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Mixers & Pro Audio

Our range of mixers and pro audio equipment covers the middle of the signal chain, where microphones and instruments are combined, balanced and sent on to the amplifiers. That means mixing desks for live and installed work, plus the DI boxes, interfaces and power conditioning that keep a rack quiet and protected. Found it cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price.

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Choosing a mixer

Start with the number of sources that need their own level control, and read the mono microphone input count rather than the headline channel figure, since quoted totals often include stereo pairs. Then decide on format. A compact desk suits mobile work, a rack mounting mixer suits installations and permanent stages, and a powered mixer combines desk and amplifier in one box for small gigs. Finally count your aux sends, because monitor and effects mixes are the thing people most often run out of.

Balanced and unbalanced signals

A balanced connection, on XLR or TRS jack, carries the signal twice with one leg inverted, so any noise picked up along the way cancels at the far end. That is why balanced cable can run tens of metres and unbalanced cable cannot. Anything travelling more than a few metres should be balanced, and an instrument that only offers an unbalanced jack output should go through a DI box rather than a long guitar lead.

Gain structure

Most noise and distortion problems come from gain set in the wrong place rather than faulty equipment. Set each channel gain with its fader at the normal operating position so the loudest passage reads healthily without approaching the top of the meter, then use the fader for balance. Feeding a quiet signal into an amplifier turned right up raises the noise floor, while a hot signal into a heavily attenuated input invites distortion.

Processing and protection

DI boxes get instruments cleanly into the desk over distance, and a ground lift switch on one solves most hum problems without rewiring. Power conditioners distribute mains across a rack, filter some supply noise and protect against surges, which is worth having anywhere dimmers or motors share the circuit. Audio interfaces do the same job as a preamp and converter for anyone recording to a computer.

Installed systems and live rigs

An install wants controls out of public reach, zone outputs, microphone priority for paging and settings that survive a power cut. A live rig wants channel count, aux sends and something that will take being packed into a van weekly. Knowing which you are building narrows the choice quickly, and it is worth buying a little more capacity than you need today, since a mixer is the hardest item in a system to outgrow gracefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many channels should my mixer have?
Count the sources needing individual level control and allow headroom. Read the mono microphone input count rather than the headline channel total, which often includes stereo pairs. A solo act needs four inputs, a four piece band with drum mics twelve or more.

What does balanced mean and why does it matter?
A balanced connection on XLR or TRS carries the signal twice with one leg inverted, so noise picked up along the cable cancels at the far end. It is why balanced cable runs tens of metres cleanly and unbalanced cable does not.

Do I need a DI box?
If an instrument only has an unbalanced jack output and the mixer is more than a few metres away, yes. A DI converts it to a balanced signal that survives the run, and usually passes the signal through to the stage amplifier as well.

How should I set gain?
With the channel fader at its normal position, raise the gain until the loudest passage reads healthily without nearing the top of the meter, then balance with faders. Most noise and distortion comes from gain in the wrong place rather than faulty gear.

What is a power conditioner for?
It distributes mains across a rack, filters some of the noise on the supply and provides surge protection. In venues with dimmers or motors on the same circuit the filtering is audible, and a front panel switch powers the rack in one action.

Do I need a mixer if I have powered speakers?
For anything beyond a single microphone, yes. Powered speakers usually offer one or two inputs with minimal control, so a mixer is what lets you balance several sources, apply EQ and feed monitors.

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