Work With a Peavey Equipment

 How to Work With a Peavey Mixer

Peavey is an audio electronics company that makes many products, from guitars to microphones. Peavey mixers are commonly found in smaller venues, such as coffee shops and churches. As a sound engineer, it is important to have a basic understanding of how to work with a Peavey mixer, because you're likely to work with one at some point in your career. Most Peavey mixers share many of the same features, so once you learn the basics, you can apply your knowledge to Peavey's various models,

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the inputs and outputs of the mixer. Most Peavey mixers will have several mono channels and a few stereo channels. Channels that have an XLR input have preamps. The channels that have only quarter-inch inputs are line level. Some channels may have separate XLR inputs and quarter-inch inputs, or they may have one combination XLR/quarter-inch input. Stereo channels typically have two quarter-inch and two RCA inputs. The outputs on most Peavey mixers are XLR and balanced quarter-inch.
   
   
2. Set your gain. The gain control is a dark gray knob at the top of each channel. The gain determines the input level to your channel. Set the fader to zero while you adjust the gain for optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Turn the gain up as high as you can without clipping. The clip indicator is near the fader and is labeled "Peak" or "Clip."
   
   
3. Adjust your EQ. Peavey mixers typically have three-band EQs with a high, mid and low control. You will also find a low-cut filter near the gain knob on most Peavey mixers. The high and low EQs are shelving type EQs, with the high EQ set at 10kHz and the low EQ set at 70Hz. The mid EQ is a peaking type EQ, and some Peavey mixers feature an adjustable center frequency control for the mid EQ.
   
   
4. Route your signal. Peavey mixers feature monitor ("MON") and effects ("FX") sends. The monitor sends are pre-fader and the effects sends are post-fader. The monitor sends are best suited to send reference sound to onstage or in-ear monitors for lecturers or musicians. The effects sends are best suited for outboard effects like delays and reverbs. The monitor and effects outputs can be found at the output section of the mixer.
   
   
5. Familiarize yourself with the fader section. The fader controls the amount of signal that is being outputted to the main stereo bus. The mute button will cut the signal going out from the channel and will cut the post-fader effects sends. The pan knob allows you to change the direction of the channel in the stereo field. The "PFL" button will let you listen to the signal on the track through the headphone output of the board.
   
   
6. Learn the master section. This section will have the master control faders for the output level of the mixer. You will also find the level LEDs in the master section. Many Peavey mixers will have monitor or group faders in the master section. Some high-end Peavey mixers will have digital effects processing in the master section.