The INPUTS or channels strips are available in both MONO and STEREO configurations. It is important to consider this when evaluating a console for your particular application. MONO inputs accept either a mic or line level input and the fader controls a single signal. Many consoles feature a number of STEREO inputs, which accept only line level inputs and control two channel inputs from a single fader. Don't automatically assume that a 32-channel console offers 32 microphone inputs when often several channels are reserved for line level devices such as CD players, DAT machines, etc.
The Input or Signal Trim is usually the first knob at the top of the channel strip; this level control allows you to adjust the level of the incoming signal from a microphone or instrument. Proper adjustment of this control maximizes the signal to noise ratio of the signal. All sources put out different amounts of signal. Some may be weak and others quite strong. If there is too much, distortion will result. On the other hand, if there is too little, the channel level may have to be set much higher than the rest of the channels. The input is usually adjusted in conjunction with an LED Clip indicator or VU Meter, which is used for setting the Gain/Trim/Pad. This LED is designed to illuminate when the input signal is approaching the upper limit of the input circuit's capacity, but still leaving around 3dB of headroom in most cases (check the manual to be sure). It is thus possible to set the Gain controls simply by watching the channel Clip indicators during a sound check and adjusting them for slight amounts of activity.
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