SoundCraft Si Compact User Manual page 59

Note:
The initial settings should only be regarded as a starting point for your mix. It is important
to remember that many factors affect the sound during a live performance, for instance
the size of the audience!
You are now ready to start building the mix and this should be done progressively,
listening carefully for each component in the mix and watching the meters for any hint
of overload. If this occurs, back off the appropriate Channel Fader slightly until the
level is out of the red segments, or adjust the Master Faders.
Remember that the mixer is a mixer, not an amplifier. Increasing the overall level is
the job of the amplifier, and if it is impossible to provide adequate level, it is probable
that the amplifier is too small for the application. Choose your amplifier carefully, and
do not try to compensate for lack of power by using the mixer to increase output level.
Note:
The level of any source signal in the final output is affected by many factors, principally
the Input Gain control, Channel Fader and Mix Faders. You should try to use only as
much microphone gain as required to achieve a good balance between signals, with
the faders set as described above.
If the input gain is set too high, the channel fader will need to be pulled down too far
in compensation to leave enough travel for successful mixing and there is a greater
risk of feedback because small fader movements will have a very significant effect
on output level. Also there will be a chance of distortion as the signal overloads the
channel and causes clipping.
If the gain is set too low, you will not find enough gain on the faders to bring the signal
up to an adequate level, and backgound hiss will be more noticeable.
This is illustrated below:
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Soundcraft Si Compact User Guide 1211