Mixers

I’m restoring an old Soundcraft 600 mixer and discovered it doesn't use dedicated line amps and pads the mic amp signal.

I’m trying to drive my Rupert Neve Designs 5057 Orbit summing mixer for some transformer saturation warmth, but I run into digital distortion before the levels are anywhere near to clipping the Orbit. What am I getting wrong?

I recently rewired my studio and patched a compressor and an effects unit into my mixer’s master inserts. Both processors were set to work with +4dB signals but the levels from the processors seemed low, so I switched them to their ‑10dB positions and the levels seem healthier. Have I done the right thing?

One input on my Peavey PV10BT mixer is running hot and clipping. Yet, when I hit the Solo button it sounds perfect on the headphones. What is going on?

I have a very nice domestic CD player with line outs on unbalanced phono connectors, and I want to connect it to the balanced line input of a mixer...

I've been wondering whether my Soundcraft Signature MTK 12 was a defective unit, because it has the aux outputs polarity inverted with respect to the main output section. What is the purpose of such a design choice?

Splitting out your stereo signals into separate Mid and Sides tracks can open up a world of creative options in your mix.

However much studio trickery is considered 'normal' in a genre, the unwanted side-effects of processing can rob your mixes of impact. But it doesn't have to be that way

Getting vocals to 'sit right' can require a lot more than setting the fader and applying EQ. We asked a number of engineers how they do it.

How should I pan my drum recordings in the mix? For instance, should the hi-hat be on the left or on the right?

Listing of all SOS April 2019 articles with accompanying media files.

In Part 2 of our Video Feature, Josh Giunta from GSI Studios moves on to the recording and mixing processes, exploring the fine art of microphone positioning, dealing with phase, and mixing techniques.

What is the best tape to use for sticking to mixers and writing down what each channel is being used for?

Audio & Video Files to accompany this month's Session Notes article.

Having created the conditions for a successful mix last month, what can you do to fit your vocal in the mix?

A combination of modern technology and skilled engineering has allowed Chicago’s landmark festival performance to be released, almost 50 years after it was taped.

Once you’ve recorded, edited and comped your vocals, a little careful prep work could pay real dividends when it comes to the mix.

Working with a producer and an ambitious timescale, our engineer planned ahead for the best chances of a good result.

Mixing an album can be more challenging than working on songs individually — but it can also be the most satisfying achievement for an engineer.

My Soundcraft EFX12 mixer is pretty new, but when I try and use a channel with a microphone, and an insert cable running to an effects loop with various Moog pedals, I get almost no level from the mic. Can you help?

The cruise-ship industry is booming, and with it a number of career opportunities — for those who can meet the unique challenges of mixing live sound at sea.