SYNTH ZONE
Visit The Bar For Casual Discussion
Topic Options
#3841 - 11/16/06 10:52 AM Mixer? please help a dummy!
jessica315 Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 11/16/06
Posts: 2
I am in a performing group. We have a CD running minus tracks with live vocals. Our main venue has been in gymnasiums, and we use the mics and sound sytem available on site. When our vocals get pumping, we lose the music. Would a mixer solve this problem? I can't put a lot of money into this as we are a volunteer group.

Second question-- Can you explain exactly, in dummy language I plug into the mixer? Do I need an outlet for each mic on the mixer and also an outlet for CD player? Then-- Can I plug the mixer into the wall to use the PA system speakers?

Thanks for helping a newbie, I am trying to learn!

Jessica

Top
#3842 - 11/16/06 11:58 AM Re: Mixer? please help a dummy!
3351 Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 08/17/03
Posts: 1194
Loc: Toronto, Canada.
Well, in essence all you will need to do is plug the mics and whatever else you need into the mixer (by using audio cables). To be more precise, everything you plug in will go into its own input on a mixer (they are called channels). Then you connect the main outputs of the mixer to a PA. Done. Do a quick sound check before the show and you're good to go.

Something like a Mackie 12/02 ought to do the trick. Or even a smaller and cheaper mixer... Depending on what you'll find. Just shop around. Go to a music store and ask for what's available. Explain your situation and I think you'll find what you need.

Also, regarding power (not to mix up with audio connections). Well, the mixer will definitely need to be connected to an outlet. But not the mics. Mics are generally passive or require phantom power which most okay mixers have. I guess a CD player will need some juice to run too. So all you need to worry about connecting to an outlet is a mixer and a CD player.

Hope this helps.
_________________________
A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone's feelings unintentionally.
- - - Oscar Wilde

Top
#3843 - 11/17/06 07:01 AM Re: Mixer? please help a dummy!
tony mads usa Offline
Senior Member

Registered: 01/16/02
Posts: 14376
Loc: East Greenwich RI USA
This is a mixer I use ... inexpensive, and reliable ... even has a seperate input for a 2 track tape player which can be used for the CD player ... the 4 channels can be used as stereo or use the 2 xlr channels for stereo and the other 2 '1/4' inch as single line mono ...
t.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alesis-MultiMix-6FX-Compact-4Channel-Mixer?sku=630156
_________________________
t. cool

Top
#3844 - 11/17/06 04:16 PM Re: Mixer? please help a dummy!
jessica315 Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 11/16/06
Posts: 2
THANK YOU!!! I checked out that website-- musicians friend...Are the prices pretty good compared to other places?

Jessica

Top

Moderator:  Admin, Kerry 



Help keep Synth Zone Online