Mixing Desk

A mixing desk is an electronic device that receives input from several audio sources and routes them to various output channels. This hardware equipment mixes, routes and transforms the dynamics, tone and level of audio signals. A mixing desk is known by several other names such as sound board (soundboard), audio mixer and mixing console. Some mixing desks are capable of mixing digital signals while other can only mix analogue signals. Combined output signals are produced when modified digital samples or voltages are merged together.

The different applications for which audio mixing desks are used include public address system, broadcasting, recording studios, film post-production and sound reinforcement systems. The mixer’s signal is directly transmitted to an amplifier when this equipment is used for live shows and not connected to speakers with inbuilt amplifiers. There are also virtual mixing desks which are computer software applications that enable you to perform the mixing on the display itself. The conversion of the analogue audio into digital format for use with an audio processing software is possible by using an audio interface.

Different sections of the input strip are Input Section, Input jacks, AUX Section, the Fader/bus and the EQ section. There are rotary controls such as knobs below each input. You can minimise the interference with the aid of balanced inputs and connectors.

Several manufacturers design and build a wide variety of mixing desks. Amateurs could make use of several mixing desk diagrams that are available online for constructing customised audio mixers.