UNDERSTANDING AND OPERATING ANALOG MIXER 6 th August 2019 By : Engr. Alo Oluwagbenga

1. UNDERSTANDING AND OPERATING ANALOG MIXER 6th August 2019 By : Engr. Alo Oluwagbenga ( NTA Headquarters, Abuja)

2. OBJECTIVES At the end of this module, participants should be able to: • Explain the function of an analog mixer and understand its signal flow • Identify features and sections in a mixer and explain its different controls with their usage.

3. OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION • Introduction to Analog Audio Mixer • Signal Flow • Inputs • Outputs • Mixing Console Overview

4. INTRODUCTION The Audio Mixer is the Heart of the Audio System and its main purpose is basically for control. An Audio mixer is a device which takes two or more audio signals, mixes them together and provides one or more outputs signal.

5. INTRODUCTION The main purpose of Audio mixer are: To select Audio signals from various sources(Mics, VTR’s,Playouts,ADA,Decoders) Control and adjust signal levels (Volume)…i.e to Amplify. Equalise and process signals To route signals to destinations

6. CONSOLE SIGNAL FLOW This is otherwise known as the signal flow which describes the path an audio signal takes from source (microphone) to destination.

7. control room(NTA’s NEWS STUDIO)

8. ANALOG MIXER AT HEADQUARTERS The Three Analog mixers used currently at NTA Headquarters include: • Soundcrafts GB-8(MCR) • Allen & Heath GL-2800(Domsat) • Yamaha MGP32X(News24 MCR)

9. Soundcraft gb-8(32-channel)

10. Allen & heath gl-2800(32-channel)

11. Yamaha mgp32x(analog/digital)

12. Yamaha mgp32x(32-channels with Analog/digital features) The MGP32X occupies a place between analogue and digital which could be the perfect answer to those seeking analogue‑style channel control with the convenience and power of digital processing. The MGP32X provides many features normally only found on digital mixers

13. Soundcraft gb-8(32-channel)

14. SOUNDCRAFTGB-8 REAR INTERFACEs (INPUT/OUTPUTS)

15. REAR CONNECTOR PANEL

16. REAR CONNECTOR PANEL

17. MIC/LINE INPUT

18. LINE INPUT Line input channel Line level devices such as VTR’s are connected to the LINE connector. Generally, phone connectors and RCA pin connectors are used in this case. Remember line signals have a higher level than mic signal.

19. MIC INPUT Audio signals picked up by a microphone are very weak, so they must be amplified by using the head amplifier (GAIN) of the mixer. Connect to the MIC connector. Note: Phantom power (often labelled as "+48V") is required when using a condenser microphone.

20. Input strip control • +48 Switch(Phantom Power) For powering condenser Mics • Polarity or Phase Reverse Switch(Zero with slash)Flips the phase 180degrees • Gain pot(mic preamp sets input level to obtain optimal gain. Also used to adjust the line level inputs from other sources

21. Input strip control • HPF switch(preset High pass filter 75hz -100hz) • Pad/AttenuatorA switch which will lower an inputs level by a set amount. Usually used in an input device is too “hot” or much too high a level

22. INSERT INPUT This is used to connect external signal processors such as compressors or limiters within the input module. The Insert Point allows external devices to be placed within the Input Path.

23. BASIC SECTIONS IN A MIXER Generally all mixers hav the following sections: • The Input Section • Master section • The Group Output/Aux Section

24. Input section At the input section , you have the channel strip. Once you have learned the different controls of one input channel, you have learned all the input channels

25. CHANNEL STRIP Low cut button Should be UP Use these controls to adjust the Starting volume of each mic These controls are not used These controls are used to control Feedback if needed MUTE should be UP PAN is used to control if this mic is in left or right channel 1 - 2 should be DOWN The fader (slider) is used to control the volume of this mic 3 - 4 should be UP SOLO PFL should be UP

26. GAIN & LEVEL SETTING • The “gain stage” is the first stage in the console. • Setting proper gain is critical for clear audio. • Gain settings too low result in noise • Gain settings too high result in distortion

27. Gain & Level SeTTINGS Gain-The power of the raw incoming audio signal into a mixer. Gain and levels refer to the loudness of the audio. Gain is the input level of the clips and volume is the output. The volume is adjusted using the channel strip faders in respect to a reference (gain to achieve 0dB).

28. OVErviEW soundcraft-gb8 MIXER Generally This model is configured with 32 input channels. 32 inputs feature microphone and line level connections, an additional 4 stereo inputs are provided as well. The stereo inputs (ST1 - ST4) provide L/R stereo line level inputs and 3-pin XLR microphone inputs for stereo microphone placement when capturing vocals, instruments, ambiance, etc.

29. OVErview of soundcraft-GB* • 32 Mono, 4 Stereo Input Channels.TheGB8 series is available in a variety of frame configurations. This model features 32 mono and 4 stereo inputs • 8 Subgroup Outputs.TheGB8 series feature 8 group outputs for routing to external recorders, monitors, etc.

30. OVErview of soundcraft-GB* • Matrix Mixer.Thematrix output mixer provides added routing flexibility. • 8 Auxiliary Sends.8 auxiliary sends provide plenty of routing to external effects, monitors, etc. • Direct Outputs.Allmono inputs provide direct outputs for direct routing to recorders, mixers, etc.

31. OVErview of soundcraft-GB* • GB30 Microphone Preamplifiers-Soundcraft'sGB30 microphone preamplifier's provide an ultra low-noise floor while maintaining high output gain. • Integrated Meterbridge-The GB8 series features an integrated LED and VU meter bridge for accurate metering of input and output level.