Analogue mixers are common bits of kit that, unlike digital mixers, process input and output signals the old-school analogue way, which is not to say that analogue consoles can't feature digital functions such as a built-in effects processor or the option to send a stereo or multi-track signal to a computer via USB.
How Do I Connect Gear to My Analogue Mixer?
Virtually every mixer comes equipped with one or more XLR inputs, which are usually used to plug in microphones. Below these 3-pin inputs, you'll often find one or more line inputs - not to be confused with inserts - that can be used to hook up any external gear that's fitted with a 6.3mm mono jack port. Stereo signals are to be sent to stereo channels in the form double jack inputs with a double channel number (e.g. 5/6), while the sound is sent out to your amplifier or active speakers via XLR or jack outputs. It's also worth knowing that powered mixers (mixers with a built-in amp) can be directly hooked up to passive speakers. Active speakers on the other hand come with their own amplifier built in and don't need to be driven by a powered mixer.
What Are Analogue Mixers Equipped With?
So the volume can be adjusted, every channel has a dedicated fader or a knob, In most cases, each channel also comes with several equalizer controls for dialling in the sonic specifics, plus an AUX send control to determine the volume of the signal that you send to the floor monitors. In addition, mixers often offer up a few inputs and outputs that don't come with any extensive controls and, for that reason, aren't considered fully-fledged audio channels by most users. These are commonly called tape inputs because they're often used to hook up gear like smartphones and recorders with RCA (or cinch) cables. Want to know more? Read our blog The Mixer: Functions & Connections Explained or check out our PA Mixer Buyer's Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About analogue Mixers
What's a powered mixer?
A powered mixer is a mixer equipped with a built-in amplifier. This type of mixer can be directly connected to a set of passive speakers since both the power and the audio signal are sent out through the same outputs. This does away with the need for a separate amplifier or active speakers.
How do I connect a mixer to a computer?
If you want to connect a mixer to your PC, you're going to need a model that's outfitted with a USB audio interface. Mixers that support multi-track USB are even able to send the channels to your DAW software as individual tracks instead of a single stereo track.
Are analogue mixers the same as DJ mixers?
While the basic functionality of analogue mixers and DJ mixers overlap, their lay-out and feature-set differ. DJ mixers are specifically designed to streamline a DJ's workflow, featuring just a handful of channels to make it quicker and easier to switch to a certain channel or single output to listen to via a pair of headphones.
How do you connect a mixer to a computer?
The simplest way to connect an analogue mixer to a computer is via USB. That said, this is only possible if the mixer has an integrated USB audio interface.
How do you connect a mixer to an amplifier?
To connect your mixer to a PA amplifier, you'll want to use the main outputs. These can be balanced outputs in the form of 6.3mm TRS stereo jacks or XLR ports that reduce the chance of interference when you're using longer cables, or they can be unbalanced outputs like 6.3mm TS mono jacks or RCA ports.
Which mixer do I need?
To figure out what kind of mixer you need, it's important to know what kind of gear you want to hook up. The number of microphones, line sources, instruments and other sound sources, as well as any possible extras such as AUX ports, sub-groups and USB ports that you might need will ultimately determine the best mixer for you. Need more help picking out the right mixer? Our PA Mixer Buyer's Guide is a great starting point.
Should I get a digital or analogue mixing desk?
That depends on your needs and budget. Analogue mixers are generally more affordable and easier to use, while digital mixing consoles are more extensive and will usually offer more channels, adjustable settings, effects and other options to give you more flexibility when mixing audio signals.
