Mixing desk basics: Routing

Routing signals within a desk refers to the designated signal path running through the desk. All mixing desks have a preset route and routing options within the channel strip.

An input signal comes in to the mixing desk via the channel input, through an insert point and runs vertically downwards from there on out. In the specific example of the Soundcraft LIVE 8, as is present in The Sue Townsend theatre, the signal first runs through the a phase reverse switch and a gain pot and then to a 100Hz High pass/ Low cut filter. A filter used to removed unwanted low end from sounds. From this filter the signal then has the option to pass through an EQ consisting of four bands – A high shelf, two sweepable bells and a low shelf. The EQ is enabled via a switch. From this point the signal runs through 6 auxiliary sends, controlled by pots, which allows us to split the signal path and send it to a desired destination. This may be used to send to an effects rack, which would then return in to a new channel. Two of these sends are pre-fader, two switchable and two post fader – this differs between desks. The signal then runs through ‘MIX’ (sometimes L+R) and group switches, which are used to designate a signal to the main mix or group channels together. Most commonly used to collate instruments of the same type to a bus mix, to make adjustment more practical in a live scenario. From this point the signal proceeds to run through a mute button (function self explanatory). And then to mute groups. When a mute group is enabled on a channel strip, master mute control is to an button external of the channel strip, making it possible to mute multiple tracks at the same time. Just before the fader is a PFL button. This pulls the signal from the main mix allowing the engineer to monitor the signal before patching it through to the main mix.