In this modern era of technology and music, knowing how to operate your audio mixer is just as important as playing an instrument. Whether you are an experienced performer, a home recording artist, or an emerging producer, achieving the best sound usually depends on how well you can control your mixer. Many musicians, unfortunately, guess their way through this process or hand it over to a sound engineer, which all too often harms the quality.
If you want to have full control of your sound, take a look at your mixer because it is time to strip your mixer of its mystery. In this article, we explore five crucial audio mixer settings that every musician ought to understand—not use only to survive a session, but indeed thrive in one. Want to explore the full spectrum of audio mixers in the modern music world? Check the best collection of 5 Core audio mixers.
List of 5 Essential Audio Mixer Settings For All Musicians
Gain Control – The Beginning of Your Signal’s Structure
Let’s start from the top—with gain. Gain is not volume. It deals with input sensitivity or how strong the signal from your microphone or instrument is.
With a low gain, the audio will be weak and submerged within the noise. If set too high, you risk distortion and clipping. It can easily be found using the gain staging method which involves setting the gain so that the signal level just touches the upper limit of the meter, usually around -6 dBFS for digital setups. If PFL (Program Fader Level) is present, use it to monitor the input without any signal outside of the PFL.
Pro Tip: As a rule of thumb, adjust the gain before any EQ or level balancing. None of the adjustments can remedy the problem if the source is not correct.
EQ – Shaping Your Signature Sound
The analog chisel is considered EQ or “equalization”. An averagely sophisticated mixer comes equipped with three to four EQ bands: a low (bass) band, a midrange, a high (treble) band, and sometimes even sweepable mids.
- Low frequencies (20 Hz – 250 Hz): Include the bass lines, kick drums, and the body of male vocals.
- Mid frequencies (250 Hz – 4 kHz): Where most instruments and vocals reside. Most certainly don’t overdo it as it could make you sound boxy or harsh,
- High frequencies (4 kHz – 20 kHz): Add clarity, air, and presence.
Unorthodox Way: To always boost, try cutting frequencies using subtractive EQ. Competing frequencies are often cut, which gives a more transparent and natural sound.
Looking for accurate insights on the use of audio mixers? Read – Using Audio Mixers with USB/Firewire Output.
Aux Sends – Control for Effects & Monitors
Aux sends to let you sculpt intricate effects and provide artist-specific needs in their monitors.
Typically, there are two types of aux sends:
- Pre-fader: Used on monitor mixes so the send level remains constant regardless of adjusting on the main mix.
- Post-fader: Better suited for effect sends, such as reverb or delay, where the output of the send should depend on the channel fader.
New Trick: Try panning reverb on stereo aux sends to enhance depth and spatial movement in your mix.
Pan – The Concealed Stage
Panning is the control that gives each signal its location in the stereo spectrum—left to right. A good mix is well-planned and balanced to sound natural and softer edges and allows instruments to sit in their own places.
Consider panning in terms of placing a band onto a stage. Scatter the instruments through the field as if setting up for a concert to make it sound more engaging, creating an immersive experience.
Pro Tip: Blend slightly opposing but harmonizing instruments on either side. For example, an acoustic guitar panned at 25% left, paired with a piano panned at 25% right. This adds depth while maintaining balance, expanding the mix without letting it become too cluttered.
Faders – The Art of Balance
Equally important is that the fader manages the level of a channel’s output volume within the mix. After all the elements are set, balance the picture with the faders.
For more active scenarios, faders allow instant dynamic adjustment freedom while keeping the signal path intact (clean). In a studio set-up, automation on digital mixers allows volume automation throughout the song.
Pro tip: Mix by ear, not by eye. Place faders based on sound, not what is visually appealing.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting your audio mixer controls doesn’t only fall on the shoulders of audio engineers. It is an important skill for any serious musician, and even composers, who want to improve their sound. Knowing how to use those five core controls—Gain, EQ, Aux Sends, Pan, and Faders—is the basis of mixing wonderfully. Once you know how each control works with the others, you can achieve strong, clear sound, and amplify the intensity of emotions conveyed through the audio, regardless of whether it is a live performance or studio production. Planning to buy a 24 Channel Stereo Sound Audio Mixer? Buy 5 Core DJ Audio Mixer 24 Channel Stereo Sound Board w 256 effects USB Bluetooth 48V Phantom Power.
In a short while, you will realize that your mixer is not a complex piece of equipment, but rather, a means for you to express your creativity. So plug in and move those knobs until you achieve the sound you want.