How to connect two analog mixers together

How to connect two analog mixers together - field demonstration

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Күн бұрын

In March 2015 I uploaded a video entitled 'How to connect two analog mixing consoles together' which covered various techniques for connecting a submixer and a main mixer. This video picks up from there and demonstrates how this is done in the field.
The situation here was an event in a small auditorium where the main house mixer was located in a separate room with only a small window opening to the main venue space. It is not possible to mix from inside such a room as you are not in the same acoustic environment as the audience. Nevertheless this type of setup is very common for security and also to free up more space for seats. Our solution was to bring in our own small submixer and an 8-channel snake. Check out the video to see how these were connected and how the levels were matched on the two mixers.
Submixer is an Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX, main mixer is an A&H GL2400.
The original video on how to connect two analog mixers together: • How to connect two ana...
Camera: Charmaine Eng
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Пікірлер: 109

@taranpreetahluwalia9646 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for those videos. It is really impressive to see someone taking time out to demonstrate the nuances in the real world of audio. As a young graduate from an Audio engineering institution, these videos provide a solid reassurance check of the skills and tricks learnt. Much appreciate it..Wonderful demonstrations !!

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

You're most welcome, thanks for supporting the channel!

@BIGBEATS275 8 жыл бұрын

Bruno I so appreciate your full explanations on this topic and your knowledge, expertise, and presentation on sound reinforcement. It has helped tremendously in the last couple of months for me. Thank you.

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Brian, glad the videos have been helpful. Feel free to get in touch any time you have questions about anything sound related :)

@donneyagustinuswidjaja6943 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much much.. Mr. Bruno. I learn much much audio setup from you far better than from my audio school and books :)

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, thanks for supporting the channel!

@tomjobimforever 7 жыл бұрын

It's a pleasure and very useful to see your videos. It helps a lot of us that can't pay a private school to learn this.

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tom for watching and supporting the channel! Let me know if you have questions on any of the videos :)

@morgan17121712 8 жыл бұрын

Bruno, you are an inspiration to me and my sound career! I am now head of sound at my high school and i am lucky enough to be able to work with the schools Allen & Heath QU32! Your QU32 training videos were VITAL in my learning process with this amazing desk and might i add, i got to know my way around it very quickly after watching your videos. Thank you once again and look forward to more QU32 content and live installations in the future!

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear Morgan, congratulations! BTW did the company that sold you the Qu32 provide any training?

@morgan17121712 8 жыл бұрын

+GLB Productions Unfortunately the school employed a professional sound company to source and install the whole system. When i managed to get my hands on the console, nobody had been trained hiw to use it. It was at this point that i read the manuel and watched your fantastic training videos.

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

Good for you, now you can train your juniors!

@iamyourfuture808 6 жыл бұрын

Another great video. Thanks for the upload.

@GLBProductions 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, thanks for watching and supporting the channel.

@timtrain35 8 жыл бұрын

Nice and simple. I am in almost this exact situation with a church that is temporarily moving into a local high school for about 2 months. I'm going to suggest this solution.

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

Yes this setup works great for that type of situation as long as you have a snake that's long enough.

@bijanpal6948 4 жыл бұрын

Just Perfect Presentation. Thank you Sir. So easy to learn.

@GLBProductions 4 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

@ThrashinYorkie Жыл бұрын

Bruno! We WILL talk about you! Thanks for these videos!

@straightway8372 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Great video.

@KeannuReevezzz03 7 жыл бұрын

when its a really short distance I always use the rca ins and outs,but for a greater distance between the two mixers I use a stereo channel with a line input

@MrBoogaloo86 6 жыл бұрын

Good Stuff Bruno!

@evlynstokes6014 3 жыл бұрын

bruno as a college student learning how to do my schools fronterhouse ihave found your videos comprhensive and to the poiint thanks heaps

@GLBProductions 3 жыл бұрын

That's great news Evlyn! It's Front Of House by the way 😄

@pareshmota 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect information 👌, thanks sir

@GLBProductions 2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome :)

@pushpajay6701 5 жыл бұрын

Many Thanks for class one explanation🖒

@dennisneuhaus2607 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks B. I was wondering if this is similar to what I see at concerts with a board in the middle of the venue and another at stage side.

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

No, that setup uses a separate monitor console to mix the stage monitors, and the front of house console in the middle of the venue is responsible only for the sound that the audience hears :)

@111jtg111 6 жыл бұрын

hi bruno.at church i use a 16ch yamaha powered (main)mixer connected to a 12ch yamaha mixer that has a usb out for streaming audio purposes. i am now running out of channels on my main mixer and would like to spread out to the 12ch yamaha mixer and also use its usb output for audio rec (to laptop).

@vasylmarchuk4109 5 жыл бұрын

God bless you! Thank you!

@kevinavery5722 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a clear concise how to. Why is the ProAv2 needed after the AD3? The AD3 has balanced dual L/R output. On a much smaller basis I am intending my chain to be AD3/sub-mixer/ Stereo inputs to main mixer. A similar lineal electric guitar chain also. The goal is a clean sounding demonstration platform for acoustic and electric guitars as well as some recording. Within a limited budget.

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Good question! The AD3 balanced outputs are very hot and have a tendency to overload mixer mic inputs so have put the DI box there to knock the level back a bit. I also like the way the transformer warms up the sound.

@kevinavery5722 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you. By "hot" I guess you mean the 600 ohms balanced output impedance of the AD3. Have considered a Behringer DSP2024P Virtualizer in the acoustic chain to use the broader stereo effect. Making the most of a small space. Soon there will be a Boss VF-1 processor for electric guitar with RSS for stereo width effects. It will be a sort of plug & play demonstration platform and a good selling tool. As good as the strategically placed mirror that lets buyers see how the guitar "fits" on them. Also the mirror is the only part of this setup that is not for sale.

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Haha yes don't sell the mirror... no by hot i mean the output level in volts - it's almost a line level output and as such tends to overload mixer inputs when connected to the mic preamp. The ideal solution would be to run into the mixer's line level inputs but on lower end mixers you would need to use an XLR to TRS adapter which is not always practical.

@kevinavery5722 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks again. Already have XLR/TRS cables made up so done something right in a tripped up way. Enjoy your videos and it is a go to spot for information on this complex field. I am lucky with a technician friend here who I refer to as my R&D dept but he is deep into his own projects. 3D printing and CNC gear and I import components for him that are equally a mystery as sound reinforcement to me. Thanks again.

@aronkam9296 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you Bruno for your great videos. I noticed phantom power was on at the GL2400 for Ch7 & 8. Will it have any effect to certain mixer as sub-mixer?

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

It generally won't affect the sub mixer but as a rule it should not be on for this application. I turned it off after making the video ;)

@matheusPMAVieira 7 жыл бұрын

Great video! What about connecting an analog submixer into a digital main mixer? The difference is just on be assure that the gain on the digital is set to -18dB? Thanks a lot for this channel!

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Yes it's the same except that some digital mixers use dBFS instead of dBu - with dBFS there is nothing above zero, where distortion happens immediately. If you have a mixer like that you want to allow 10-15dB of headroom, so zero on the analog mixer should be -10 or -15dB on the digital. Depends on your program material and how hard you like to drive things ;)

@benjaminmwita8993 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruno thank you for you videos but i like to how far should the sub mixer placed from the main mixer

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

It can be placed anywhere that is convenient, depending on your needs.

@damonsmartin9894 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent. sadly alot of churches go for looks and not acoustics. they love the foh in a closed off room... great video

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Yes they don't realise that asking the sound engineer to mix from another room is like trying to drive looking through a tiny clear patch on an iced-up windscreen. It may be possible but it's not a good idea ;)

@IsraelShalom 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for that walkthrough. need some help, attempting to run a live line from LANDR collabs through a Focusrite Scarlett 18in20 into a Presonus StudioLive AR12C 14i4. The presonus is analog but both are running into my macbook, im probably looking at daisy chaining somehow. Peace and Blessings

@GLBProductions 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Your application seems somewhat different in that it is a recording setup and not live sound.

@bonghim3155 6 жыл бұрын

perfect

@uptownphotography 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video and well explained. Curious why you have the phantom power engaged on the GL2400. It should not be needed with the signal coming form your smaller mixer, unless there's something going on that you have not mentioned on the video that i am not aware of. Well done and all the best.

@GLBProductions 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! The phantom power does not need to be on - in this particular venue the management were extremely particular about us not making ANY changes to the setup of their mixer, so out of respect we left it as is.

@uptownphotography 4 жыл бұрын

@@GLBProductions OK....I understand...

@alexfoote7475 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir. Do you have a video on how to connect a USB interface mixer to a DAW such as waveform?

@GLBProductions 5 жыл бұрын

No I don't - that procedure is highly dependent on the DAW that you are using: each DAW has its own procedure for setting up the communication with an external device, so I suggest you consult the manual for your particular program.

@jantsbenzproaudio 7 жыл бұрын

hey thanks for great explanation... what is the model of the main mixer which is the big allen&heath mixer thanks....

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Details are in the video description :)

@sambraimoh1055 5 жыл бұрын

Hello Bruno. Could you also give an insight into how to connect 2 digital mixing consoles together to extend the number of channels. Thanks.

@GLBProductions 5 жыл бұрын

Hello Sam - it depends on the specific model of digital mixer that you are dealing with. Some, like the Allen and Heath SQ series, have a master/slave function that allows two of them to be connected and effectively function as one large console. Others like the lower end Qu series do not have this functionality and need to be connected as you would two analog consoles.

@bradessary 7 жыл бұрын

Bruno, Can you run a monitor mix from the sub mixer in addition to the monitor mixes from the main mixer?

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Yes you can, but that monitor mix can only contain inputs from the submixer.

@CrisValk 8 жыл бұрын

Great vid,Bruno but I have to watch it again to get all of it...next time could you show an image of the Signal Routing? Only to semplify the comprehension of what you did :)

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris - the signal routing is pretty simple: mics/DIs -> 8-channel snake -> A&H ZED60-14FX submixer -> A&H GL2400 house mixer. There are also local inputs plugged into the submixer (laptop audio, break music) and the compressor inserted across the main mix. That's it :)

@djfingersflores 5 жыл бұрын

another great video Bruno but i do have a question.. why pan hard left and hard right?. will it make any noticeable difference if you just keep the pan in the middle? .. thanks man

@GLBProductions 5 жыл бұрын

The reason is that the output from the submixer is stereo - left and right - hence the need to replicate this on the main mixer. Otherwise you are converting a stereo signal into a dual mono signal, which loses all the panning information on the sub mixer.

@djfingersflores 5 жыл бұрын

@@GLBProductions Thanks Bruno... i appreciate all your videos. peace

@MarioGarcia-ho9ry 7 жыл бұрын

can you make a video on how to run a seperate mixer and amps for monitors.

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

They're fairly complex but yes I could do one. You run such a setup?

@rallypally 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruno Thanks for great detailed videos. I'm a pianist/singer and use a "submixer" next to me at the piano (vocals, piano mics and iPad tracks). I'm in a hotel lobby environment. My submixer is a Mackie PRODX8 digital mixer, and the "main" is all-in-one JBL EON One speaker system, which is about 2meters away from the piano. How should I set the levels on each end? The PRODX8 doesn't have gain controls..only level control which they say has auto gain-setting built in. Currently, on the submixer, the MAIN output level is at 0(unity), but the channel levels are almost maxxed out, and on the JBL, MAIN level is at 0(unity), and channel 1 (input from submixer) is also about maxxed out. I'm only performing at a "whisper" level. Thanks Ralston

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Hello Ralston nice to hear from you! This is an interesting one :) With this combination it is difficult to say for sure because of the auto-gain on the Mackie and a lack of metering on the EON, which also doesn't have gain controls. I would suggest setting up your ProDX8 such that nothing is clipping and then running into the EON at line level, with everything set to unity. If you find this is too soft, turn up the channel level on the EON and if that is still too soft turn up the EON master level. How does that sound?

@rallypally 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruno Thanks for your answer. I'll definitely try that out 😀. I didn't want to blow up anything since the hotel just bought this speaker, haha! Thanks again and have a great day!

@mauromrmr3596 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruno, your ZED 14 FX has no send/returns. Could you anyhow connect an equalizer and an effect processor to that mixer and sound as good if it had send/returns? I have an ultragraph 1502 EQ + TC electronics m-one XL effects, and was wondering if I could use it with that kind of mixer. Thank You, awesome explanations.

@GLBProductions 5 жыл бұрын

The ZED14FX actually does have unbalanced send and returns in the form of the main mix insert points :)

@mauromrmr3596 5 жыл бұрын

@@GLBProductions Yes, actually I saw you plugged the compresser in those inserts. I suppose it will hardly take extra racks such as the equalizer without sacrificing the sound quality... Complicated mixer :)

@GLBProductions 5 жыл бұрын

These are all low impedance connections so adding an additional EQ into the loop is fine as long as the cables run are relatively short, ie under 5m/15 feet.

@mauromrmr3596 5 жыл бұрын

@@GLBProductions Thanks for the information!!

@hoangtieu4407 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruno, how are you doing? When will you have time can you do affect on allen heath. thanks!

@GLBProductions 8 жыл бұрын

Hello Hoang I'm doing well thanks. Yes will be doing a series of videos on the ZED60-14FX soon!

@tommyshamoun671 3 жыл бұрын

thanks alot for this lesson...but i have a mixer with simple compressor and i want to connect it to a regular mixer how would i do that..and which mixer should be the main?? and which one should be the sub??

@GLBProductions 3 жыл бұрын

Tommy have a look at my other video on this subject: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fs2ViayftLyVe58.html

@tommyshamoun671 3 жыл бұрын

so u mean i have to set everything on sub mixer...like gain,volume,EQ and compressor...then route it to the main mixer

@GLBProductions 3 жыл бұрын

Correct - assuming your application is the one discussed in the video.

@tommyshamoun671 3 жыл бұрын

actually i live in Syria and am working in a TV station...and u know we don’t have these equipments due to war and so....I’ll try to figure it out somehow thanks alot...I appreciate your comprehension and your good lessons

@GLBProductions 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah must be very difficult trying to make things work with the situation there. I'm not a broadcast engineer, but if you would like to discuss this in greater detail get in touch with me via my website and we can take things offline.

@kenjiseanbaya8530 4 жыл бұрын

Hello @GLB Productions Do you have an idea how to connect a foh analog mixer to analog monitor mixer

@GLBProductions 4 жыл бұрын

The traditional way to do this is to use either a splitter system (can be passive/hardwired with transformers or active using powered electronics) or a monitor console with a splitter system built in. Both of these are pro-level setups intended for large concerts or events. For smaller systems, especially if you have fewer than 4 monitor mixes, it's best to run your monitors from the FOH console.

@glenroysimmonds5554 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Sir Bruno, you teach with such a clarity . I will used your lessons to make better setups going forward, thanks alot.

@GLBProductions 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching, glad the video was helpful :)

@richardpowell4667 5 жыл бұрын

Hello again. You have lots of things connected there. I see your PC connected direct to the mixer via USB. Do you have any videos on connecting PCs to mixers without USB?

@GLBProductions 5 жыл бұрын

Yes right here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nctkfNyfzZrWk5c.html

@jonathankeenan80 Жыл бұрын

Why can't you just bypass the house mixer all together and run the left and right outs directly into the crossover or power amps?

@GLBProductions Жыл бұрын

This particular venue did not allow that.

@aifangs2661 4 жыл бұрын

Can I hook a rode caster pro and a voice effect mixer together?

@GLBProductions 4 жыл бұрын

What do you have in mind?

@aifangs2661 4 жыл бұрын

GLB Productions I’m thinking of having a rode caster pro mixer for my main mic then having that connect to a voice effect mixer so I can change my voice and stuff

@Frank55 6 жыл бұрын

Did you leave the phantom power on? (On the main mixer.) That is probably not a very good idea!

@GLBProductions 6 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@supreme1stson488 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome tips, thanks Bro! I noticed you have an accent, where are you from my brother?

@GLBProductions 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Tak. I'm from Singapore.

@williamclavell8141 3 жыл бұрын

Good morning bruno.well IAM using or plan to use second mixer for expand my use on tablet .telefone cd player.tv and dvd .will I can use my two small mackie's .one is the 1202 and the other is the mix 8. Where is the cable connection goes in order to have the funtionallity that IAM looking. For ..thank you very much by the way IAM washing your videos very very good ..here from n.j usa att william

@GLBProductions 3 жыл бұрын

Hi William please have a look at my other video on this subject: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fs2ViayftLyVe58.html

@jords5721 7 жыл бұрын

Does this work with digital mixers?

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Yes it does but digital mixers are usually connected digitally eg through a Dante network.

@israelmeno82 5 жыл бұрын

how to link mixer with amplifiers?

@GLBProductions 5 жыл бұрын

Mixer output -> Amplifier input

@damonsmartin9894 7 жыл бұрын

I had to fight for my church to not do this. I had to settle for the rear corner of the sanctuary but it works..lol

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

In a situation like that you still need to be careful of excessive bass that builds up in corners and next to walls - take a walk around during rehearsals and check to see that your mix in the room as a whole is not bass-light.

@MarioGarcia-ho9ry 7 жыл бұрын

saw a guy doing this setup for an outside event in our church, and with our monitor sound from our church is not that great.

@GLBProductions 7 жыл бұрын

Ok will put it on the list :)

@yppat 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, iked and subscribed!!! I do have a question though for my specific case. My submixer is a behringer xenyx 1202fx (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y5p3o9So09nGhX0.html) and main mixer is from a cheap portable PA, Gemini ES 210MXBLU (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fbZ2fMZ5xKnLhXU.html). I currently have R&L main out from my submixer going into the R&L stereo input of the main mixer. As you can see, the cheap main mixer has a volume knob for the stereo input and a master volume for the mixer. My question is, what do I set the volumes for the stereo input and the master of the main mixer if neither of these have unity indication just 0-10 volume control?

@GLBProductions 2 жыл бұрын

Start with them both at 12 o'clock and adjust from there :)