SoundCraft FX16II, User Manual

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channels are added to the mix, the meters may move into the red section. Adjust
the overall level using the Master Faders if necessary.
• Listen carefully for the characteristic sound of “feedback”. If you cannot achieve
satisfactory input level setting without feedback, check microphone and speaker
placement and repeat the exercise. If feedback persists, it may be necessary to
use a Graphic Equaliser to reduce the system response at particular resonant
frequencies.
Note:
The initial settings should only be regarded as a starting point for your mix. It is important
to remember that many factors affect the sound during a live performance, for instance
the size of the audience!
You are now ready to start building the mix and this should be done progressively,
listening carefully for each component in the mix and watching the meters for any hint
of overload. If this occurs, back off the appropriate Channel Fader slightly until the level
is out of the red segments, or adjust the Master Faders.
Remember that the mixer is a mixer, not an amplifier. Increasing the overall level is the
job of the amplifier, and if it is impossible to provide adequate level, it is probable that
the amplifier is too small for the application. Choose your amplifier carefully, and do
not try to compensate for lack of power by using the mixer to increase output level.
Note:
The level of any source signal in the final output is affected by many factors, principally
the Input Gain control, Channel Fader and Mix Faders. You should try to use only as
much microphone gain as required to achieve a good balance between signals, with
the faders set as described above.
If the input gain is set too high, the channel fader will need to be pulled down too far in
compensation to leave enough travel for successful mixing and there is a greater risk of
feedback because small fader movements will have a very significant effect on output
level. Also there will be a chance of distortion as the signal overloads the channel and
causes clipping.
If the gain is set too low, you will not find enough gain on the faders to bring the signal
up to an adequate level, and backgound hiss will be more noticeable.
This is illustrated below: