52 !!Chapter 3
the best balance between channels, levels have to be adjusted (along with
the signal processing)—faders are used to perform this function. Some
consoles are automated, while others must be adjusted manually. Auto-
mated faders play back the level changes. Some automation also saves and
plays back the signal processing. The number of faders available depends
on the console.
Individual faders (with signal processing) can be grouped together
and bused (sent) togroup faders; for example, the drums (snare, kick, hi-
hat, toms, cymbals, and so on) can be bused to two group faders, the elec-
tric and acoustic pianos can be sent to two group faders, and so on. The
level of the group faders can be adjusted to achieve the best balance. For
instance, to increase the level of the drums, the engineer/programmer
only has to increase the level of two (group) faders rather than alter the
individual faders of each drum or cymbal. The balance on the combined
tracks can be modified by changing the parameters on the individual fad-
ers, which in turn affects the overall balance on the grouped tracks. The
individual faders are automated, and automation of both level and signal
processing can be adjusted throughout the track.
The master faderis used to adjust the overall output level of the con-
sole. The signals from each channel are bused to the master fader. If the
levels from the individual faders are too ‘‘hot’’ (loud), distortion occurs.
The distortion might not register on the master fader meter. The faders
might register acceptable levels, but the overall master fader level still may
register too ‘‘hot,’’ resulting in a mix that sounds distorted. Listen very
closely to the mix since distortion is sometimes difficult to detect.
Depressing asolo button, which is located near each fader, allows an
individual track or multiple tracks to be soloed without lowering other
faders. Soloing is useful when there are many tracks and the engineer or
producer wants to listen to one track or a grouping.
Depressingthe mute button, also located near each fader, mutes an
individual track. This function can be programmed with the use of auto-
mation. Muting is helpful for mixing and tracking and can be a quick
method to experiment with various combinations of tracks.
Panningis the placement of sound in the audio spectrum—left, right,
center, and so on. A panning potentiometer (pot) is located near the fader.
For example, a hi-hat might be panned to the right, the tom-toms to the
left and right (stereo), and the kick drum to the middle. Panning helps to
create a soundscape. If too many instruments are panned to the same loca-
tion, there will be a lack of separation, and the track will sound muddy
and cluttered. Panning creates a stereo or surround-sound environment.
Auxiliary sends,locatedneareachfader,bustheoutputsignalsof
channels to another source; aux sends are used primarily to aid in signal
processing (e.g., delays or compression). As the level of the send knob is
increased, more of the effect is mixed with the original signal. Aux sends
are also used to adjust the level of monitor mixes or headphone mixes.