Powered Mixers, How To Choose One.
This article tells you how to choose a mixer amp (powered mixer), what they do, how they can be used and details of how to buy one.
A mixer amp can either be thought of as a mixer with power amp(s) built-in, or as a power amp with a mixer built in. Designs tend to follow one of those concepts or the other. The two biggest factors when choosing a mixer amp are the wattage of the power amp(s) and the number of channels the mixer has. Other relevant features include other features of the mixer such as equalization and effects.
The mixer channels determine how many audio signals the equipment can simultaneously mix. Different channels are also different with not all channels having microphone input and some channels can be stereo (although two mono channels can be used to mix one stereo signal). So to make your choice of powered mixer (mixer amp) you need to consider how many microphones, instruments and stereo signals you might need to mix. It is a good idea to get a few more channels that you think you need, for unexpected changes.
The wattage of the amplifier needs to be suited to the PA speakers it is going to be used with. If the amps are rated higher than the speakers this can damage both the speakers and the amps, and if the amp is rated too low, using it beyond its safe maximum level can also damage the equipment. When determining the wattage of the system you need, make sure to consider that if it is going to be used outside at least twice the wattage is needed for the same volume of sound. Think carefully about the space you need to fill, how loud the sound should be and also the type of sound. Sounds with significant bass end need different speakers, as well as more wattage, than sounds which don’t have much low bass such as vocals and acoustic guitar for example.
Once you have determined the wattage of the power amps you need and the number of channels the mixer needs, you can compare a range of suitable mixer amps while looking at other features they offer as well as the quality of the sound and its character. Different mixers have slightly different characters of sound and a good choice can be made by knowing that the look of the mixer is usually a good match for the character of its sound.
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.