How To Choose a Mixing Console

What a Mixing Console Does

A mixing console — also called an audio mixer, sound board or mixing desk — is an electronic device for combining, routing and changing the level, timbre and dynamics of audio signals. The modified signals are summed to produce the combined output.

The simplest example: two vocalists singing a duet into two microphones, heard through one set of speakers. Beyond that, mixers appear in recording studios, public address, sound reinforcement, broadcast, television and film post-production.

In live use the mixer output usually feeds an amplifier, unless the mixer is powered or it is driving powered speakers directly.

Counting Channels Honestly

Count the sources you will actually connect, then add two. Running out of inputs mid-installation forces a second desk, which costs a channel of gain and adds another power supply and another failure point.

Our range runs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12 channels: F4-USB, AR8, CT-60S, F7-USB, CT-80S and RX12 respectively. Every one of them provides 48V phantom power, so condenser microphones are never the constraint.

What Must the Desk Do Alone

This is the question that decides the model. If the room has no separate player and no technician, the CT-60S puts an MP3 player, a U-disk slot, Bluetooth and USB recording inside the desk.

If the desk travels with a DJ or sits on a streaming desk, the AR8 is the mini DJ format with Bluetooth, USB and MP3 playback and a stereo output. If it needs twelve inputs and reverb, the RX12.

When the Datasheet Decides

Three of our models publish full bench figures: the F4-USB and F7-USB at 20 Hz to 25 kHz within +/-1 dB, and the CT-80S tighter at +/-0.5 dB on mic and stereo channels. All three specify 0 to +40 dB of microphone gain and 120 dB E.I.N.

The CT-80S goes further, publishing main, AUX, effects and tape output levels, headphone loading of 350 mW into 30 to 600 ohms, maximum input and output levels, and five mains versions. If you have to defend the specification to your own customer, that is the model to quote.

The RX12, CT-60S and AR8 carry TBC on bench figures in the current catalogue. Email the model number and the factory will send the specification sheet.

Where To Buy

We manufacture these desks in Enping, Guangdong and sell direct to importers, distributors and brand owners. Minimum orders run from fifty pieces on the RX12 and one hundred on the rest, samples are available in ones and twos, and stocked lines despatch within a week of the proforma invoice being settled.