Mixer Training Manual (Draft 1)

Purpose of this Training

- The purpose of this training is to teach you how to use the stations mixer in
conjunction with the attached turntables to perform transitions between songs.
The basic functionality of the controls on the mixer will also be explained
Note: The mixer is a unique piece of equipment in the station because it can
function both as a radio tool and as a musical instrument. This training is meant
to teach you how to use the mixer to program radio. KCSB does not offer
training on how to use the mixer or turntables to perform advanced DJing
techniques (such as beat matching) or to use the mixer as a musical
instrument (as in scratching, beat juggling etc). If you would like to learn to do
these things, we recommend you invest in your own equipment (turntables,
mixer, etc.) and seek lessons, as you would if you wanted to learn to perform on
any other musical instrument.
After this training you will:
1. Have a basic understanding of the function of the mixers controls
2. Know how to perform transitions between vinyl records
3. Know how to connect your computer to the mixer [Assumes rane mixer]
4. Know how to properly take out and put away the mixer
5. Know the basic ground rules for using the mixer
And Finally: Gain the code to the lock that will allow you to access the mixer
First the Groundrules
1. Do Not Scratch With Albums from the KCSB Library
Any scratching or other activity that involves moving records quickly and
repeatedly back and forth under the needle is strictly prohibited when using
records from the KCSB Library.
2. Do Not Take Needles from other Turntables around the station!
Needles are provided on the turntables in the mixer coffin. If these are missing,
you can file a trouble report, but do not remove needles from other turntables
around the station for use on these turntables. We recommend that when using
the mixer, djs bring their own needles. However, after the mixer is used, the
original needles from the turntables in the coffin must be replaced.
3. Do Not Remove the Mixer or Turntables From The Coffin (aka, the mixer's
case)
Do not remove the mixer from its coffin even temporarily or rewire the mixer and
turntables. All necessary connections should be accessible without doing so. If
this is not the case, set up a meeting with the KCSB Chief Engineer to discuss
this.
4. Those who use must help train
Those who use the mixer accept the primary responsibility to train others how to
use it. After being given the code, your name and contact info will be put on a list
of potential trainers. KCSB will refer people interested in learning how to use the
mixer to this list to find a trainer. Users of the mixer are expected to conduct at
least one training a quarter assuming their is demand for this. Of course,
conducting these trainings will count for contract hours
Using the mixer
1. How to Take Out and Set up the mixer
a. gently open the cabinet surface boards and remove the coffin
b. replace the cabinet boards and place the coffin on top
c. unlock the coffin and remove the lid.
d. if your using your own needles remove the needles gently and place them in a
safe and visible place. You'll need to put them back on the turntables after your
done.
c. plug the mixer outputs into the inputs in the cabinet
d. Pot up the appropriate channels on the mackie board in the control room
2. The mixer's controls
This mixer has three main sets of controls, the faders, the cross fader and the eq,
(trainer should put on two vinyl records and demonstrate the use of these
controls while explaining their function. All programers should already be familiar
with basic turntable use from their KJUC training)
a. The Faders
[Picture of the faders]
There are two faders on the mixer, one for each of its two channels. These
should be familiar to you because they are the same as the faders on the mixing
board in the control room. Moving them up increases the volume of the song on
the corresponding channel. When both faders are potted up (and the crossfader
is in the center position), both channels will be heard playing at once.
The lights next to the faders indicate the level of each channel of audio and
weather it is clipping, just like the levels on the board.
b. The Crossfader
[Picture of the crossfader]
The Cross fader allows you to fade (or transition) from the audio on one channel
to the audio on the other channel. When the mixer is in the center position, (and
both faders are potted up) audio from both channels will play at the same time.
When the fader is moved to the left, audio from the right channel is faded out
leaving only the audio from the left channel. When the fader is moved to the right,
the opposite happens.
c. The EQ Section
[Picture of the EQ]
Each chanel has an EQ section that allows you manipulate the audio from that
channel. To cut or boost different frequencies for each channel, turn the knobs
labeled Low, Mid or High. Pressing the button next to each of these knobs will
cut the corresponding frequencies out completely [Correct?].
The Gain knob allows you to boost the level of the audio signal coming into the
channel before it reaches the fader. Use the gain for a rough initial level setting
and the fader for finer adjustments. In basic djing, you should "set and forget" this
knob.
The pan knob allows you to select which speaker, left or right, you want the
audience to hear the audio coming from. Turn this knob all the way to the right to
make the audio play out of only the right speaker, to the left for only the left
speaker, or anywhere in between.
d. Output levels
The main output level knob determines how loud the level of both channels
combined will be. Generally, don't mess with this knob. The knob labeled phones
will determine how loud the music will be in your headphones.
3. Using headphones
Just like on the controlroom board you can listen to audio from either channel by
cueing it up in your headphones.
[Further explanation needed on how to cue. This will depend on mixer]
4. Connecting your computer to the mixer
[Further explanation needed - serrate explanation would be included here]
5. Putting the mixer back
a. Remove the mixer outputs, place them inside the case
b. be sure needles are still on turn tables. if not replace them
c. lock the turntables' arms in place
d. replace the lid of the coffin.
e. put the lock back on
f. put the mixer back in the cabinet, replace cabinet boards
6. Resources for further training on the use of the mixer:
[Dereks original manual should contain a lot of material that would go well here}