HH Q SERIES AND THE ART OF MIXING: FROM STUDIO TO STAGE

Meet the Q Series.

A series of 4 analogue mixing consoles which cover an array of live sound applications. Whether you’re podcasting, drum mixing, managing small ensembles, or handling live sound in churches and halls, the Q Series mixers are a fantastic tool to develop your mixing skills.

The Basics of Mixing

At its core, mixing is about balancing multiple audio sources to create a cohesive sound. The process involves adjusting levels, EQ, and effects for each input channel, and then combining them into a final output. Sounds simple, right? Let’s break it down.

1. Input Stage:

Microphone Inputs:

Sensitivity: Microphone inputs are designed to handle very low-level signals, typically in the range of -60 dBV to -40 dBV.
Preamp: They include a microphone preamplifier to boost the weak microphone signal to line level.
Phantom Power: Many mic inputs provide phantom power (usually +48V) for condenser microphones.
Impedance: Mic inputs typically have a low impedance, around 1.5 kΩ to 3 kΩ.
Connector: Usually XLR connectors, though some mixers use 1/4″ TRS jacks for mic inputs.

Line Inputs:

Sensitivity: Designed for much stronger signals, typically around -10 dBV (consumer level) or +4 dBu (professional level).
No Preamp: They don’t include a preamplifier as the signal is already strong enough.
No Phantom Power: Line inputs don’t provide phantom power.
Impedance: Higher impedance than mic inputs, often around 10 kΩ or higher.
Connector: Commonly use 1/4″ TS or TRS jacks, or RCA connectors for consumer gear.
In the context of the HH Audio Q Series mixers:
The Q6FX has 2 mono input channels (which can accept both mic and line level signals) and 2 stereo line input channels.
The Q8FX features 4 microphone inputs and 3 stereo line inputs.
The Q12FX offers 6 mic inputs, 4 mono line inputs, and 4 stereo line inputs.
The Q16FX provides 10 mic inputs, 8 mono line inputs, and 4 stereo line inputs.

This variety of inputs allows these mixers to accommodate a wide range of audio sources, from microphones to instruments to audio playback devices.

2. Gain Staging:

Gain staging is the process of controlling the level of your audio signal throughout the entire signal path. Ensuring that you keep a clean signal that is well above the noise floor and can be processed without clipping or introducing unwanted distortion before being sent to your output source.

To begin, ensure that your sound sources are producing an appropriate level of signal. This prevents you from needing to add large amounts of gain to achieve a good level. There is a lot of input gain on tap with Q Series mixers (+5 to +45dB), however, a side effect of needing to add too much input gain to get to an appropriate level can be introducing unwanted noise into the signal path. So, getting the right level from your sound source will start you off on the right foot.

Next, adjust your input gain to give your signal enough headroom. Headroom is how much room your signal has before becoming distorted and clipping. This breathing space for your audio signal acts as a buffer to allow for any additional level you may introduce from EQing, enabling the built-in DSP effects or for dynamic changes from your sound source. Dynamic changes could be from electric guitar boost pedals or fluctuations in volume from your vocalist. Adjusting input gain for each channel so that the level peaks between -10 and -6dB is a good starting point.

Once your input gain is set you can move on to the built-in compressor featured on the Q8FX, Q12FX, and Q16FX. Compression helps to control the dynamic range of a sound source and is perfect for taming loud signals from sound sources with wide dynamic ranges whilst allowing quieter signals from the same source to be brought up to an appropriate level. The single knob compressor featured on Q8FX, Q12FX, and Q16FX mixers makes this process very easy.

Next, you can move on to shaping the tone of your sound sources with the 3-Band EQ. Note that by boosting frequencies you will be adding more gain to the signal path. Again, it’s important to leave enough headroom when setting your input gain to allow for this.

Always keep an eye out for the peak LED indicator illuminating on individual channels as well as on the main output meter. These indicators will highlight if there is a problematic signal clipping in your mix. Keep checking regularly as gain structure may shift during a performance.

Remember, proper gain staging is about finding the sweet spot where your signal is strong enough to maintain quality throughout the system, but not so strong that it causes distortion. It is a balancing act that becomes easier with practice and attentive listening.

3. EQ Adjustment:

Shape the tone of each input using the built-in EQ. The HH Q Series offers a 3-band EQ on each channel, with high (12kHz), mid (2.5kHz), and low (100Hz) frequency controls. This allows you to boost or cut individual frequency bands to enhance clarity and eliminate problematic resonances.

Using EQ on a mixing console isn’t quite the same as using the tone stack on a guitar amplifier as each channel on a mixer isn’t operating in complete isolation, it has a relationship with all the other channels. It’s important to be mindful of your whole mix when adjusting individual channel EQ, to ensure you achieve an overall balance.

The 3-band EQ on Q Series mixers offers the ability to cut and boost specific frequency bands which is perfect for shaping the tone of the sound source on the channel you’re adjusting and making space in the mix for sound sources on other channels. The ability to cut and boost these individual bands means that non-essential frequencies can be cut from one source to carve space for the fundamental frequencies of a different source on a different channel, thus creating a tonal balance between these sources. For example, cutting mid frequencies on electric guitar channels to ensure your lead vocal is crystal clear.

The 75Hz low-cut function on the Q8FX, Q12FX, and Q16FX can be a useful EQ tool when it comes to removing unwanted low rumble.

4. Adding Effects:

Enhance your mix with effects like reverb or delay. The HH Q Series mixers come with 16 built-in high-quality DSP effects including reverbs, delays and echoes. Having these effects built in allows you to These effects are based on hand-selected algorithms and are easily controlled via the FX enable button and parameter level knob (Q8FX, Q12FX and Q16FX).

5. Setting Levels:

Use the channel faders to balance the volume of different inputs in relation to each other. The larger Q12FX and Q16FX models also offer subgroup routing, allowing you to control multiple related channels together – that’s useful for a drum mix or for grouping backing vocals.

6. Monitoring:

Use headphones or monitor speakers to listen to your mix. The HH Q Series provides dedicated monitor outputs and a headphone out for this purpose. You can also set up monitoring for the musicians too, either in the form of a monitor wedge or in-ear monitoring via the Aux send outputs.

7. Main Output:

Finally, send your mixed audio to your main speakers. This is where the HH Tensor range of portable PA powered speakers comes in, offering clear and powerful sound reproduction for various venue sizes.

Mixing Scenarios

Podcasting

For podcasting, you will primarily use the mic inputs. Focus on clear vocal EQ and subtle compression (available on select HH Q Series models) to maintain consistent levels. The USB interface on all HH Q Series mixers allows easy recording to your computer. Now all you need to do is come up with an interesting podcast topic and you’re away!

In-Ear Monitor Mix for Drummers

Click-tracks and backing tracks are commonplace in larger scale productions, drummers can sometimes like to have control of these individual levels in their monitor mix (either in-ear or wedge) using a small mixer situated by their drum kit. The Q6FX would be a perfect solution for this scenario enabling the drummer to take feeds of these individual elements from a front of house engineer or a monitor engineer’s console. The drummer can then control the balance of these individual elements locally and adjust accordingly throughout the performance.

Balance is key for small ensembles. Here are some tips to get you started:

Input Assignment:

Use mic inputs for acoustic instruments and vocals.
Use line inputs for electronic instruments like keyboards or drum machines.

For the Q8FX, you have 4 mic inputs and 3 stereo line inputs, allowing for a good mix of acoustic and electronic sources.

EQ Adjustment:

Use the 3-band EQ on each channel to shape individual instrument tones.
Cut frequencies rather than boost where possible to carve space for other sound sources and reduce overall mud in the mix.
For vocals, a slight boost at around 2.5 kHz can improve clarity.
Utilise the 75Hz low-cut on Q8FX, Q12FX and Q16FX to remove low end rumble.

Creating Space in the Mix:

Pan instruments to create a stereo image. For instance, spread backing vocals slightly left and right of centre.
Use the built-in effects like reverb carefully to add depth without cluttering the mix.

Level Balancing:

Start with the main instrument or vocals at a comfortable level.
Bring in other instruments one by one, balancing them against the main element.
Use the faders to adjust the relative volumes of each instrument in the mix.

Subgrouping (for Q12FX and Q16FX):

Group similar instruments together (e.g., all vocals, all rhythm instruments) for easier control.
Use subgroup faders to adjust the overall balance of instrument groups.

Monitoring:

Use the headphone output to critically listen to your mix.
If possible, set up a separate monitor mix (or in-ear mix) for the performers using the Aux send.

Dynamics Control:

For the Q8FX, use the built-in compressor on channels 1-2 for vocals or dynamic instruments.
On the Q12FX and Q16FX, take advantage of the compression on more channels for consistent levels.

Feedback Management:

Use the 75Hz low cut/high pass filter on vocal mics to reduce low-frequency rumble and potential feedback.
If using the Q12FX or Q16FX, utilise the 9-band graphic EQ to notch out problematic frequencies in the room.

Effects Usage:

Use reverb sparingly to add depth to vocals or acoustic instruments.
Consider using a short delay on vocals for a thickening effect without muddying the mix.

Blend Acoustic and Electronic:

Balance the levels between acoustic instruments (via mic inputs) and electronic instruments (via line inputs) carefully.
Use EQ to carve out space for each instrument type in the frequency spectrum.

Aux Sends:

Utilise the Aux send for creating a separate monitor mix for the performers, or use it to send certain instruments to an external effects unit if needed.

Main Output:

Keep an eye on the main output meters, ensuring you are not overloading the system.
Aim to keep the main output around -6 dB to maintain headroom.

Sound Check:

Conduct a thorough sound check, listening to each instrument individually and in the context of the full ensemble.
Make notes of any problematic frequencies or balance issues to address during the performance.

Simple Recording:

Utilise the USB interface on any HH Q Series mixer for direct recording to your computer. Set your levels carefully and use the EQ to avoid frequency clashes between instruments.

Live Mixing in Churches, Halls, and other Venues:

For live mixing, start with a sound check to set initial levels and EQ. Use the graphic EQ on the Q12FX or Q16FX to tune the system to the room. Our Tensor range of PA speakers will ensure your mix translates well to the audience.

Final thoughts

The HH Q Series analogue mixing consoles provide a great training platform for becoming a competent audio engineer. They are easy to use, reliable, and have everything you need to build a perfect mix in a variety of situations – not to mention, they look great.

Designed and engineered by HH Audio (formerly HH Electronics), with a long-standing history in mixer design, the Q Series brings decades of British innovation to your audio productions. From our most compact mixer, the Q6FX, to the largest in the series, the Q16FX, there’s a mixer to suit a variety of needs.