How to use an analog audio mixer

Here is a basic how-to on analog audio mixers.

[@MrMcharron]

Not everyone has the ability to explain new concepts in a concise fashion, great explanation for a newbie, much appreciated, very well done!

[@slshock]

Absolutely the BEST basic mixer how to video that I've seen. I can tell there was a lot of prep time that went into this video presentation. Thank you for posting.

[@roderickharter8204]

I’m waiting for my new mixer to be delivered. Your video is very timely and quite helpful. I appreciate that you were able to “dumb” it down for a newbie to understand. Thanks again!

[@ToothFairySpaniel]

The most thorough explanation that I have observed! Thank you Matt.

[@justyparras1385]

Very detailed video on how to use a mixer. 10 stars for that.

[@hobomillionaire]

Thank you Matt - as so many have commented this is an outstanding tutorial, much obliged 🤟

[@chicagot5881]

This video is really helpful. Thank you for breaking it down.

[@mdomme65]

Very clear and simple explanation....thank you!!

[@ThaddeusColeman]

Thank you, this was a very helpful video!

[@user-gi3xj8nz3s]

what a great video I came across , good job I have learn what I needed to learn about my newly purchaser MIX 5. Great Videos You Put Out Keep Up The Good Work.

[@cocobrother]

Now Gramps finally knows what the dials mean. Thank you for going beyond the basic set-up vids.

[@channelz3363]

This is very clear and useful, I have the same mixer - I should be able to use it more effectively now. Thanks.

[@audioartisan]

Thanks for the lesson. Getting one of these in a few days. Very helpful (subscribed)

[@lakbayuk8272]

Thank you so much , your video really explain so much for a beginner like me ...

[@jasoncary7957]

Nice video! But a few things might be good to mention too: - Describing an amplified mixer vs non-amplified. In this video you must’ve used active speakers to take your line level output as there was no integrated amp in the mixer and no external amp mentioned. - Begin at Unity. All EQ sections should be set at Unity to begin with as every environment differs and a fresh mix should be made each time. - It would have been cool to see you connect a last speaker to the AUX send so viewers could get an appreciation of the difference between the Mains mix and AUX mixes to better illustrate the point. - Why are AUX mixes always Mono while Mains Stereo? I’ve found this concept confusing and would have liked it discussed here, but then again maybe I’m wishing for a deep dive video and not an intro 😂 Thank you for what you do. You rock!

[@mikacolendra]

The separate channel and panning was a big help 💛

[@meaudiopro]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@aryakodestudios]

Simply amazing man 👌

[@MikeGarciaMusic]

Very nicely done!

[@FM-ne5pz]

i love the idea of two channels for one device

[@bogard08]

Awesome job man.

[@sk8manofjapan]

nice instruction man great job!

[@mrderp8227]

Thank you so much for this!

[@meaudiopro]

Big thanks to all of you who have subscribed and watched my how-to video's, there will be more content soon! If anyone has a suggestion for a how-to video please comment right here and I will do my best make it happen!

[@taadventures6312]

Great information!!!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheTalkingApe]

This is excellent

[@Jakesdaysvlogs]

I don't even have one yet but I still loved this helped a lot!

[@C100RXP]

Very Well Done. Thanks.

[@chrisortmann2056]

Very nice video and to the point. However, it is interesting how you level the mic with the master and channel level knob not being in neutral (0) position . It is more common to set these two control knobs to 0 (just like you would do with a fader) when using the gain knob to be able to control the channel/master volume after levelling a mic/line signal using the gain knob.

[@meaudiopro]

Sure, one can use that method, but for quiet talkers, more gain maybe necessary. Also take into consideration that unity on mackie mixer is strait up, but on many consoles it may be at the 3 o clock position.

[@hartejgirn6506]

meaudiopro.com where would I connect my ddj 400 it has 2 rcas so would it go in to the in rca ports of this mixer ?

[@AFRIKATrendsTV]

is it possible to have a sub mixer for keyboard and another sub mixer for drums and both connected to main mixer? so that the players can hv full control over their mixing

[@hmejia30]

Thank you very much

[@charudattagnihotri9899]

Nice video! Just wanted to know if the main outs can be used to connect to the pc line in or only rca (tape)?

[@kobylka1968]

Is there separate volume level for aux & main out from channels? = channel 1, 2, 3/4, 5/6 volume is on 0 (muted) but you can hear sound from aux/monitors - Pre-fader mode? Some these cheap/simple mixers do not allow this...

[@seanchristopherdanieldiaz9791]

Thank you!!!

[@mooneyes2667]

Dude, thanx for the vid. Ok, I have my situation, hoping ya can help. I'm trying to incorporate consumer audio components, (ya know, with RCA jacks) with pro audio components, XLR, TRS . This is a simple home stereo set-up. I have a Behringer XENYX 820 mixer, VERY similar to your vid. mixer. I need to convert from RCA to the pro stuff, the mixer being at the start of the audio signal.

[@meaudiopro]

Thanks for watching Jim, please share! As for your question, If you are going from 1/4 inch connectors to rca connectors all you need is a cable with those ends on it(1/4 inch to rca). if you go from 1/4 inch to XLR and the 1/4 inch output is balanced, then a cable with that is 1/4 inch TRS -XLR will be needed. In the case of unbalanced 1/4 inch output from a mixer going to XLR, then I would recommend a direct box (or d.i. box ). That direct box has a transformer inside that will balance the signal for you, taking it from unbalanced 1/4 inch to XLR out (balanced). Hopefully this answers your question, thanks again for watching! -Matt

[@taichionline]

Thank you

[@kilogulf2745]

Can I use RCA and TRS Output at the same time so that I can send signal to 4 speakers? Thanks

[@SchoolToEmbassyProject]

After plugging it in, you should splicing video of you plugging in the mixer to 2 microphones & Skype for podcasting.

[@KleskReaver]

Hi there, nice video, question.. when you said that plugging a stereo connection into seperate mono channels and using PAN left and right sounds better than using a stereo input, is that because the mono channels have the gain knobs and can get a better overall level? Or is it something else about it that makes it better?, asking because I’m getting a mixer similar to this one but I am also getting a USB DI box with volume control already on it, so gain on the mixer won’t be needed as I can adjust the level before it reaches the mixer, I also know that some mixers have a +4 / -10db switch on their stereo inputs (basically a choice between 2 gain levels of needed) but again I don’t think I’ll need that, just want your thoughts on the mono input for stereo :)

[@meaudiopro]

Plugging into 2 separate channels will make the stereo image wider. plugging a stereo signal into a stereo channel on a mixer like that will require the pan knob to be straight up to hear both sides, when they are split between 2 channels, they can be panned hard left and hard right for a wider stereo sound. Hope that makes sense :-)

[@dougpearson4244]

Hi, how would you connect a small non powered mixer with effects to a Kustom pa50? I want to do this so I would have reverb for my microphone.

[@RyCasVlogs]

Sir can i use in mic and line in one channel? What you did is you remove the mic and plug the sound in different channel, can i use both? Im sorry for my english

[@robertbuilder8001]

This is great. Thank you for sharing.

[@GuiuFlash]

Hello! Did you notice any noise generated from the fountain or table Makie? Thank you!

[@siroz1]

actually this was pretty good.

[@funnyasian4897]

Hey so quick question that is what is the model for the power supply cuss I’m looking all over the internet but cannot find it

[@greenvelvet]

What's the difference between connecting your studio monitors to the MAIN out and the CR out?

[@zorhis1996]

so what if im using one speaker with a phone , do i get a 3.5 to unbalanced and hook up one channel and leave the pan in the middle and hook up that channel out to my one speaker ?

[@Eidenbites]

Between this and the Alesis fx8 which would be better

[@christhedemocrat]

Does it work well with electric drums?

[@Vanhalen1]

How loud do you run speaker vol?

[@juliuscalabio6223]

Can do a "amolifier and mixer connection". Im using a ORIS T5 5channel. Its not woking..🤔

[@bheyabalos1358]

Please demo for 4channel mixer

[@chapotero3051]

Questions how do i connected to my android phone for smule app? If you can tell me.

[@peteryousef5177]

please if i have personal monitor mixer ( hear Back) how can i connect it to this mixer. my mixer 16 channel but the same

[@djadamandruszkiewicz8965]

BIG Question. Does it make a diffrence to connect speakers by TRS - TRS cable or TRS - XLR cable? Or maybe chose the mixer with XLR main out to use XLR - XLR cable?

[@meaudiopro]

Both are a balanced connection so either one works great.

[@kingabdolbig4306]

Dear Pro . i have this mixer Mackie 8 and also I have boss RC 505 and Arturia sparkle and Akai mpk mini also Focusrite 2i2. how can I connect them to this mixer? thank you in advance

[@1pilotsteve]

Stereo doesn't come out of a mixer. There is a left and right component Pan is not stereo balance it stands for Panorama.. Where in the panorama of left right image a component sit. Ex Guitars on the left vocals on the right...

[@rafelbertponce2631]

Thank you sir...

[@juliuscalabio6223]

Is it ok to use only a console mixer and speaker?..some says you need also a amplifier..thank you

[@meaudiopro]

You can if it is a powered speaker, the amplifier is built in.

[@wparch]

Besides throwing it in the trash.... what's another way to determine if your mixer is no longer working?

[@greaterworksbusinessservic8727]

I have a Weymic Professional Mixer | 7-Channel 2-Bus Mixer with a CZE-7C FM transmitter. How do I connect a microphone to the mixer so that when I am talking, I can hear myself on the radio? I am currently using my computer to play music and I was able to connect the transmitter and computer to play music. Music can be heard on the radio. The only problem I am having is connecting a microphone to the mixer so when I speak, I can hear myself on the radio. I have Pyler wired microphones with the XLR hooked up to the microphone itself and a 1/4 inch jack on the other end. Any assistance will be appreciated.

[@meaudiopro]

Thanks for watching, all you should have to do is duplicate the way that you have plugged in the computer to the mixer. Check your settings so they are the same. Mics and computers work a little different when you plug them in. Make sure you are plugging into a microphone pre Amp or mic input not a line input. The levels out of the computer are likely much louder, adjust the gain or trim knobs to equalize the input signal levels. Then volume knobs or faders can be adjusted to taste. Some mics are a lower signal level by design, if so you will want to verify and adjust as well. I hope this helps!

[@cooltras]

Can i put on 2 microphones to 1 channel (into XLR and Jack socket)???

[@meaudiopro]

It's not ideal, but you can buy a "combiner". It's an dual XLR female to single XLR male adapter. Available at most pro audio stores.

[@spuddy_bud]

I have a 30 year old church organ and I am using 1/4" connectors into external speakers. The organ has no headphone jack. Can I use a mixer where my speaker cables could be input to a mixer and then use the main out jacks on the mixer to send the signal out to the external speakers. Then I could make use of the headphone jack on the mixer. The reason for doing this is so that I can practice and listen through the headphone jack, and everyone in the house would not have to listen to me. I understand that speakers are not line level audio but will this work?

[@semicarnal6060]

Hi I have a sound card if possible to conecte a mixer? because a use for video game sorry my writte is not great thanks for you video

[@peteryousef5177]

please , i have a question. someone told me if i connect TRS to adapter TS female to TRS male on insert will change to work a direct output ? that right ? or 2. use 1/4-inch TRS Female to 1/4-inch TRS Male Headphone Extension Cable

[@willyballz]

did you plug in the pc to headphone or mic input thanks

[@meaudiopro]

If you plug in a pc it would go to a line input ideally.

[@ronssijei]

How do you connect it to your PC for recording?

[@MrFranklynMiller]

CJ Ronxel Juntilla Cabug-os there’s a cord with the mixer, it has the same shape as a headphone plugin, the other end you place into the mixer.

[@MrDjC5]

What the best spot for a laptop?

[@meaudiopro]

You can use any depending on the cable you are have. on smaller format mixers, mic input channels often have a sweepable mid-range selector knob, that's what I would use

[@bgcool4352]

Hi thanks for the video, just wanted to know what type of speaker do you need with this mixer, active or passive speaker? Thanks

[@meaudiopro]

Hello, thanks for watching, this mixer can be paired with a powered speaker, or an amp and passive speaker combination.

[@Darrylgaming12]

What’s the name of the cables so I can order thanks

[@jacksonsmith2881]

11:36

[@tomas_horn]

I'm thinking use this mixer for 3 instruments at the same time. Moog mother32, Moog sub37 and Elektron analog RYTM. Also, I'd use HW effects such as Eventide space, and TC electronic flashback. All connected to Focusrite 2i2. Will this mixer handle it? And what would the best way of connecting all this together? Thanks

[@meaudiopro]

Hey Thomas, thanks for watching. I would use the aux send for your effects out, and patch the output of that effects unit into whatever in is free, after you use up the in's for your synths, then use the main outs of the mixer to go out into the focusrite. Hopefully this is helpful!

[@tomas_horn]

@@meaudiopro Thanks! So just to clarify, all 3 instruments are ok working together at the same time, right? For instance: mother32 audio out > eventide space audio in > eventide space audio out > aux send (if used with effect) or mother32 audio out > CH1 line in (if used without effect). Correct?

[@meaudiopro]

Hey Thomas, the way described above would be a way of applying 1 effect to all the items plugged into channel strips. Anything can be played simultaneously if plugged into independent inputs of the mixer. Some folks who use synths will want to patch them into the mixer differently. So to restate, each keyboard plugged in to a separate input can have the effect applied in different amounts based on how much you turn up the effect send.

[@tomas_horn]

@@meaudiopro Perfect! Finally, I understand. I really appreciate your comprehensive answers. Subbed your channel. Cheers!

[@meaudiopro]

@@tomas_horn that's awesome! Have fun!

[@mrcrowleyoz]

Could I connect my phone/computer to listen to music on my headphones and also connect my guitar or keyboard and control the volumes independently? I want to use the headphones so I can practice some songs on the guitar at night.

[@meaudiopro]

Yes you can.

[@mrcrowleyoz]

Does the guitar need to be pre-amp? or can I connect directly into the mixer and have sound out to the headphones?

[@meaudiopro]

Usually you can, plug it into a hi z input if you can, or the line input as well. Adjust the gain as needed.

[@mrcrowleyoz]

@@meaudiopro thanks 🙏🏽. Still learning about mixers, but All I need is something that’ll let me listen to music and play long my guitar while being able to adjust each volume individually using headphones . I just came across these “guitar headphone amps” that also have a bluetooth capability. They seem to be more affordable but i’m not sure how good the audio quality is.

[@LilRing]

can i mix something after its already been recorded?

[@joylesstiger]

For what purpose?

[@LilRing]

@@joylesstiger so I don’t have to keep testing what it sounds like before actually recording it

[@tonyphan5699]

Hi, how do I connect Pyle PMXAKB2000 powered karaoke mixer to Mackie Mix8 mixer? Thanks

[@meaudiopro]

Use the outputs of the karaoke player and go into 2 channels on the mix8 or 1 stereo channel on the mix 8. As long as you do not use speaker outputs from any device going into a mixer you will be fine.

[@tonyphan5699]

meaudiopro.com hi, I was thinking using Main Out from Mix8 to connect amplifier which connect to 2 passive speakers. The powered karaoke mixer has 2 speakers connected to it.

[@ejrufusimmanuel4313]

Can I get sound from my keyboard and computer into my headphones through one of these?? Somebody explain please.

[@meaudiopro]

Thanks for watching! You can mix a computer audio source and a keyboard through a mixer like this mackie analog mixer, but if you get a mixer with usb in/out it would be much easier and seamless!

[@c.j.thomas369]

@@meaudiopro p

[@c.j.thomas369]

Hello Brother Can you please explain the connections for my keyboard psre 443 yemaha to the mixer and interface 202uca to computer and play kareoke songs. Please also tell me what all cables I need. Please answer me. Thanks

[@brothabenji226]

Simple Dimple

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

so if i can connect my speakers and the mikes to the mixer and get sound thru the mikes why is everyone telling me i need an amp or receiver to hook up to the mixer? i only have speakers n want to get a mixer n mikes.

[@meaudiopro]

Hey Lauren, As long as you have POWERED speakers then you only need a mixer,cables and mics. You can yell if you have powered speakers by looking at the back of the speaker and if it plugs into electricity then it has the amp built inside.if that is what you have, run a cable from the main output of the mixer to the input of the powered speaker, turn your mixer on, then your speaker, play some audio and turn up the speaker slowly. If your speaker does not hook up to electricity then it is a passive speaker that will require an amplifier. An amplifier is easy to use, all you do is run a cable from the main output from your mixer into an input on the amplifier, then run a speaker cable the speaker outputs from the amp to connect to your speakers, then turn your mixer on, turn your power amp on, play some sound and turn up the amplifier slowly.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@meaudiopro I only have a 300 watt powered subwoofer bass speaker which will not work well with mid n upper range vocal mikes; the other speakers are 2 300 watt 5ft tall mid n top range speakers those are not powered...so because we are doing vocal mikes with this setup my friend advised me to get a receiver so i got a 240 total watt one from amazon for $88 he said it will work fine. not playing music thru the system just using the laptop for the music BUT the mixer i got does connect to the laptop so could do that in future methinks...

[@fionajuncaj6725]

What speaker is that?

[@meaudiopro]

Hello Fiona, thanks for watching! that is a Yamaha DXR15 powered loudspeaker. :-)

[@ronaldwilliams3657]

How do you use a iphone on this ?

[@marcolopez678]

MAXER MIC 🎤🎤

[@Cantor.Onival]

Dont have a Effects (FX)

[@rocadeleon2723]

excuse me brother my ignorance and where are the powered subwoofers connected , I'm waiting for you answer...... thanks

[@meaudiopro]

Hello, you can hook up powered subs from the auxiliary out, or the main outs by passing audio through the subs and out to the mains.

[@meaudiopro]

Thanks for watching!

[@joylesstiger]

Great info, but dude if you're running an audio channel you have to address your horrible vocal audio. Idk if it's your mic or what but it's super harsh.

[@mauricioespinoza2134]

Error esa mixer es de 6 canales ,nó 8

[@matteckhardt9787]

Thanks for watching! They do count the stereo in as well....

[@sumthinfresh]

I would think the video sound would be better from an audio guy

[@meaudiopro]

Hey Josh, thanks for watching, the purpose of this video is information for my rental customers and folks looking for help on KZbin, Not an audition for audio services. But I do understand what you mean, I made this with a phone 😂

[@essicc]

does great audio video... has terrible microphone haha

[@JR-lx8nn]

Nicely scripted tutorial. I disagree, however, the first thing to do is plug it in and turn it on. I prefer to plug as many things in as possible, before powering the mixer or at least before turning it on. I turn the monitor speakers on first, before turning the mixer board on. I learned to do this from talking to mixer design engineers at various manufacturers. I also disagree with using EQ to avoid feedback. Feedback is not so much a single tone - it tends to rise over time - but it is caused by sound leaking from speakers back into the source (e.g., microphone) and circulating around and around until it causes oscillating (the tone) - it is essentially a problem of excess volume, so I promote adjusting volume of anything in the chain before altering the essential tonality and frequency profile of the source. I would, therefore, never use EQ as an ersatz tone notch filter. Nice video, with these minor foibles. Thanks. JR

[@meaudiopro]

Thanks for the comment, J R we apparently haven't had the same experience in a professional sound environment because when you need feedback to stop and keep the same volume for an artist, you adjust the frequency that is oscillating to stop the loop. This is a simple mixer tutorial for folks who are getting started. Another thing, I'm not sure where you learned to turn amplifiers and speakers on before the mixer but that is a big no no. Depending on if you are using powered speakers or not. Thanks for watching.

[@JR-lx8nn]

@@meaudiopro Thanks for the detailed reply. You are correct I made a mistake concerning turning monitors after the mixer. I simply got it backward. Score one for you! For example, this video from Behringer says turn speakers on last, and turn them off first. one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6qxk4qhpr2Jb9k That said, I do maintain it is not best practice to power the mixer on before plugging in all the connecting cables to other equipment. I believe it is best to make or break as many connections as possible with the mixer and other gear turned off. Of course, do not always turn the mixer off when connecting or disconnecting a microphone or guitar into the mixer ... but it is best practice to power up after making as many connections with other equipment as possible. I frequently converse with a retired product manager from a major mixer manufacturer, so I maintain that part of my comment. I also maintain my position it is better to manage and cure the cause of feedback than use a very crude, broad band, wide frequency EQ control as if it were a notch filter. That would have a significant deleterious impact on a vocalist's overall tonality. EQ is not the right tool for this job. Better you should remove the cause, such as choose a microphone with a different polar pattern, or alter microphone-to-PA-speaker placement, or relocate PA speakers or move the vocalist to another place on the stage, or some other adjustment. On most mixers, there are only three or four EQ controls, each affecting a wide swath of frequencies. This is a poor way to notch a narrow frequency tone such as feedback. I would never use a control that affects 25% to 33% of the audio spectrum to kill a narrow, almost single frequency feedback tone. No, I would eliminate feedback other ways. Of course, this is just my take, and I could be mistaken, I suppose, considering I am still a rookie at 68 years of age, having mixed my first live band in 1968. So, drive on, soldier - you are free to do as you please! Have a great day, old man. Thanks for the discussion and for catching my error. 🙂 JR