- \n
- How mixers work<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- PA system\/mixer setup order<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>
- Mixer setup instructions<\/strong><\/a>\n
- \n
- Connect Main speakers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Connect stage monitors<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Connect a microphone or instrument<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Connect a device<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Add effects (FX)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>
- Sound check<\/strong><\/a>\n
- \n
- Create a mix<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Mixer tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- PA system tips<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is a mixer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mixers are used in many different ways, but each is designed with the same purpose: to receive inputs and send them to outputs. Before you start making connections, let\u2019s start by learning how mixers work and how to set up a PA system. Continue to the mixer setup instructions<\/a> further below when you’re ready to set it all up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How mixers work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before making connections and powering on your new mixer, let\u2019s learn a bit about how mixers work. Essentially every mixer functions the same way: combine input signals<\/strong> from microphones or instruments and send them to outputs jacks<\/strong> connected to loudspeakers. What differentiates one mixer from another is how you navigate it and additional features or I\/O (USB recording, routing, wireless control, etc.)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first thing to do with your new mixer is to review its layout or configuration. Start with the basics, such as connecting a microphone and getting sound out. Microphones will pass through the Gain<\/strong>, Equalization<\/strong>, and Level<\/strong> controls before being sent to the Main Mix<\/strong> and main outputs. Once you\u2019ve finished this guide, practice setting your system up before taking it to the stage. This will help you better understand the mixer and prevent any unexpected surprises at your next event. We\u2019ve broken down the main sections and parts you need to know below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Mixer](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/MIXER-SECTIONS-1024x703.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"Parts](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/PARTS-OF-A-MIXER-1024x703.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nClick to view mixer diagrams.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
PA system\/mixer setup order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When it\u2019s time to set up your mixer, keeping everything organized will help prevent troubleshooting connections during a sound check. When setting up your mixer or PA system, we recommend doing it in four phases: turn everything down, plug everything in, turn everything on, and get sound out. Setting up this way will prevent accidental sound or loud pops when making connections. Learn more about how to set up a PA system<\/a> or continue below to get sound out of your mixer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Turn all gain knobs and level controls all the way down.<\/li>
- Connect each piece of gear in the following order:\n
- \n
- Main speakers<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Monitor speakers<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Microphones<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Instruments<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Playback devices<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>
- Once levels are down and everything is connected, power everything on.<\/li>
- Set gain\/mix\/speaker levels and sound check.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Setup tips<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Choose a layout that compliments the venue\u2019s acoustics<\/strong>, walkways<\/strong>, and power<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Use gaffer tape<\/strong><\/a> to keep cables on the ground and prevent tripping.<\/li>
- Protect everyone\u2019s ears and turn down output levels before<\/strong> powering on equipment.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019re ready, continue to the mixer setup instructions<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"PA](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/PA-System-Setup-Order-1024x310.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSetup order: levels down, make connections, power up, create a mix.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Mixer setup instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll show you how to make connections to a mixer and get sound out in the sections below. Have your mixer\u2019s user manual handy if you need to find a specific feature or setting. You can connect to your mixer however you like, but we recommend starting with the Main speakers and powering everything on last. Once everything is connected and powered on, continue to Sound Check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connect Main speakers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Main<\/strong> loudspeakers (mains for short)<\/em> are the primary speakers used to amplify your mix to the audience. The mains consist of two speakers, one stage left and the other right. If you don\u2019t need both, just connect one, but know that the panning feature will not be able to blend between the two speakers. Both speakers will face the audience and evenly distribute sound throughout a venue. The main output jacks on the mixer are typically XLR<\/strong>, so you\u2019ll need the right cables to connect the speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Turn each channel\u2019s gain knob and level fader all the way down.<\/li>
- Connect your main speakers to the mixer\u2019s Main out jacks.\n
- \n
- For passive speakers, connect the Main out jacks to the power amplifier inputs. Once done, connect the power amplifier outputs to the speaker inputs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>
- Power on the mixer and speakers (or power amplifier).<\/li>
- Set mixer levels to unity and adjust the speaker output level<\/li>
- Turn up the Main mix fader level to 0 (unity).<\/li>
- Play audio through a channel (microphone, guitar, or phone\/computer playback). Be sure to set the channel\u2019s gain knob while its level fader is at 0 (unison).<\/li>
- Turn up each main speaker\u2019s level knob until the volume compliments the venue.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"Main](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/02\/Main-Speakers-1024x495.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nChannel levels create the main mix, which is sent to the main outputs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passive speakers and power amps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
There are two kinds of speakers: active<\/em> and passive<\/em>. Active speakers<\/strong> have an amplifier built inside while passives don\u2019t. Theirs are external. That means that active speakers can connect directly to the Main outputs of your mixer, but passive speakers will need an amplifier in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passive speakers<\/strong> and amplifiers require a compatible impedance<\/a> configuration, and failure to match their impedance could damage your gear, so take caution. We recommend reviewing the speaker and amplifier owner\u2019s manuals for configuration instructions specific to your power amp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continue to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Use gaffer tape<\/strong><\/a> to keep cables on the ground and prevent tripping.<\/li>
- Monitor speakers<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Main speakers<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Mixer tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Connect stage monitors<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- PA system\/mixer setup order<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>