In many cases of professional sound installation, it is necessary to adapt our system to the acoustic peculiarities of the space. More specifically, as each space presents particular constructional characteristics both in terms of its structure and configuration as well as its structural materials, it is understandable that whatever system we apply to it, we will then have to adapt it in order to obtain its maximum potential. This is achieved by using specialized devices called "sound processors". By using the appropriate audio processor, we have the ability to adjust in detail the individual frequencies of the sound in order to eliminate any distortions resulting from its reflections and absorptions by the materials of the space, to set the upper and lower limits of the sound level (intensity), to smooth out any peaks, but also to correctly route the mid and high frequencies to the system's satellite speakers, and the low frequencies to the subwoofers.

    • Essentially, the need for a processor arises mainly in medium to large-scale installations, which are characterized by high demands on sound quality and volume. Therefore, it is understood that both the selection of the necessary processor, as well as its installation and adjustment, is purely a matter for a specialized person and cannot be achieved by the ordinary user - consumer.
    •    Similarly, as with audio processors, the need to install a mixing console is only observed in spaces where the ability to directly control both the sound level and its content is required.
         More specifically, mixing consoles are mainly found in PA (Public Address), Live, Studio and Broadcasting system applications. And this is because only in these applications is there a need to mix the various signals, whether they come from pre-recorded sound sources such as CD Players, etc., or from live playback sources such as various musical instruments, microphones, etc.
         The mixing console therefore constitutes the heart and control center of our sound system, but it also provides us with other capabilities, such as adjusting the sound quality by increasing or decreasing the amplification of individual frequencies (Equalization – EQ) of the sound, adding various effects, etc.

       

         By definition, we would say that a mixing console is that device that allows us to take a set of input audio signals, process them and drive them in combination to a smaller number of outputs, in order to end up in the system's amplifiers. For example, we can receive the sound from two microphones and three musical instruments, control their levels separately, adjust the quality of their performance and finally drive them through only two outputs (Left & Right) to our amplifiers.

 

  • Consoles are divided into analog and digital, and the main parts of a mixing console are: a) the signal input section (varies in number depending on the console), b) the signal output section to the amplifiers and c) an auxiliary output section (this also varies depending on the console of our choice).
       When purchasing an audio console, we should therefore emphasize the required number of input signals we need – that is, how many microphones, musical instruments or sound sources in general we have – the number of main and auxiliary audio outputs (if we want to separately control more than one group of amplifiers), the ability to control the sound quality and add special effects, and finally, discuss with a competent person the advantages and disadvantages of using a digital audio console in our space, compared to the classic analog one.