There are a few different types to choose from, such as passive, active, mono, or stereo direct boxes. Their job is to convert an unbalanced, high-impedance signal to a balanced, low-impedance signal before sending it directly to a mixer. Some devices frequently used in conjunction with mixing consoles are audio direct boxes or 'DI' boxes. The result is a unique audio characteristic that many frequently want in their sound, and try to replicate. Analog mixing consoles also affect the resulting audio with a process known as 'summing,' a term that refers to the combination of all signals across the channels. On the other hand, analog versions are less expensive than digital mixers, and signal flow is straightforward. Some can handle more complex signal routing and grouping, offering increased flexibility with mixing options. Digital mixing consoles are more compact and lightweight than analog versions, as they replace clunkier analog components with streamlined digital signal processing chips. Analog MixersĪll audio mixers are either digital or analog. Recording mixers and mixer boards offer more groups, aux and effects outputs, as well as other features that make them suitable for studio use. Common parts of a mixer include the channel strip, an EQ area, faders and group faders, auxes, and buses. Sound mixers receive signals from sources such as guitar cabs or vocal mics, they mix and process them, and then send the new signal out to other destinations. There are a few different kinds of sound mixers available, but they all serve the same purpose. They improve overall sound quality and allow precision when it comes to balancing various audio sources. Live sound mixers let you control different audio levels for concerts, performances, and more.

Photo and audio mixer