SoundCraft M-SERIES User Manual page 26

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 applica-
tion. 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 con-
trol, 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:
USER GUIDE
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