Parts of a Mixing Desk

Music Tech || MT CA2 - The Digital Audio Workstation

Label the mixing desk.

• Mic Gain

• Mic/Line

• High EQ

• Mid EQ

• Low EQ

• Aux Send

• Pan

• Solo & Mute

• Volume Fader

• Channel Strip Inputs XLR

• Channel Strip Inputs ¼" Jack

• L-R XLR Outputs

• Aux 1 Output

• Headphone output

• Master L-R Faders

• Channel Strips 1-8

How does one channel strip of a mixing desk work?

• An audio signal travels from the top of the strip at the input section.

• It then travels down the strip until it reaches the volume fader where it is sent to the master fader.

What does the auxiliary send do?

• Creates a copy of the signal before the channel strip fader.

• You can control the level (dB) of the signal that is sent to the Aux output.

• This can then be sent to a monitor (speaker or headphones) to act as a monitor mix for a performer so they can hear themselves on stage.

What does the EQ and Pan do?

• Most mixing desks will include built in EQ and Pan on each channel strip.

• This means that you can:

  • Shape the tone of the incoming signal.

  • Create separation by using the stereo field.

• Some desks will also have compression on each channel.