Console Quiz

What is a console i/o strip?

A console I/O strip is a dedicated section on a mixing console that provides easy access to the input and output channels used for connecting to a computer's console, essentially allowing you to quickly adjust the audio levels for the system's primary input and output signals directly from the mixing desk; "I/O" standing for "input/output" and "strip" signifying a single channel on the console with dedicated controls for level adjustments.

What is a peak meter?

A "peak meter" is a device that measures and displays the highest instantaneous level of a signal, typically used in audio engineering to monitor the maximum amplitude of a sound wave and prevent distortion by identifying when a signal reaches its peak level, often referred to as "clipping" when it goes beyond the allowed range; essentially, it shows you the absolute loudest point in an audio signal.

What type of cable is used in console i/o strips?

1/4 inch balanced (TRS)

How does one create an FX loop on a single cable?

By using a split cable in the insert jack that splits into 2 so you can put one into input and one into output of the FX.

What kind of EQ can you use on an analog console?

Only signal processing on mid range analog consoles. 3 bands American, 4 bands if British. High frequency and low frequency are shelving filters, mid range is a peak filter, and is sweepable. British has 2 sweepable mids. (AKA center frequencies.)

What is the typical frequency range on an analog?

80hz to 12,000hz

What is an Auxiliary Bus?

A signal path (routes signals) in a mixer that's separate from the main audio path. It's used for a variety of purposes, including:

Aux sends and returns: Aux buses are often used for aux sends and returns.

Submixing: Aux buses can be used as secondary paths for submixing.

Parallel processing: Aux tracks allow you to process signals in parallel, leaving the original signal untouched. For example, you can use an aux track to apply parallel compression to vocals, bass, or a kick and snare.

How many busses are on a typical auxiliary bus?

6 or more (12 on mackie)

What are the first 1-8 busses?

1-8 are mono and post fader, used to send signal to aux master out and then to a patch bay for processing. Signal returns to the console on a stereo return OR another channel strip.

Are aux signals wet or dry?

Aux signals are wet.

When is prefader signal taken?

Prefader signal is taken before channel fader.

When is post fader signal taken?

Post fader signal is taken after channel fader.

What are some of the several different busses on a console?

-Auxiliary bus

-Left to Right stereo bus

-Sub Bass bus (4 channels for live consoles, 8 channels for recording consoles)

-Monitor bus: to listen to the control room

Output section:

-Master fader

-output assignments

-panning L-R

-Solo (muting all tracks except one)

Paoli gave an example of a Mackie for channels, what is the typical numbers for channels and what they do?

1-24 Tracking

25-48 Monitor

49-72 Sub basses FX returns

What is another word for recording?

Storing. (data)

What is mixing?

Reducing to a L-R stereo product

What is over dubbing?

Recording in sync to a previously recorded material/track(s).

Overall, what are the numbers for channels, sub bass, and stereo?

Channels - 32 channels

Sub bass - 8 Sub basses

Stereo - 2 stereo

What kind of filters are high frequency and low frequency?

Shelving filters.

What kind of filter is in the mid range?

A sweepable (center frequency) peak filter