ABSTRACT
A mixing console may commonly be referred to as a mixer, a desk, a board, a soundboard, an audio production console, or by a list of other names. All consoles have faders that allow for volume control, pan knobs to position a sound from left to right, an auxiliary section to control effects, headphones or monitors, and a whole host of other functions. Most console channel strips, real or virtual, will include the functions: preamp, auxiliary section, monitor section, fader and buses. Faders can act as returns to monitor signal or as sends to control output to a recorder. The master fader is where all individual sounds are summed to two channels: left and right. Consoles are used in recording, live sound, or in conjunction with digital audio workstations. Some additional controls common on an audio production console are as follows: Alternate Monitor switch, Mono button, and Talkback mic and button.
