Grade 5 (Lesson 3/Q3/2015/2016) : Music Technology 1 (Sound Systems)

What does a sound system do?  Where do you see sound systems?

The basic function of a sound system is to reinforce the sound.

Mixing Boards

At the heart of every sound system is a mixer.  A mixer “mixes” the sound!  You can call it the control center of the sound system.

• The mixer receives signals from microphones, instruments, etc
• The signal is processed for level and tone which can then go to the outputs (speakers).

Three functions of a mixer

• Changes the sound
• Combines the sounds
• Mixes the sounds

Click the link below to play with an online mixer

http://myweb.liu.edu/jmeschi/mus1music/texture/hipPreLoad.swf

Now try this online mixer - Beatbox DJ Mixer – Online Mixer

http://www.blobprod.com/mixers/beatbox/beatboxmain.asp

Powered vs. Unpowered

All mixers fall under two categories: POWERED OR UNPOWERED

Powered Mixers

• Have an amplifier built in
• Less cords and cables compared to unpowered systems
• Hard to upgrade without replacing entire unit

Unpowered Mixers

• Does not have an amplifier built in
• Amp and Mixer are two separate units

What to do about all those Knobs!!

Looking at a mixer for the first time can be very overwhelming.  Don’t worry this will be painless!!!  

All you need to know is one channel strip.  Once you have that concept down you can figure out any size mixer!

Vocabulary:

• Mixer
• Powered Mixer
• Unpowered Mixer
• Channel Strip
• Gain
• Pan
• EQ
• Monitors
• Mains
• Signal Flo
• Time Based Effects
• Gain Based Effects
• Compression
• Reverb
• Wireless
• 5.1 Surround Sound
• Stereo