How to Design a Professional Mixing Console

A mixing console -- or mixing desk -- is a very complex and intricate piece of music hardware. To some people they might just look like a series of dials and volume controls but to an expert producer a console is a must-have piece of recording equipment. Mixing consoles fine-tune and preset the basic levels for recording: this could be anything from changing the dynamics of the input sound to changing the microphone volumes. When designing your own console you must consider its capabilities, the positioning of the various dials and who is going to manufacture it for you.

Instructions

1

Plan your design by thinking about what components the mixing board is going to have. Choose, for example, how many inputs the console will be able to connect to. Some mixing channels are capable of hooking up several microphones or direct instrument inputs (often overlapping each other) while some others might be only capable of five or six channels. Also consider including an EQ unit, signal monitors, any preamplifier system controls and the standard gain and trim dials.

2

Choose any specific additions for your console. Some mixing desks are unique due to their added sound-editing capabilities. Some consoles, for example, come with a phantom power provider, which allows for a smooth and undistorted sound when using a DC-current condenser microphone (preamps require an alternating current for audio reproduction). Other desks come with sound effect modules (distortion, reverb, echo, delay etc.) or a PC interface connection to sync your console with your computer's audio mixing software. Think about how much space you are planning to fill because any special additions can take up internal and external room on your console.

3

Arrange the channels and controls in such a way that they fall in line and are easy to recognize, and both comfortable and convenient to use. Most mixing desks arrange the channels vertically and then run the volume and sound controls horizontally -- this creates a table-like structure to help you know what about the sound you are changing and which input you are doing it to. Sticking to an established format for the mixing console will help you, and any others, use it quickly and effectively.

4

Select a point where any hardware devices will connect in and out. Most mixing consoles place the hardware input and output ports on the face of the board, either on the top or the bottom row. Consider placing the ports at the rear of the device or on the front-underside -- whatever the choice, ensure that any plugged-in or line-out cables do not interfere with the console's usability.

5

Select a material to encase your console within and choose a color for it. Most consoles are encased in a plastic mold, but some custom desks might be given a wooden or marble-like finish. Think about the overall design of your studio and try to choose a material and color that suit the rest of the room.

6

Document your design by drawing up a device plan or using a computer aided drafting program (i.e. AutoCAD). This document will become the plan that you or a manufacturer uses when it comes to constructing the console. Ensure that any measurements are checked and correct and that the device controls and dials are correctly labeled.