This large console features rows of faders, knobs, and switches that control the volume, equalization, and effects for individual audio channels. Engineers use it during live broadcasts or recording sessions to balance microphones, instruments, and playback devices. The resulting mixed signal is then sent to a transmitter, recording deck, or public address system.
Heard on the job
Bring up channel four on the soundboard, the host's mic is coming in way too low.
Insider tip
In British broadcasting, this is almost universally called a desk rather than a board.
Also heard as
- mixing console
- mixing board
- mixer
- desk