If only a few channels with a basic set of mixing features are required, a simple analog mixer may be a more economical choice than a digital mixer.

2. Easy operation for first-time users
As mentioned above, analog mixers usually have one control per function, all of which are visible and directly accessible via the control panel. The control layout logically follows the mixer's signal flow and is therefore relatively easy to understand. This type of logical, easy operation can be an advantage in public halls and schools, for example, where a variety of people, some having little or no previous experience, may need to operate the system. In such situations it may be necessary to protect controls and functions that should not be changed with security covers.

You won't find all of the following controls on every mixer, but it's useful to know them all for future reference:

- Gain level - sets the level of the signal entering the channel's inbuilt preamp.

-          Pad - this can reduce the input level by a set amount, usually -20 dB, to help prevent distortion of the input signal.

-          Phase Reversal - changes the phase of the input signal by 180 degrees (flips it upside down).

-          Phantom Power - supplies +48 V of power to condenser microphones and DI boxes.

-          Mic/Line - selects the type of input: mic-level XLR connection, or line-level quarter-inch jack connection.

-          Flip - found on in-line mixers. Changes the channel from input function to monitoring function.

Pre-fader: when selected, the channel output fader (the slider at the bottom of the channel strip) doesn't affect the amount of signal that is sent through the aux send. This is normally selected for monitor mixes, where a mix of the already recorded tracks are sent to a musician through a pair of headphones as they record a new part.
Post-fader: when selected, the channel output fader DOES affect the signal level going through the aux send. This is normally selected when sending the signal to an effects unit, as it's then easy to control the amount of signal sent to the unit with the channel fader. 

- Allen & Heath

- Solid State Logic (SSL)

Popular consoles usually found in home or project studios are:

- Behringer

- Mackie 

An equalizer (also seen as equaliser) can be used as a correction tool or as a creative tool. It depends on the reasons behind your use of the device. Some of the most common uses are:

-          To remove specific frequencies to help enable a sound to sit better in the mix. For example, it's quite common to cut the frequencies of an electric guitar below 100-150 Hz, as removing them helps create more room for the bass guitar's frequency content. In fact, this is something that I always do when mixing.

-          A graphic EQ unit is often used to zoom in on specific problem frequencies, and then remove them. For example, you may find that a guitar recording you made has an annoying resonant frequency that stands out too much - one of those annoying notes that seems to 'ring'. You can use the device to focus in on the narrow frequency range around it, and then cut it.

-          The controls on the mixing console can be used to help separate two recordings that would otherwise sound too similar. A simple method I often use if I have two similar guitar tracks is to boost one track around the 3 kHz range and the other around the 4 kHz range -this helps to contrast the two tracks inside a mix.

These are just a few of the many possible uses for this important piece of equipment.