INTRODUCTION TO SYNTHESIZERS - hol.gr

The faders
The sound volume for each channel is controlled with
sliders, usually called faders. By moving a fader
upward, we increase the sound volume for the sound on
that channel and by sliding the fader all the way to the
bottom, we eliminate all the sound for that channel.
On some keyboard mixers the faders are labeled "Gain", but their function is the same.
Most mixers also have a button to mute the whole channel, thus instantly eliminating the sound from that
channel. As soon as there is no intended sound from a certain input, it should be muted to eliminate every
single trace of background noise and electric hum generated by cables and synthesizers.
Many mixers can also solo a channel, so you only hear the sound on this channel.
The output from the mixer is controlled by a pair of master faders, which control the sound volume for all the
channels at once. For instance, by slowly sliding the master faders to the bottom, you create a fade-out, without
affecting the relative sound levels for each of the individual channels.
Pan
In a mix, you will want to be able to position all the sounds in the stereo field - left, right or somewhere in
between. This is usually called the panning of the sound, and is controlled with a dial on the mixer, appropriately
labeled "Pan".
The pan control is similar to the balance knob on a
home stereo. In practice, this makes it possible to
simulate the original location of each performer in the
finished stereo mix.
When you plug in a stereo synthesizer in your mixer, you usually use up two channels: one channel for the left
output of the synthesizer, and one channel for the right. If you wish to retain the stereo field of the synthesizer,
you must set the pan of the first channel to the extreme left, and the other channel to the extreme right.
A good mix has an even balance between left and right. Putting all the drums to the left and all the voices to the
right be sound pretty funny, but is most often not a very good mix.
Sometimes you may want a certain sound to keep moving from the left to right in the stereo field. This is done
by turning the Pan knob from the extreme left to the extreme right and back.
Equalizer
The equalizer (or EQ) controls the "brightness" of the sound on the individual channels.
It's really the same as the Bass and Treble knobs on a regular
home stereo, only more precise and more exact.
The standard equalizer settings are high, middle, and low, but on
some mixers you may find other combinations as well.
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