sheila 08-0730

THE CONSOLE
The console is the heart of the studio both in the audio and visual studio. It is with the console that we are able to have input coming in and output going out. It also help people working on input to manipulate it in the way that it suites them best.

Functions of the console
Amplification
This is where the signals are boosted to a usable level. The console gives the operator convenient control over the volume of various signal sources such as microphones, recorders and computers.

Routing
This helps the producer to determine the path the signal. The console can send signals over the air and have whatever your doing on air in that the listener can hear what exactly you are saying at that particular time. The console can also send it into a cue channel which let the operator hear an audio source without having the signal go over air that is made possible by the pre-fader listener.

Mixing
The console can put signals out at the same time. An example is where we hear a person talking and at the same time you can hear music. The console also allows the volume of both outputs to be controlled according to the producer’s desire.

Through these three functions we can finally get a good production that will be ready to be aired to the audience and have them listen and at the same time enjoy what they are listening to.

Parts of a console
Pre-amplifier-it is used to boost signals to usable levels when they are weak.

Potentiometer (fader) - it adjust the volume. It either raises or reduces the volume of the consoles output.

Routing Switch-this is the button that put the signals over the air.

Volume Unit meter-it is used to show if the volume is to low, at good levels or too high which causes distortion.

Monitor-This is a loudspeaker that lets the operator hear what is going over the air it also helps the operator listen to a number of sources other than what is going over the air

The audition channel-.It allows you to hear a cd, computer, and tape without having it going on air.

Muting System- cuts the output from different sources to prevent something going on air and yet it is not supposed to do so.

Headphones-close seal put over the operators ears preventing any possibility of feed back. Helps the operator to hear what they are saying.

Master Fader-it controls the entire output of the board. It is the one that allows signals to go on air.

There are two types of consoles they are
Analog consoles
Digital consoles





Analog console
It has the following elements:
Pre amps-which are built into the console and are not visible.
Input channels which allow a number of signal sources to be used and mixed together.
Routing Switch-which determines which of several signals will go onto the source channel
A cue channel.
Potentiometer.
Selector buttons to route the signal over either the audition channel or program channel.
Vu meter which read the loudness of the signal.
Amplifier which boosts the signal.

Digital console
Its features are:
Analog to digital converters which allow analog signals to be converted fro use by the console.
Digital to analog converters which the digital output of the console to be sent ot analog devices
Selector switches which allow channels to be assigned to different inputs and outputs
Faders for each input channel which provide data streams fro each point.
Digital inputs and outputs which connect to digital sources such as digital cart machines and computers.
A vu meter to give an objective reading on the loudness of the signal.