let the accompaniment of the audio sound is too strong, too strong, and will "drown" the singer of the song that sounds like a band playing music, experience not the singer.
3. volume adjustment and sound compensation
* Volume-hour attention to enhance the low frequency and high frequency; the volume increase frequency when appropriate, to enhance the sound of luminance.
* Tuning to singing. When the songs appear before gradually lowering down the accompaniment, to highlight a song. Low frequency should decay 3dB ~ 5dB, high-frequency attenuation 7kHz above should 3dB, near the lift in the low-frequency 200Hz can increase its efforts to promote 2kHz ~ 4kHz 3dB ~ 6dB can obviously felt songs bright. Disco or rock music you should pay attention to significantly enhance the low frequency (40Hz ~ 100Hz) and HF (7kHz ~ 20kHz).
* Enhance bass is not cool rotation compensation button to avoid the power output is too large to damage the amplifier and the speakers. On the low-frequency adjusting the equalizer also true requirements.
Four conclusions
Our transfer yinyuan majority befuddles lack a comprehensive system of tuning of the theory of learning, on the one hand, and the lack of proper and sufficient practical operations, thus the mixer tuned perfect is impractical or impossible. However, as long as we strengthen the theoretical study, practice, the most basic and most important tuning techniques we can grasp, we work together.