| Put simply, a digital (or analog) mixer allows you to | | | | can choose from. The most obvious choice would be |
| place different sound sources together to create one | | | | to opt for an analog mixer that is then fed into a |
| output, called a mix. These different audio channels | | | | recording device to capture the final output. The 2nd |
| can be changed in volume, effect, stereo position and | | | | alternative is to use a computer as your mixer and |
| balance independently of each other so you can get | | | | recorder at the same time. You will have to use some |
| the mix just right for what you want to achieve. This | | | | (expensive) software to get the result you are looking |
| will allow you to put distortion on 1 guitar, reverb on the | | | | for, but this is a very modern way to record music and |
| vocals and add delay to the drums, even though they | | | | sound. The 3rd choice would be to use a multi track |
| are being sent through the same mixer. | | | | recorder and a digital mixer to lay down separate |
| You can also use the balance to send harmony vocals | | | | tracks onto tape or DAT. |
| to different speakers if you wish. With some mixers, | | | | Choosing which mixer type to go for is the most |
| you can also adjust the bass and treble of each | | | | difficult decision and could affect the entire way you |
| channel as well as route them out to external devices | | | | perform or record your music. You need to decide |
| for additional processing. By using a mixer, and being | | | | how many separate channels you need to record. Will |
| able to add a form of separation to each track, you | | | | you be recording live instruments or just digitally |
| will help the song turn from a mash of noise into a | | | | produced sound from a computer? A good rule of |
| professional sounding masterpiece. | | | | thumb, as with any electronics, is to think of where you |
| If you are thinking of starting your own home studio, | | | | might be in the future and what your requirements |
| you will need to think about what kind of mixer you | | | | might be then. Buy a mixer that you can afford, but try |
| might need. For this, there are 3 different options you | | | | to push for the best model you can. |