How to set level on PA mixer

How to set level on PA mixer

How I set gain on an analog mixer

Set slider to zero then adjust gain knob at top

How to Use an Audio Mixer Board Tutorial Mixing

Set slider to 0 db then adjust trim so levels don't exceed 0 db red on meters.




Setting Gain and PFL

Turn fader down. Set trim VU level so peak is in yellow. Then turn fader up for mixing.






https://www.behindthemixer.com/how-set-gain-levels-live-sound-methods/
Method #1

The first method of gain setting follows the studio mentality and says the fader should start at the infinity position (at the bottom) and the gain is increased until the input meter reads almost to the red while allowing for signal increases without distorting, such as when a vocalist sing a lot louder for a passage or a chorus or a single line. Then, the fader is raised to the point where the volume is right in the room.

Some people use this method but aim for the 0 dB level on the channel’s metering.

Be aware, every three channels at the same output level will create a louder combined sound by around 3 dB. Therefore, while the main fader would initially be at unity, after setting all gains, it’s possible to have a hotter output than you’d expect. If I correctly recall, on my typical weekend setup, I see about an extra 6 dB overall

Method #2

The second method of gain setting, the one I use, follows a live environment mentality which says the volume balance (channel volumes in relation to each other) for one song are often different in the next song and therefore, fader control is very important and it helps to have a BASELINE balance.

To use this method, set the fader to unity and increase the gain until the volume level sounds right for the room and for a general mix.  The result is faders all set at unity(0 level) with a general volume balance between channels.  For example, lead vocal always on top.  Therefore, when moving from one song mix to the next, subtle volume changes can easily be made with the most granular control (remember fader controls are logarithmic).  Is it the strongest signal?  Maybe, maybe not.  Will it be a noticeable strength difference and produce a sub-par mix?  I’m saying no, with one exception.

There are times when we have little-to-no control over the source.  For example, someone hands you a CD they burned from a file they made after they did who-knows-what to it.  In such cases, set the gain for the strongest signal and then set the fader.  You don’t have to ride a fader for a backing track or for the audio from a DVD.  Well, you shouldn’t.

The key to making method #2 work is using proper microphone selection and usage for the cleanest strongest signal from the stage.

Using a MIXING DESK - the basics and what you need to know. Dan Baker




He says to move the slider down then adjust the trim. What he doesn't say is that the slider should be somewhere in the middle or at 0 db so that you have full range to move it up or down around the normal level to adjust it for a specific song or performance.