Yamaha MG 6FX, MG16 1, 2, 4, 3

Making the Most Of Your Mixer

MG16/6FX

Now that we know what we have to do, how do we do it? If you take another quick look at the mixer

block diagram you’ll notice that there’s a peak indicator located right after the head ampliﬁer and EQ

stages, and therein lays our answer! Although the exact procedure you use will depend on the type of

mixer you use and the application, as well as your personal preferences, here’s a general outline:

That’s basically all there is to it. But do keep your eyes on the main output level meters while setting up

the mix to be sure you don’t stay in the “peak zone” all the time. If the output level meters are peaking

constantly you will need to lower the channel faders until the overall program falls within a good range—

and this will depend on the “dynamic range” of your program material.

1Start by setting all level controls to their minimum: master fad-

ers, group faders (if provided), channel faders, and input gain

controls. Also make sure that no EQ is applied (no boost or

cut), and that all effects and dynamic processors included in

the system are defeated or bypassed.

2Apply the source signal to each channel one at a time: have

singers sing, players play, and playback devices play back at

the loudest expected level. Gradually turn up the input gain

control while the signal is being applied to the corresponding

channel until the peak indicator begins to ﬂash, then back off

a little so that the peak indicator ﬂashes only occasionally.

Repeat for each active channel.

3Raise your master fader(s)—and group faders if available—to

their nominal levels (this will be the “0” markings on the fader

scale).

4Now, with all sources playing, you can raise the channel fad-

ers and set up an initial rough mix.

MG16-6FX.book Page 12 Saturday, January 25, 2003 10:13 AM