M-Audio Torq manual Mixer Architecture, Channels, Gain/Mute

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Mixer

Step one when DJing is controlling the music. That’s what Torq’s Decks are for. Step two is blending, or mixing, the music together. As you’d expect, Torq has a section for that, too. While existing in software, Torq’s Mixer sounds and behaves just like a top-of-the-line hardware mixer. It is therefore instantly familiar to anyone who has used a mixer before, and it is capable of performing the same tricks and techniques utilized by DJs on traditional hardware mixers.

Mixer Architecture

Before you start tweaking knobs and sliders on the Mixer, you should have a basic understanding of the components in the mixer and the signal flow between the components. Without this basic understanding, some controls may seem to be misbehaving or completely inoperative, only because you’ve unknowingly set another control to a conflicting position. Additionally, there are some terms you should get to know, as they will be used repeatedly throughout this User Manual.

Channels

When audio from a Deck enters the Mixer, it enters a channel. A channel is a section within a mixer that processes a single audio signal. Since Torq has two Decks, the Mixer has two channels, one for each Deck. While the signals from both Decks enter the same mixer, they remain separate in their respective channels, allowing you to process them differently before mixing them together into a single channel (which is what your audience hears).

Gain/Mute

When audio from a Deck enters a channel in the Mixer, the first thing it runs into is the Gain control (seen at the top of each channel in the mixer). This knob will increase or decrease the volume of the incoming audio signal, allowing you to boost the level of quiet songs or reduce the level of loud ones.. This is a basic step in both maintaining high-quality audio and matching the levels of the two songs you’re mixing together..

Torq’s Gain knobs will boost the incoming signal by up to 6dB, or will cut it by as much as 12dB. The “X” button next to the Gain knob is the Mute button. Activating this button will mute the incoming audio—resulting in a silent channel.

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Contents User Guide Table of Contents Torq User Guide Table of Contents Torq User Guide Welcome Torq Overview DecksTorq User Guide » Chapter Main Waveform DisplayBrowser/Database MixerPFL/Headphone Cue Snapshots Effect RacksSampler Master Module System Requirements WindowsMacintosh OS InstallationWindows XP Decks DisplaysControls Overview WaveformPlay/Pause SeekSetting QuickCues Deck ModeVinyl Mode QuickCueCDJ Mode Hybrid ModeLooping Loop In/Out» Using QuickLoops Loop On/OffQuickLoop » QuickLoop Size PreferenceSlider Range » QuickLoop BehaviorsSpeed Slider BPM Display » Automatic BPM Detection» Double/Halve Button » Manual TempoFine Tuning » Tap Tempo» BPM Entry KeyMidi Keyboard Control Midi Slider/Knob ControlMidi Button Control External Control Sync ButtonNudge Buttons Offset ButtonsWaveform Waveform DisplayInformation Shown on Display Phase Grid ZoomLoop Points Cue PointsVinyl Mode Hybrid ModeCDJ Mode Playback ManipulationsSynchronization Automatic Tempo and Phase DetectionPhase Grid Manipulations Adjusting with Offset Buttons Adjusting with the MouseAdjusting with Nudge Buttons Sync Button Locked SyncMomentary Sync Master TempoEnabling Vinyl/CD Control Using Torq with only one turntable or CD playerExternal Control Torq User Guide » Chapter External Control Calibration Control TypeVelocity and Position Reversed Playback DirectionErratic Velocity Values Error IndexErratic Playback Position Standard Mode AMPutate ModeAbsolute Mode Relative ModeDeck Control Midi Control Runout ProtectionBPM Matching Midi Prefs Midi Learn» Creating a Midi Assignment » Clearing a Midi Assignment» Changing Midi Assignment Keyboard LearnAssigning Buttons to Knobs or Sliders Assigning Knobs or Sliders to ButtonsSignal Source SamplerSampler Controls Record Sample ButtonRecording One-Shot Samples Recording Looped SamplesSample Volume Knob Trigger Sample ButtonLoop Sample Button Sample Speed/Rate KnobSample Name Window Activating QuickScratch QuickScratchAssigning Samples Creating a Snapshot SnapshotsSnapshot List Using Snapshots Masking a SnapshotDuplicate Snapshot Delete SnapshotMomentary vs. Latching Behavior Polyphonic SnapshotsBrowser/Database Browser PaneAdding Multiple Folders DatabaseAdding Folders to Database Removing Folders from Database Adding Folders from Your OSSearching Specific Database Folders Artist/Song Filename Swap File ListEditing Fields Loading Songs into the Decks Click and DragFunction Keys Sorting the ListIgnore Field Reset ButtonSearch Categories Playlists Creating New PlaylistsRename Playlist Deleting a PlaylistAdding Songs to a Playlist Removing Songs from a PlaylistReordering Songs in a Playlist Activating a PlaylistSaving a Playlist Loading a PlaylistSession Playlist Rename the Session PlaylistDeleting Session Playlists ITunesLibrary PlaylistsSearching iTunes with the Database IPodsDrives Audio CDsMixer Mixer ArchitectureChannels Gain/MuteEQ/Kills PFL/Headphone CueChannel Volume Faders Line Input ButtonsCrossfader Crossfader Curve» Adjusting with the Mouse » Adjusting via MidiCrossfader Assign Transform ButtonsSplit Button and Source Knob Volume ControlPFL/Headphone Cue Master Output Level Meter and LimiterSetting the Record Level Master RecorderFilename RecordingEffect Slot Enable ButtonEffects Mix Knob Routing ButtonTweak Knob Tweak ButtonDelay Built-In EffectsLoading Effect Racks Bypassing the EffectsTweak Knob Tweak ButtonReverb Mix Knob and Routing ButtonFlanger Tweak Knob and ButtonPhaser Dual-FilterDistortion Strobe ReverseParameter Knob Parameter ButtonBrake RepeatSelecting Effects VST EffectsLatency VST Crash Guard VST Preset ManagementAssigning Controls ReWire Master TempoAudio Routing Preferences Audio TabBuffer Size Audio InterfaceSample Rate Midi Tab Auto-Detect M-Audio Devices On/Off Scratch SensitivityNudge Sensitivity Crossfader Curve ControlAMPutate Mode External Control TabMidi Devices External ControlSystem VST Plug-in Directory Plug-ins TabControl Calibration Miscellaneous Tab Custom VST Plug-in DirectoryTorq Engine Cue ExclusivitySchaffel Mode Transport ModeQuickLoop Size Search iPod with DatabaseSkin Sync ModeSample Counter Preset Key Assignments AppendixWarranty Warranty Terms Warranty Registration