The mixer forms the center of your PA system or recording studio, offering you the inputs, outputs, and various other features you will want.

Studio and live sound mixers are systems for merging a transmission and redirecting it where it must go. The job you intend to utilize it for will determine what type and range of I/O you will want. A live sound mixer generally requires}a few main inputs while a studio mixer / console would require outputs from every channel for recording. Increasingly, mixers today can be used for both studio or sound mixing.

CHANNELS
Essentially, the more channels there are, the more peripherals can be hooked up to it. Channels refers to any input that is controllable, from microphone inputs to pre-amps to CD Players and Controllers. Most mixers offer either mono or stereo as well as a master channel.

BUSES
The path where you route your audio signals is called a "bus". Whatever destination your path your ends up as can also include groups, stereo mixes, monitors and auxiliary sends. Typically busses are used to route the channel signals to a master group or main master fader. Buses can be extremely valuable in mixing or studio as it allows you to control particular grouped channels on the fly without having to adjust each fade.

GROUPS
Groups, channel grouping or VCA is a convenient way to put certain channels together. This allows for easy control across the board without managing each channel seperately.

ANALOG MIXERS
When you think of old fashioned mixers, you're probably thinking of analog. Analog mixers are the basic type where each component has it's own circuitry. While many people would think analog mixers outdated, they are very simple to use and are great for cutting your teeth in the mixing world. A seasoned DJ on a 2-channel analog mixer can still do more than a novice on a digital.

DIGITAL MIXERS
Where an analog mixer is the basic set-up, digital mixers are essentially computers. They usually comprise of built-in effects and sound cards. They are the new standard for DJing, making all digital connections a breeze.

POWERED MIXERS
Powered mixers are mixers that are combined with amplifiers. These are typically used for portable PA set-ups and in cases where extensive mixing is not required.