Learning how to use a Mixing Board – Notes / Tips
The best way to gain experience using a Mixing Board is by getting “hands-on” training. You don’t have to go to a school to learn how to run a Mixing Board, but you will need access to a Mixing Board (small or large, it doesn’t matter at this point). You will need to spend a reasonable amount of time “practicing” on your Mixing Board in order to develop knowledge and experience. Once you feel you got the basics down – evaluate what you know and what you need to spend more time working on to ensure that you completely understand the essential functions.
- First, learn your way around the board – get familiar with all the knobs, inputs and outputs, where are they located, etc. Make sure you know the difference between a Line Input and a Microphone Input.
- Second, hook up the board to an amplifier and speakers – make sure to get some signal flow going through the system. I suggest using an iPhone, Laptop, or any Digital playback unit to start with.
- Third, once you have sound flowing through system you will want to spend a lot of time working with the EQ. This is very important. Experiment, try each knob (slider), and listen carefully to what happens to the signal as you adjust each of the knobs (or slider) around. Test with different “Stems” (Tracks / Music).
- Fourth, practice with AUX Sends / Returns, Solo (Headphones), Mute buttons, and assigning Sub Groups.
A Quick Note: “Audio Operators” (the persons that mix live shows) must be experienced and proficient with operating Mixing Boards in order to properly “Mix” a quality show. As an “Audio Technician,” you need to be familiar with how the Mixing Board functions, its set-up, connections, and all associated rack equipment the board is connected to in order to troubleshoot and repair any issues when called upon.
Here are some video clips to help you learn the basics of running a Mixing Board
