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I am completely new to this. What do mixers hook up to and what all do they do?

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Cucco Sun, 12/02/2007 - 20:28

Hmmm...
I mean no offense, but if you have to ask this question - don't get into recording. Or at least spend some serious time doing your homework first. The answers are out there to this and many more questions if you use the search feature, or simply go to a manufacturer's web page and look at their manuals, etc.

Cheers-
J.

rockstardave Sun, 12/02/2007 - 21:47

bmg, here is a VERY simple overview..

1. microphones, cd players, and other sources each run into a mixer.
2. the mixer combines the signal into just 2 tracks: a Left channel and a Right channel.
3. these 2 channels are sent to a power amp
4. this amplified signal is sent to speakers to make sound.
5. the end.

check wikipedia for some of these terms if you want to know more.

RemyRAD Wed, 12/05/2007 - 17:53

bmg6690 wrote: I am completely new to this. What do mixers hook up to and what all do they do?

Generally, you hook up a mixer with some vodka. Dark and light ROM can also work. I like mine infused with lots of fruits. Generally, I will hang with them after the show recording.

I've worked in this business for years and I can tell you that it's a Kahlúa thing to do!
Ms. Remy Ann David

RemyRAD Sat, 12/08/2007 - 17:52

Mixers come in a variety of sizes to fit specific applications. From 2 input to 96 or more. This could mean all microphones or all individual tracks from a recorder or a combination of both such as for live television show productions.

The simpler your requirements, the simpler the interface is to plug-in. So a generalized questions such as yours is not easily answered without our snickering humor. We've all had our starting points in life. Many through upper-level education and others like myself, who just screwed around and started doing it with a passion. But many of us have had some type of formal/apprenticed/mentored and on-the-job training and experience. Broad ranging questions such as yours are difficult to answer because of the huge scope of possible answers if perchance you are seeking an entry-level system to be able to record you and your friend as pictured, we could make numerous suggestions that would be simple and effective for you. So please supply us with what you would like to accomplish and we can go from there.

The biggest smart ass of Recording.org but I'm being sincere here.
Ms. Remy Ann David

natural Sat, 12/08/2007 - 19:39

Just think of the mixer as a bunch of 'Y' connectors.

- Take a single input and send it to a bunch of outputs. (out to tape, out to external fx, out to speakers. all at the same time)

- Take a bunch of inputs and send it to a single output. (a bunch to drum mics to one tape track)

- And as an extra bonus, most have some kind of EQ on each channel so you can modify the sound while it's coming and going.

It mixes, it splits, it reroutes, it sends back into itself, It feedsback every once in awhile and hurts your ears.

enjoy.