Understanding and applying the science of operating a Deejay studio mixer to produce signals which result in universally enjoyed music, is certainly an art form. Sound engineers and Deejays who have mastered the critical listening skills to optimally use a studio mixer are artists, in their own rights, with the technical skills to maximize the functions of studio mixers.

A revelation:

A studio mixer used by a Deejay usually appears intimidating with its gargantuan size and the numerous buttons, knobs on the rows of panels, which are the channel strips. Once the functions of these features are understood, especially since most are functions are duplicated, studio mixers become demystified. Different types of Deejay studio mixers have different features to produce varying signals. The following are the different stages of how a studio mixer works- input stage, mixing, auxiliary send routing and output stages. The terms used below may vary from manufacturer and models of Deejay studio mixers.

How the mixer works:

Recording studio mixers are usually rated by the number of their input and output (I/O) capabilities. When a recording studio mixer is classified as a 16x2 mixer, this means that this studio mixer has 16 inputs and 2 output outlets. Usually the more professional studio mixers tend to have additional input and output capabilities besides the main I/O's. Each input outlet is meant for a single audio source and plugged accordingly with a vocal microphone, or an instrument cable.

Each input outlet is connected to the vertically arranged panels, which are known as channel strips. These channel strips control the sound from the audio source plugged into the respective input outlet of the Deejay studio mixer. These strips have the following main sections: channel inputs, master controls and audio level metering. Within each section, there are main and subgroup controls. Each vertically arranged channel strip contains its own level controls, equalizer controls as well as indicators and volume faders. The functions of these controls, buttons, knobs and faders are replicated across all the channel strips.

How things have changed over the years :- The level controls of most recording studio mixers are made up of knobs and sliders meant to control the overall level of sound and signal sent either to the mixer or headphones used by Deejay. The equalizer controls are used to customize the range of frequency levels of the individual tracks. The other controls are mainly the pan knobs used to change positions of the individual tracks within the mix, and the mute and solo buttons to remove the selected tracks. These sections of controls are integral to the mixing stage.