SOUND PROCESSORS & MIXING CONSOLES – SYSTEM MANAGEMENT CENTER
In many cases of professional sound installation, it is necessary to adapt our system to the acoustic features of the space. In more detail, as each space has special construction features both in terms of its structure and configuration and in terms of its building materials, it is understandable that whatever system we apply to it, we will then have to adapt it in order to receive its maximum potential. This is achieved through the use of specialized devices called "audio processors". By using the appropriate audio processor, we have the ability to fine-tune the individual frequencies of the sound in order to eliminate any distortions resulting from its reflections and absorptions by the materials of the space, to set the upper and lower limits of the level ( volume), to smooth out any peaks, but also to properly route the medium and high frequencies in the system satellite speakers, and the low ones in the subwoofers.
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Essentially, therefore, the need to use a processor arises mainly in medium to large scale installations, which are characterized by a high demand for sound quality and volume. Therefore, it is understood that both the selection of the necessary processor, as well as its installation and configuration is purely a matter for a specialized person and can not be achieved by the ordinary user - consumer.
- In a similar way here, as with audio processors, the need to install a mixing console is observed only in places where it is required to be able to directly control both the sound level and its content.More specifically, we find mixing console mainly in PA (Public Address), Live, Studio and Broadcasting system applications. This is because only in these applications is there a need to mix different signals, whether they come from pre-recorded audio sources such as CD Players, etc., or from live play sources such as various musical instruments, microphones, etc. ..The mixing console is therefore the heart and control center of our sound system, but it also provides us with other possibilities, such as adjusting the sound quality by increasing or decreasing the amplification of individual frequencies (Equalization - EQ) of the sound, adding various effects etc.By definition, a mixing console is a device that allows us to pick up a set of input audio signals, process them, and combine them into a smaller number of outputs in order to reach the system amplifiers. For example, we can take the sound from two microphones and three musical instruments, control their levels separately, adjust the quality in their performance and finally lead them through only two outputs (Left & Right) to our amplifiers. .
- In a similar way here, as with audio processors, the need to install a mixing console is observed only in places where it is required to be able to directly control both the sound level and its content.
- The consoles are divided into analog and digital, and the main parts of a mixing console are: a) the signal input section (varies in number depending on the console), b) the signal output section to the amplifiers and c) a section ancillary expenses (and this varies depending on the console of our choice).To buy a sound console we must therefore emphasize the required number of input signals we need - that is, how many microphones, musical instruments or sound sources in general we have - the number of main and auxiliary audio outputs (if we want to control more than one group separately amplifiers), the ability to control the quality of sound and the addition of special effects, and finally to discuss with a competent person the advantages and disadvantages of using a digital audio console in our space, compared to the classic analog.