Mixer

This term broadly refers to any device that is capable of taking two or more audio signals and mixing them down to a single monophonic or stereo signal. While huge mixing consoles are the rule in all the top studios, there are ultra-compact, amazingly affordable, compact mixers with features such as FireWire and USB connectivity, allowing them to interface with computers for even more sophisticated capabilities. Advances in circuit design, miniaturization, and DSP technology have given compact mixers unexpectedly high quality over the last two decades. Now, many project studios are capable of mixing 16 or more tracks of audio, with surprisingly professional results, using surprisingly affordable hardware. The term may also be used to cover certain software that duplicates the functionality of hardware, particularly in digital audio workstation (DAW) software, such as Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, and many others.