As we explained in the last section, it is the job of the mixer to accept the various signal sources, set the levels and route those signals to the correct destination.
We’ll now take a quick look at where to connect the ‘peripheral’ equipment that you will be using with your mixer. If you have already created your own set-ups successfully in the past, you should only need to skim this part.
All microphones should be connected via each input’s XLR connectors. Do not use line inputs.
For more information on miking up individual instruments, refer to Section 4 - PA Mixing and Section 6 - In the Studio.
A DI Box allows you to connect a guitar or bass directly to the mixer’s input, rather than miking up the instrument’s amp/speaker. This technique is often preferred by musicians who require a “clean” sound. The best DI boxes are ACTIVE and require Phantom Power like condenser microphones. They should be connected to XLR mic inputs.
NB: Although electric guitars and basses may be connected to a mixer’s line inputs without danger, the results will be far from ideal, because the IMPEDANCE of these instruments will not match up with typical line levels. Direct connection usually leads to a weak sound.
Keyboards, Drum Machines, CD Players, DAT Machines, Wireless Mic Receivers, all provide line level outputs, and should all be connected straight into the Mixer’s Line Inputs. If some of your instruments are STEREO connect their left and right outputs to a spare stereo input. Alternatively connect to an adjacent pair of mono inputs and Pan the inputs hard left and right to create a stereo image.