How Audio Mixers Work - What is a Mixer & What Does it Do? | Live Sound Lesson

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We get a lot of questions about mixers here at Sweetwater - how they're used, what different features do, and which ones are right for certain applications. Join Mitch Gallagher as he answers these and other questions about audio mixers.
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 www.Sweetwater.com/?...
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Intro to Controls
1:56 - Source 1: Microphone
2:44 - Source 2: Drum Source
3:39 - Source 3: Guitar
4:08 - Exploring Mixing
7:08 - Routing to Auxiliary Buses
9:58 - Master Section
11:50 - Thanks For Watching!
#Sweetwater
The Zoom F8N Multitrack Field Recorder was used to record the audio in this video, and can be purchased here: www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...

[@sweetwater]

If this overview on How Mixers Work was helpful to you, please like, comment, and subscribe! Thank you for watching!

[@skyhook7913]

What mixer is that

[@SalehQattan]

Hi , can u do mixing for me ???

[@mcerezo2000]

Hi, Pls assist. I just bought the Mackie pro fx 1 2v3 The usb connection from my MacBook Pro only works through control room and headphones but won’t work with main outs. Listened to your great tutorial but didn’t hear much about the usb connection. Thanks.

[@sannysonu5977]

@@skyhook7913 hua tha enna gb hb ho lp

[@clevermissfox]

This mixer is amazing. #sweetwater #mackie you guys should do a giveaway !! wink wink

[@davidmcaninch4714]

That’s another thing I love about Sweetwater!!!!! You learn things that you never knew before!!!!!! Knowledge is fun, don’t you think?

[@BibleBeltBlues]

What an amazing video tutorial. Mitch Gallagher is highly efficient and skilled at presenting tech and user info. Whenever you see a video authored by him...stop and tune in. You will learn. This 12 minute video is a perfect example of how his every word means something important and no fluff. It is like this with every video he does. Someone else would take an hour to do what he does in 12 minutes. Thank you, Mitch, for your superb teachings. I am a fan! :)

[@djfingersflores]

Mitch G is the BEST

[@emmanuelquerol]

Thanks Christopher Nolan.

[@alexandercleary6335]

I always love finding tutorials I can recommend to my interns, thanks for always having great tutorials

[@justcuz9837]

Thank you so much Mitch and Sweetwater. We are in the early formation stages of our band, just writing & playing music. We have not made it to this step yet but know we need to get to this point. This was certainly an intimidating subject but you've made it clear and catered to my level understanding. Keep those learning videos come. I/we really do appreciate it.

[@jamesmcbride360]

I have recently been recruited to assist in our church audio and visual group. Upon first interaction with the audio mixer board I was instantly intimidated. Thanks to your video tutorial I better understand the fundamentals of audio mixer board and more comfortable with the device. Thanks for such a great video for understanding the fundamentals and allowing me to better participate and provide a positive experience. Will be following for more understanding and learning, again thanks for a great video.

[@omarramo5340]

Exact reason I tapped into this video!

[@michaelglenn4014]

I don't have a Mackie mixer but a Behringer and you explained this better than anyone else I've searched. Even people that had the same mixer as I couldn't make me understand. Great job!

[@kevinperry3639]

Every time I watch stuff like this, I always pick up on a few tips and tricks. Great video, thanks 🤘

[@stephentyler4352]

I very recently purchased this exact same mixer. This tutorial is very well done. Both your language and visual demonstrations are full of clarity which help simplify a rather complex concept; audio engineering. Thank you for this great video! Cheers

[@von_Apa]

I had a big ambition and bought Avid S3 together with I dock... There is so little information about how to use those gears together so I don't use them at all (yet). Maybe it was a mistake. I am a musician and I try to progress learning a lot of music tech. But most tutorials are for people that already know most of it. This one was very informative and grounded. Moore of that!! Thank's

[@TheRawkVox]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video Mitch!!! Sweetwater Rocks!!!!👍

[@GunnyPhillips]

Great video. Thanks for breaking it down. It takes a true expert to simplify things so concisely.

[@geraldervin8424]

I learned something about the mixer that I didn't know. Also help me understand what I was doing wrong thanks.

[@kookle658]

Do share what were you doing wrong what did you learn please tell

[@stormytaylor11]

Best explanation ever. Simple and straight forward

[@djfingersflores]

This was AWESOME ! I swear the guys at Sweetwater are all really good at explaining things in a simple to understand way. BRAVO

[@roderickperez1279]

Such a clear demonstrations. Very straightforward that even a first time users will surely understand. Reminds me of handling Roland PA-150, Back about 20 years ago. How I wish a genie will come out of the box and grant me a tutorial lesson. But now, there you are for new coming sound enthusiasts.

[@MichiMallu]

What a wonderful presentation, in just a few minutes Mitch explained a mixer inside out, like nobody did before! Wow, Thanks so much!

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Mitch is an excellent teacher. I’ve been learning from him since he was writing for EQ back in the day.

[@jackjones2381]

Yeah think he explained it in terms people understood, I learned some from watching

[@drecool6976]

Damn , I gonna buy a mixer tommorrow.

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

This video was eye opening and gave a lot of information I had wanted to know. Music recordings and concerts will never be the same now that I have this knowledge. I knew it was a complicated process; however, like many things, I had no idea how deep that rabbit hole went. Thank you!

[@michaelmorales5234]

Clear and knowledgeable .Thank you Mitch Gallagher.

[@kalvosni]

Man, you're a very great and awesome teacher. I sure will recommend your channel. Worthy watching and sharing.

[@JorgeEscobarMX]

This is the best video about mixers ever. Thanks man.

[@cookwareset3895]

Very informative video, easy to understand and follow thanks Mitch

[@CarlAustinGregory]

It is cool how similar concepts can be from skill to skill; a "bus" is like a nested clip (premiere pro) or a compound clip (davinci resolve), or a group in illustrator/photoshop or a smart object in photoshop. A bus is a composite of individual signals which can then be adjusted or effected as a group. I guess the difference here is that the hardware itself determines how many busses, or groups, there are, and to some degree, what goes into them.

[@clevermissfox]

It’s so true, just like how bit depth and sample rates concepts apply to both sound and photography. Love it

[@joelsamthomas816]

Thanks for making it complex

[@CarlAustinGregory]

@@joelsamthomas816 The similar way of thinking applies to various types control for audio or video. Putting several items into one bucket and then adjusting the bucket in order to adjust everything in that bucket. I was saying many types of controls/editing use the same concept: grouping individual items together and then adjusting the whole group, rather than each independent item. I hope your day is amazing. And Jesus loves you!

[@joelsamthomas816]

Now that's clear. Thank you!!

[@rl2905]

Love Mitch's instructional videos.

[@daleywhaley]

Thanks Mitch, this video just saved me writing an epic to a newbie customer!

[@roberthart4160]

This is a fantastic and simple break down so anyone can understand.. great job!!

[@inwardoffice5410]

This is so useful! Thanks Sweetwater! Wow. I have to watch this in half speed to understand all that he's saying!

[@percival5207]

Amazing demo as usual. So breezy fast yet instructive and clear. 👍🏻

[@tungnguyennhat9234]

ikr :)) that's a professional for you

[@locutusmdv]

As always, very clear! Thanks!

[@keneaton2399]

Incredibly helpful, thank you!

[@dirtremovesblindness]

Unbelievably helpful. Thank you for the post!

[@tastetheocean]

Very clear and simple explanation Thank you!

[@100chuckjones]

This is a great video. I'll be perfectly honest. im not a huge fan of Mitch and these Sweetwater videos. I feel like im always being sold something. But this was a great breakdown of basic routing. It was fast paced and easy to follow along. The Mackie has been a staple in our industry for many years and even though its not my first choice for a mixer, it is a great learning tool and great introduction to mixing. I know, I still have 3 of them.

[@KarthikNagarajan]

Wonderfully explained. Thank you

[@suthngin]

Thanks for a great explanation.

[@h.a.s.palliblister8113]

Thank you Mitch Gallagher & Sweetwater for this amazing tutorial. You're an absolute pro in teaching - I have had half baked cookies struggling whilst instructing us - however you are fantastic Mitch.

[@gurudattthakkar]

Excellent Explanation

[@cecilcollins3814]

Clear and informative presentation.

[@abhishekprabhu1]

Thank you Sir, it was really very useful.

[@Fitzfish]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@TheBladepolisher]

Jeez .. . . . Mitch sure gets down to business . . . . . pronto ! ! I went in to this with a lot of questions; came out thinking about buying one of these. Way to go Mitch ! !

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

Excellent video - thanks.

[@shlomostrauss7229]

fascinating! Thank you for the perfect overview. 🌻

[@immersivenarrative]

good video! i will listen again.

[@craigdouglas8095]

Great concise information thanks for the video.

[@djrobflow]

This is great thank you for this!!

[@user-gt4nb9nb1w]

Thank you, Mitch! SO very helpful! Of course, I will be buying my new mixer from Sweetwater!

[@dalenjurgens6751]

Great video, thank you for show us about this!

[@gustavoalvarez6637]

Excellent video! I love your vibes!

[@iamtreyevans]

Great tutorial. Simplified.

[@HectorZLopez]

Very helpful, Sir, thank you very much!

[@nicholaskuusoyir1735]

Thanks a lot sir,that was a wonderful breakdown of the makie. I use a 12chanel MEKSE UK-2BT power mixer and I would like to know more about the graphic equaliser and the digital multi effects.

[@enfacedeglace]

Nice presentation. Thanks.

[@RogerAnsanelli]

watched it again. Thank you Mitch ;)

[@terrancehicksjr.76]

Thank you..you have made mixers not so intimidating. I now have a idea what everything is for

[@marioCazares]

This is extremely helpful thank you

[@RowdyGrunt]

Damn! Bossman is a good teacher too! Very cool video, on a great topic that many want to know, but were afraid to ask! :-)

[@DanielSRosehill]

Great video Mitch - much appreciated!

[@thevez51]

Best explanation

[@mossadmike]

You're killing me. Thanks. It's faders and stereo faders. Pick ups. .... Got it

[@DrCatalinIlie]

Thank you !

[@kevinisaacs6930]

This is a very understandable explanatian of the mixer board.

[@chrisgreenwood4713]

Very Helpful!!

[@EneaG]

Loved this

[@mintumithu5075]

Very nice information

[@BonafideToolJunkie]

It's also a good idea to keep this type of equipment covered in some fashion to prevent dust from corrupting electronics.

[@cadillacphilli]

This was very helpful. I just purchased this mixer and I am so glad that you made this video. Gives me a better understanding of how to use it. Kind Regards...Phillip.

[@battambangscooterandmotorc303]

atta boy. makin' it simple. thanks man. totally new to the karaoke game at 60 but as a new bar owner I gotta get on it baby! Rock on brother!

[@jingxinwu1385]

thanks for your video,!!!!

[@heisenberg2966]

Great Video! If you did not know about Mixers, YOU DO NOW!

[@EugenioTrainer]

Awesome review thanks

[@rudolph_007]

Hey thanks for knowledge sharing ☺️

[@chargen7224]

Excellent !!

[@alizadehweshky]

Great video , when you pan a stereo sound into 2 channels, you have to perform every action on both channels precisely to have the same result on every channel. to avoid this i know i can use the stereo input channels. the problem that i have is, i have too many hardware synths and drum machines where i run out of stereo inputs. how can i solve this problem without using the panning option?

[@ankan17]

I swear 😭 no. 1 was the perfect one for him to be honest ❤️ she was best off all of them...

[@digdigger4277]

excellent thanks

[@jimilove7773]

Thanks!

[@manurajan4283]

Thank you sir

[@jakubvorel8855]

Thanks 😀

[@basselaboeji9749]

Thank you

[@taison5166]

@ Sweetwater Thank you so much for your time with explaining the details about mixers!❤️ The question that I have is: What equipment do you recommend for beginners who want to set up a home studio? Again, thank you so much and God bless!

[@sweetwater]

Hello! Our team would be glad to dig into those details with you. When you have a moment, please give us a call at [phone] or email us at [e-mail]. You may also visit www.sweetwater.com/about/contact Thanks for the message!

[@kvmalley]

Great video Mitch! My band (vocalist) will be getting X-Air 16 for Christmas and look very forward to getting up to speed on it! I'm the drummer and plan to use IEM, I already have a PreSonus HP2 and needed a better understanding of monitor mixing from my iPad! This video is required watching/listening for anyone laying hands on any mixer period! I've been in a lot of bands my entire life, and have a good basic knowledge of live sound but was a little sketchy on Aux and Effects sends, etc! I'll be reviewing this video along the way, and plan to share it with the rest of the band Thanks @Sweetwater and @MitchGallagher

[@xray111xxx]

Great video Mitch. You are a professional to the inth degree. Love your work. I enjoyed watching this video. I have the Mixer basics down, but your video is great to refresh us on the in and outs of a mixer, or a great primer for the first time user. Again Great video!

[@danielmadrighonduhura8321]

Hi there. You have a way you educate people and keep them engaged. I was wondering, I hear that there are some people who do audio ducking on an analogue mixer, without using a compressor. Do you have a video for that? They make use wires tied on a peg, and the mixer ducks the audio when never the peg is pressed.

[@nigeljones1969]

I've just purchased an 8 channel su zero to use for radio broadcasting online, I'm a complete novice with all this so any advice would be really appreciated, your right about one thing, I'm confused as to what I can exactly do with it IE can I play audio through it as well as just talk through it

[@chuckshartz2722]

Excellent well explained video. We need him to do a synth video, for, most synth explanation videos are often not very well explained, as they are explained from a perspective that assumes previous experience and knowledge He did lose me once he got to creating busses, though

[@danieldubon95]

Pls do the X32 soon!!

[@rubentrevino6288]

Outstanding

[@ramsescalderonmusic]

You trully helped. Send ya A like. Thanks man. 💎👍🎸🎤

[@zmorin]

this is probably the most informative video I've seen on KZbin, I mean you basically get straight to the point on how to use a mixer and you also cover most if not all the info that we need to know how to use a mixer, its a great video!

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@TheBassman0327]

I noticed you have 2x XLR main outs L/R and 2x 1/4 Main outs L/R is it possible to connect 4 powered speakers as mains thanks 🙏🏿

[@hswizzle4208]

Now if you wanted to run a guitar or bass from your amp into your mixer into your PA system would you mix up the amp and then plug the mic into the mixer?

[@jittujoseph6552]

Could you please explain the types of fx?

[@superball1924]

Can we connect a mic level input in these inputs below xlr?

[@outinlondon4915]

Hi, thanks for the video. Can a mixer make a digital voice modifier louder, let's say for example CLOWNFISH software. It doesn't sound loud when i use the voice modifier as opposed to when I use only my voice. I'm using an Yamaha 10mgxu. Thanks!

[@augustinemallipudi2644]

Its been a very useful video for me. Sir, I have few doubts,... I hope you will answer to me. 1. Can i use Mic and line (in channel 3) at a time? 2. Should I use Gain to my keyboard? 3. Do Compressor function work for a dynamic microphone?

[@sweetwater]

Hey there, Augustine! On channel 3, technically you could plug multiple signals into that channel, but it wouldn’t be recommended. Since there’s only one gain control, volume control, etc. on that channel, you’ll want to just run one signal into that channel. Yes, you can use gain with your keyboard! It’s all about making sure you have a healthy signal coming from the keyboard and into the mixer. Just make sure you aren’t distorting or clipping the signal going into the mixer. Compression will work with whatever signal you’re sending into the channel. It doesn’t matter what kind of mic, or what level signal you’re sending into the channel! Thanks! Nick Pasquino, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3230, [e-mail]

[@Al-po2oh]

I wish all of these mixer tutorials would discuss powered vs passive mixers. There is a difference correct?

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Question on LEds indicator. Do this lights Indictators indicate just decibels levels or do they also indicate volume levels, let's say if I have 2 instruments on 2 different channels , if both leds indicate 4 ,do they also mean they are at the same level control ?