How will you let your audience hear your favorite mixed playlist? An audio mixing board has insufficient power to fill up a room, but this is when an external amplifier comes in handy. So, why wait? Hook your soundboard to an amplifier to showcase your talent to the world.
To create perfectly balanced music that hits the right melody and has a flowing rhythm along with all the other essential elements coming together in synchrony, you need to know the equipment you’ll be using on a day-to-day basis. Also, getting hands-on experience and knowing how to operate your equipment plays a crucial role in helping you succeed.
However, in an instance where you can’t figure out how to handle them, things can go slightly out of hand. Apart from getting frustrated, there is also a high chance you might damage the equipment. Therefore, the best way is to figure out an apt method that ensures no mishandling.
Although many mixers come with a built-in amplifier, an amplifier will be necessary to spice up the sounds through live mixing and other reinforcements.
Table of Contents
What Are Mixers and Amplifiers?
Before delving into the details of the procedure of connecting a mixer to an amplifier, you must know what both these devices are.
Fundamentally, a mixer is a device that is used to align multiple input audio signals subtly. Moreover, it changes the quality of these signals, balances them, and makes the output audio easier to listen to as it adjusts the tone quality of the input. Depending on the specific needs, there are various types of mixers.
On the other hand, an amplifier is a device that can enlarge or amplify the input auditory signals that need to be broadcasted. Primarily used in wireless communication, this device enlarges the sound signal it receives, enabling loudspeakers as it carries a lot of power.
Connect Mixer to Amplifier
Are you worried about messing up your amplifier or mixer while connecting them? You need not worry about it anymore. Follow these simple steps and fill up the room with your beat.
Step 1. Switch Off Both the Devices
Before you do anything, power off both the sound mixing board and the amplifier. Unplug both the devices from electrical supplies to avoid background noise and disruption or short circuits.
Moreover, keep the amplifier where you would like to place it. This ensures that the cable is straightened out and no extra cable is coiled underneath the device.
Step 2. Check the Connectors
Next, you need to check the type of connectors on both devices. Check the connectors of your soundboard to connect to stereo outputs. Moreover, look at the kind of connector your amplifier utilizes as inputs.
Accordingly, choose cables that can connect the amplifier and the mixer. However, be considerate about the length of the cable you choose. Ensure that these cables are long enough to maintain the connection, no matter how far you position the amplifier.
Step 3. Plug in the Left Cable of the Speaker
Once you have unplugged your devices and taken a thorough look at the cables and connectors you will be using, proceed to the plugging part.
Initially, you will plug in the left cord of the amplifier. Use an end on one of the speaker’s cords and plug it in on the right side’s out jack of the mixer situated at the back of the device.
Consequently, you will have the ability to plug the amplifier as such that it lets you see “L/Monitor” or R/L+R” on either of the jacks.
Moreover, you will also find a switch that gives you a choice between using the speakers while using the display or solely using them with the mixer.
Step 4. Connect the Remaining End of the Speaker
Moving on, likewise in the previous step, you will plug in the remaining end of the amplifier into the mixer. Using the cord on the other side of the amplifier, insert the plug on the left side’s out jack of your mixer.
The white speaker cord goes into the left jack. Meanwhile, you have to insert the red cord in the right jack. Following the plug-ins, ensure that the wires of all the connections are secure.
You can change the variation of your connection depending on whether you want to connect the amplifier directly to the mixer or if you want a monitor set-up. At times, it is possible to directly connect the cables at a line level in both the speakers from the amp.
Step 5. Plug in the Speaker
Once you have inserted plugs on both the ends of the mixer, proceed with inserting the power cords in the speaker. Then, plug the cords into a power supplying unit. Start with switching on the mixer, followed by the amplifier.
Ensure that you have toned down the volume before you turn on the amplifier. Make use of the sound adjustment sliders to change the sound levels.
Nevertheless, before making adjustments in the sound frequency, pitch, or level on the amplifier, insert the selector knob of the amplifier to the driven mixture through either of the audio jacks of the device.
Step 6. Ensure All the Connections Are Secure
Once everything is plugged into everything else, your work is done. Or maybe not?
In the end, when you have followed through all the previous steps thoroughly, all you have to do is to retrace your steps and double-check the progress you have made.
The easiest way is to check the sound from the speakers. Suppose the connection of your amplifier and mixer is still secure and audio signals are able to flow through it smoothly. In that case, you can check whether the sound level it produces is satisfactory.
If you have followed through each step with precision and made the right connections, you are sure to have an excellent quality sound that you can adjust accordingly.
You Might Be Interested:
How to Choose an Amplifier for Speakers
How to Connect an Equalizer to an Amplifier
When In Trouble- Troubleshoot
In the unfortunate event that you cannot connect your mixer to an amplifier, despite strictly following the discussed steps, you can always troubleshoot.
You can check the following points to attempt to solve the problem.
- Make sure you switch on the devices and the volume is audible.
- Ensure that the output and input connectors, cable ends, and cables are compatible with one another.
- Check all the input channel controls.
- Also, ensure that you have turned up the sound levels for your speaker’s amplifier and the mixer. However, make sure that the volume isn’t too high as it can damage your hearing.
- Check the circuit to see if it is connected. Look at the fuse or the circuit breakers because their disconnection may lead to power cut-off.
- Remember that using an amplifier with amplified speakers is a fatal mistake that you should avoid at all costs. Doing so can cause harm to your speakers.
- Ensure the cables are all in their right positions and that they are secure and tight
- Double-check using your headphones to check if you can hear the audio through them.
- At any cost, please don’t open the device to check the circuit boards or equipment inside it. You can lose essential parts or suffer from an electrical shock by doing so. Moreover, it will lead to the cancellation of the warranty of your device.
Therefore, it is best to leave it up to the professionals to sort through the issue. Take it to trained professionals to get the problem sorted.
Final Thoughts
What is the use of owning a high-end sound system if you are incapable of using it? If you’re genuinely passionate about creating music, then your responsibility doesn’t end on investing in music equipment- it starts there.
Your drive and passion for music make it your responsibility to learn how to handle and maintain the equipment essential in helping you do the thing you love; create music.
Additionally, it is no secret that you’re taking away from the world if you hide your talent. Music has been a binding element for humankind. Give your abilities a chance and showcase them in front of the world, but to achieve this, you need a sound system that makes it easy for the audience to jam.
Finally, as you can see how simple connecting a mixer to an amplifier is, simply follow the steps to ensure everyone in the room hears your music.
John Fleming is the senior editor for Audiophilez.com, covering everything from headphones to smart speakers. He is a graduate of Music Production and Technology. Before Audiophilez, John began his career as a staff writer for two different magazines, where he became a skilled storyteller across different mediums. When he isn’t writing, he can be found biking, reading books, and playing the piano.