K. Mute/Channel On-Off Switch
This turns the channel on or off and is useful for isolating the channel when not in use or pre-setting channel levels which may not be needed until later, ie: theatre scene-setting or support acts/performers.
L. Fader
This determines the level of the input signal within the mix and provides a visible indication of channel level.
M. Routing
By selecting the routing switches the input signal is sent to a choice of the mixer’s outputs - typically the main mix outs or the group outputs. The switches are used in conjunction with the PAN control to route the signal proportionately to the left or the right side of the mix or to odd/even groups/subs if PAN is turned fully left or right.
Stereo Inputs
Guitar amps and mic’d sound sources only provide you with mono signals. However keyboards, samplers, drum machines and other electronic media often provide true stereo outputs with separate left and right signals. Stereo Inputs on mixers simply allow you to connect both of these signals individually and control them from a single fader. Stereo inputs tend to incorporate fewer facilities than mono inputs as most keyboards are already equipped with plenty of internal effects and tone control options.
NB: Soundcraft jack stereo inputs default to Mono when the left input is used. RCA phono connectors do NOT have this option.
Subgroups
These allow the logical assignment of groups of instruments or vocalists so that they may be controlled by just one pair of faders, or even a single fader, once individual instruments’ relative levels have been balanced. They also act as additional outputs with separate volume/level controls – ideal for speaker fills or recording a number of instruments to one tape track.
The Master Section
N. Mix Outputs
Mix outputs provide left and right level control of the final stereo mix. Many consoles feature mix insert points too, allowing the connection of signal processors across the whole mix.
O. Monitor “Engineer’s” / Control Room Outputs
These let you listen to any solo, mix, submix from a group, or the 2 Track tape return via an external amplifier and speakers, or the headphone socket.