8 Glossary
8
Aux send way:
input channels can be routed out of the mixer. For this
purpose, the signal is mixed to the AUX send way via an
individual control in the channel. According to the point
where the signal is taken (prefader or post-fader), the
AUX send way can be used either as an effect way or as
a monitor way. The master signal of the AUX send way
is mixed to the corresponding output by means of a
master control.
Via an AUX send way, the signals of the
Balanced (bal.):
In case of balanced signal transmission,
the signal is transmitted via two signal lines (+ and -)
encased in a screening. Interference will be largely
suppressed as it occurs equally on both signal lines and
only the signal difference between the two lines is further
amplified at the input of the mixer.
Opposite: unbalanced
Fader:
Sliding control at the mixer for fading in / fading
out the signal of a channel and for adjusting the level.
Gain:
In this context, control in the input channel which
adjusts the preamplification of the input channel for
matching the signal level to the operating level of the
mixer. Thus, distortions at high input levels or noise at low
levels will be prevented.
Insert:
Via an insert jack, a unit for sound processing
e.g. compressor) can be inserted into a signal way. The
signal is routed out via the jack, fed through the unit and
returned via the same jack at the same point in the signal
way.
LED (light emitting diode):
Electronic component which
directly converts electric current into light ( without
generating heat like an incandescent lamp ); according
to its material, it shows different colours or also white.
Level:
Voltage value of an electric signal or volume of an
acoustic signal.
Line ( line output, line input, line level ):
For
transmitting signals from one unit to another, these
signals must have a fixed voltage value otherwise an
optimum transmission is impossible. This value is
between 0.1 V and 2 V and is designated as line level.
Inputs and outputs provided for these levels are mostly
marked LINE.
Master signal (total of the input signals):
The signals
of the input channels are mixed to a master signal with
the channel faders: the level of this master signal is
adjusted with the master fader.
Monitor way:
An AUX send way for a music signal
separately mixed for the musicians on stage. For using an
AUX send way as a monitor way, the channel signal
must be taken ahead of the channel fader (pre-fader).
Phantom power:
Power supply for capacitor
microphones which is applied to the contacts 1 (ground)
and 2, 3 ( positive pole ) of three-pole XLR jacks. The
microphone signal is not affected as only the positive
pole of the power supply is applied to the balanced signal
lines. (contacts 2 and 3).
Post-fader:
A signal is taken after the channel fader, i.e.
The level of the signal taken is influenced by the
preceding fader. A post-fader AUX send way can be used
as an effect way; with each readjustments of the channel
fader the level of the effect signal is changed accordingly.
Opposite: pre-fader
Pre-fader:
A signal is taken ahead of the channel fader,
i.e. The level of the signal taken is not influenced by the
subsequent fader. A pre-fader AUX send way can be used
as a monitor way; thus the PA application on stage can be
made independently of the PA application in halls.
Opposite: post-fader
Pre-fader listening (PFL):
Pre-fader monitoring of the
signal of an input channel via headphones. Thus, it is
possible to listen to an audio source despite a closed
channel fader, e.g. for inserting it at the desired time.
Return Input:
Via this input, a signal taken via an AUX
send way and processed by an effect unit can be
returned to the an incandescent lamp; according to its
material, it shows mixer.
Unbalanced (unbal.):
In case of unbalanced signal
transmission, the signal is transmitted via a single signal
line. The screening carries the ground potential.
Opposite: balanced
XLR:
Registered trade mark for professional connectors.
XLR plugs and jacks are specially designed for balanced
signal transmission.
