Buy PA mixing consoles at session

There is a mixing console in front of almost every stage, in all studios and in many rehearsal rooms. As soon as you work with several microphones or other audio sources that are to be recorded or played back, a mixer forms the hub and therefore the heart of the system.

There are different types of mixers on the market. There are the DJ mixers with crossfaders and two channels for the DJ turntables. The sound consoles are used as analogue mixing consoles in recording studios. PA mixers and amplifier help to fill rooms with music and language at karaoke, parties and events.

The group of PA mixing consoles is available as small 4 to 6-channel solutions or as large multi-channel devices for mixing vocals, guitars, bass, keys and drums. Whether cheap or the branded product, session has a wide range of PA mixers, PA systems or PA sets. So that you can choose the right product, we would like to explain terms here and give a few product examples.

Construction and equipment of PA mixing consoles

To process audio signals, every PA mixer offers a volume slider or knobs control per channel , inputs for mic or line signal, gain control, equalizer (bass and treble), auxiliary paths and phantom power . In addition to the individual channels, there is the master section with overload display. All channels are combined here as a stereo signal.

Some desks offer sub groups . This gives scope for routing and effects . The sub groups can be output independently for a monitor mix or an extra record mix , or mixed to the master output. The headphones output is also located in the master section. Some consoles have integrated effects or even a USB interface, such as the inexpensive entry-level compact mixer sound AM-04Xi or the Yamaha MG10XU .

What is important when choosing a mixer

In order to find the right mixer for your own needs, the design of the mixer is crucial in addition to the quantity of channels required . On the one hand, there is the classic console mixer (for example the Allen & Heath ZED-12 FX ), lying flat, with many channels. For integration into an existing system, such as in-ear-monitoring, a rack mixer (e.g. Soundcraft Ui24R ) is recommended. The device can be installed in a 19-inch rack with other components to save space.

As a simple submixer for band rehearsals or use in the home studio, a compact PA mixer such as the sound 12-2 FX BT or the Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX covers most requirements. The small mixers rarely have more than 16 channels and are therefore particularly portable and space-saving. These compact mixers can often also be used as an interface via USB interfaces and are therefore also suitable for different recording situations.

Digital mixing consoles are often used for professional applications. These offer numerous features, such as motorized faders and potentiometers, touchscreens and the option of remote control via smartphone and tablet. The StudioLive models from Presonus can be cited as an example.

If you want to control a passive PA but don't have an independent amplifier , you should buy a power mixer. These devices have an integrated amplifier . With its whopping 630 watts of power and its extensive effects equipment, equalizer and integrated feedback suppression, the Yamaha EMX2 offers ideal options for tailoring musical instruments such as synthesizers, vocals and the like to your own needs.

At session, all of the mixer types mentioned above, whether analog mixers or digital mixers, are ready and available to order in different versions from manufacturers such as Mackie , Yamaha , Soundcraft or Presonus .

Accessories for PA mixers

Top PA accessories for mixing consoles are audio cable with XLR or jack connections, power supplies, transport cases or racks as well as studio monitors, loudspeaker or headphones for listening.

guides TIP

If mixing consoles and the theme of “leveling instruments and voices” are new, we have summarized a few useful TIPS in our free online guides“Correctly controlling recording levels” .