What Are The Different Outputs Of An Audio Mixer?

What's the difference between the main outs, aux outs, and matrix outputs on a mixer? How about the direct outputs? When should you use an auxiliary output or matrix instead of the main mix outs? In this video, you'll learn about the most common outputs on audio mixing consoles and how to use them.
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0:00 - Introduction
0:17 - Main Outputs
1:09 - Direct Outputs
1:53 - Aux Outputs
3:29 - Matrix Outputs
4:48 - Subscribe To Audio University!
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[@tunemxr480]

Kyle, you’re giving away all of the treasured industry-insider secrets!! Naw-I wish there were teachers like you around when I was learning the ropes, awesome job again!

[@johndominick67]

This young man knows his stuff and most importantly, how to relay his information in an ordered and simplest way to viewers! Very nice! I am going to check out all of the AU videos.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, JD!

[@danieloyifioda]

You really do know how to teach Kyle, I've learnt a lot of the audio basics and theories from your KZbin page. I'm grateful for the good work you're doing.

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks, Daniel! I’m glad to be helpful!

[@LanternOneStudios]

What was once seen as "old skool" audio production is now new again. Thanks for posting!

[@RandyHanley]

Your videos are incredible. You put a lot of works into these videos, and it shows form the quality! Love it.

[@IslandDigital]

Great job ! Clear , concise .. Great for new staff to get the feel of the console to make it less overwhelming.

[@powerhitter033]

This is a gem of a channel and you are a great teacher! Thank you!

[@MitsaelT]

Bro you’re a beast. Keep these videos coming in 2022!!!!

[@ytnsanw]

1:53 'Auxiliary' only has one 'l'. Other than that, a concise and useful video.

[@carlroberge7535]

Great video as always, Kyle! Very informative 👍🙌

[@leonardobadilla3374]

Terrific lesson, thanks !

[@avishekARTS]

Deeply Grateful to you for your explanations.

[@artwavesmedia]

best way to teach Matrix outputs. Thank you 😊

[@SM57]

Great explanation👍

[@jordanlear7390]

So good man. Thank you, this was tremendously helpful!!!

[@AudioUniversity]

Thanks for watching, Jordan! Glad to help!

[@chepegato100]

Thanks for your tips, i will try use the matrix ,

[@JustinCrumpDrums]

Amazing Video Thank You!

[@Revelations-bc1vk]

Thank you your videos are super helpful

[@AudioUniversity]

Glad to help!

[@shivkumarnadar4893]

Kyle sir thank you for sharing

[@davidcarpenter9232]

What up Kyle ??? Just found ya ... Been mixing sound long time ... Got 2 keep learning ,,, been getting a lot of new equipment ... Just need to learn how to use it better ... Thanks 👍👍👍

[@avriyas007]

Thanks.. Great..and simple..

[@originalvonster]

Thank you

[@Abihef]

Wish I had a mixer like that😂 All I got is gain, hi and low eq, left/right, Mon, fx and a faded😅😂 Haven't even got direct out, seems a great option though

[@user-he8gz4ii1m]

Good evening sir

[@mikiyosangyo1627]

Great tuto🤩! Matrix outputs explanation/imagery with buses🚌🚌 is just excellent. BTW, I have a hard time finding mixers with direct outputs... unless they have 16 channels, like Behringer QX2442 or Mackie 1642VLZ4. There is maybe a chance, you know, mixers that a smaller with direct outs. 16 channels is a bit big for my needs. If you could advise a smaller mixer with direct outs, it would be awesome. Thank you! 🙏

[@gregsturgill4505]

What do you do when even the stuff you cover in these videos is too confusing? Is there another set of videos that breaks it down EVEN MORE SIMPLY?

[@m4rcioflima]

Great video Kyle!!!👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾 Talking about MATRIX is the same of talking about GROUP right?😉

[@AudioUniversity]

Not necessarily. A Group is usually a bus where you assign multiple channels at a fixed level. Like an aux, but no send level (and post fader).

[@m4rcioflima]

@@AudioUniversity thanks! 🤜🏼🤛🏽

[@debabratabalabantaray1603]

Nice

[@stephendesouza468]

Hello Kyle, Thank you for the video My question is which signal comes out of the Main outputs of a mixer? Is it a line line or Mic-level?

[@AudioUniversity]

If you use proper gain staging (utilize the dynamic range of the output) it will be line level.

[@PotatoflakeJake]

Thanks bud!

[@virupaksharudra2128]

Can be used main stereo output of xlr & as well as 3/4th jack output simultaneously?

[@_ssarine]

On a mackie 12 channel analog board, what is the best way to send audio (such as a recording) to both monitors for a choir to hear and the mains for the audience to hear?

[@AudioUniversity]

I’d recommend the main outputs for main speakers and auxiliary output(s) for stage monitors.

[@coffeyvideoproductions7767]

Thanks, but could you replace the picture of the back of the board with a higher res image. I couldn't read the labels even at 1080p.

[@sn0op2k]

Would you need an xlr attenuator if you were going from the main out of a mixer to the input of a recording console?

[@AudioUniversity]

If you’re levels are clipping, you could use a pad. But if the levels are good and it sounds good, no need for a pad.

[@kaayaeeshan5706]

🧡

[@mikeindel]

I have an analog mixer "no usb" Mics go into each channel on board..then each channel comes out of the board via "direct out -10"...then into the interface set at -10 Then i record each channel Then when i play back, each track i recorded comes out of my interface, i send back into the boards "tape in -20~+10db"...my interface gives me the choice of +4 or -10 out, to go into the "tape in -20~+10db" on the board, this is where im questioning the output of the interface Im just wondering if either +4 or -10 should "NOT" or "SHOULD" be used going back into "tape in -20~+10db" Ty again

[@digitalclinique843]

Hi kyle i have a question . So i use to do recording using a mixer and my phone , using splitter .. And i used the phones output on the mixer for my earphone.. Why is it the audio quality from the mixer phones output doesnt sound good like when i plug in my earphone directly to my phone without any splitter? the audio quality when i plug in my earphone directly sound more HQ ... Thanks in advance.

[@user-yc4if1mk2o]

What if I have 18i20 and adat8200 can i switch input priority? First send to adat and than to analog mixer

[@Billiardroomsessions]

Hi Kyle, do you have a video on recording and also amplifying a source through a PA? Just wondering what the best option is, take a line out of the desk and send to interface or vice versa?

[@AudioUniversity]

I’d recommend going through the desk first to minimize latency in the live performance.

[@Billiardroomsessions]

@@AudioUniversity ah great! Then 1/4 out to interface? I have a focusrite do you need to do anything in the control software?

[@AudioUniversity]

You should need the control software. It’s the same as recording two microphones, but they will be line level signals instead.

[@AjaySivaram-by8vl]

Mix the tone of the text of joining resources and information about the answer sheet 29 and then he will

[@homeymaplewood]

Great video! My Mackie MK2 has an assign left and right button. When and how would this get used? How does this work with the Sub out? Would love to see a video on using the Sub channels. Thanks!

[@zuchamotungoe6817]

Yes.. same here... want to know the same thing... Not sure but for sub out it is for recording... Wanting to know the utility out too as well...

[@cherrybimcerna6591]

👍🏻🤘🏻✌🏻

[@jasonjellie9342]

Can u use the main out to connect to an interface

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes you can.

[@jasonjellie9342]

@@AudioUniversity ok so off the back of my last question. I have an interesting issue, now it might be be because I have to use the main out instead but I need confirmation as to to whether that’s the issue. I connected my audio interface to the left and right channels on my mixer via trs, however, my mixer won’t work if it’s connected to my interface and vice Versa but they work Separately so I know they both work

[@LC-ur8gv]

Is the signal coming out from the main outs always at line level? If so, how come in some mixers we have both XLR and Line outs?

[@AudioUniversity]

Yes (assuming proper gain structure in the mix). XLR can support mic level or line level.

[@LC-ur8gv]

@@AudioUniversity Thanks. I'm learning loads from your videos. Could you recommend any audio theory book to get further info?

[@silviopimentel7247]

Could u explain what a bus or router mean? I still don't understand it

[@mark07421]

How do I connect a fx unit to my mixer to give it effect to individual channels ?

[@AudioUniversity]

What type of FX unit are you connecting? In many cases, you can use the FX send and FX return signal flow shown in the video with an aux send.

[@mark07421]

@@AudioUniversity like a delay or reverb I have a small yamaha but it has no built in effects

[@mark07421]

I dont have one yet but want to add some fx to output on channels to speakers

[@AudioUniversity]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqeXZaGoerOdiK8

[@DoubleDoubleU]

So is a matrix is basically a bus for buses?

[@AudioUniversity]

That's right. Well said!

[@nope24601]

You really ought to cite your sources. You refer to your internship, but never give the man who gave you this knowledge credit. Give credit where credit is due.

[@AudioUniversity]

There are lots of people to take credit. Too many to shout out in the video, and they know who they are.

[@user-he8gz4ii1m]

Sir my name is Rodrick,

[@CSGATI]

Master volume, not masterfader