An electronic device is used to mix, combine two sounds, and balance the sound on multiple speakers. An audio mixer, also known as a mixing console, provides the system to manage the sound of each instrument played in the background. You also get control over audio signals such as microphones.
A detailed explanation of the Audio mixer for home theater
Mixer connected to the home theater system performs as a central hub where you can manage your signals and sounds and mix them with different music.
The high-quality mixtures produce a soothing sound that improves the ambiance and gives you a realistic experience of listening to the music or watching the movies on the TV.
Role of channel strips in the Audio mixer
Several channels strips in the audio mixer may confuse some of you, who never used an audio mixer before. The basic mixer contains faders, knobs, and channel strips to control the sound output.
They all look important when seen the first time, but in reality, most of them are repeated and supported for the particular output device. They offer dedicated sound control capability to the users.
For example, if you have two speakers connected through an audio mixture, they will have a separate control system that looks similar.
So each output gets the dedicated sound control knobs. Therefore, once you know what one part of the channel does and how it affects the output, another can be managed similarly to get the desired sound quality.
Also, the number of channels you get in the mixer will depend on the use of the system. Audio mixers in big cinemas or concerts generally have around 100 channels.
In contrast, the DJ console mixer use will have a limited number of channels. Max channels you find would be 4 to 6 on the DJ system.
In a DJ system, you may require only two signals to manage the sounds; thus, the system is designed to become compact with essential knobs and channels facility.
Types of audio mixer
- Digital mixers consist of digital signal capability with analog signals as well.
- Specially designed analog mixers process only one type of signal.
- The audio mixer with the inbuilt software provides digital recording and sound optimization through the computer.
The primary objective of using an audio mixer for the home theater is to balance the sound frequency on all the connected speakers and fine-tune the sound to meet the audio quality.
It gives you complete control over the different sound signals. You can increase the base, reduce the particular instrument signals, and set the new output depending on your experience.
For example, the 8X2 mixer offers a total of eight channels. You will get two outputs from these channels for stereo recording.
Similarly, different types of audio mixers are built to enhance sound quality.
You can mix the music, combine other signals, and blend them according to your need. The more the input and output channels, the more control you get over the instruments played in the music.
Popular Audio mixer for home theater product
- Allen. & Heath ZEDi 10FX.
- Soundcraft. Signature 22 MTK.
- Yamaha. 01V96i.
- Roland. Go Mixer Pro.
- Art. Pro Audio Tube Mix.
- Zoom. LiveTrak L-12.
- Mackie. 1642 VLZ4.
- Behringer. X32 Producer.
Can I use a mixer instead of a receiver?
No. The reason for that is the mixer and receiver job is entirely different. They are meant for another purpose. What mixer can do, the receiver cannot. The receiver amplifies audio signals, whereas the mixer mainly combines inputs and produces output based on the set signals.
The mixer comes with various channels and knobs to set the tune according to your requirement. With the help of the mixer, you can control the sound of different instruments played in the music.
Moreover, the receiver is designed for home use. It cannot take a heavy load. Overheating is a common problem that you experience when you try to connect too many output signals.
The component may burn if you use the receiver to play the music. The cooling system in the receiver is not designed to support heavy usage.
What does a sound mixer do in-home Theatre?
Sound team member ensures the sound produced by the audio system feels pleasing. An audio mixer is primarily built to record and balance the audio output in the movie or television show production.
The balancing of the sound signals makes the background music feel realistic and engaging.
Is an audio mixer worth it?
The audio mixer is specially designed to control the sound system. It is most helpful for commercial use.
If you plan to use it in the home theater system at home, it is not advisable to buy it because setting the sound quality while watching a movie would take away the joy. Use the audio mixer to balance, record, or produce high-quality music from the available source.
Is a mixer also an amplifier?
No. mixer and amplifier are developed for two different purposes. The mixer manages the electronically produced signals and balances them to make the output sound feel pleasing and realistic. Other devices use to amplify the sound singles.