In its basic form, a mixer combines several channels of audio; in the Pro Audio world, however, mixers have many more functions.
To start with, most have at least two channels of microphone pre-amplification and some form of EQ in order to accept and fine-tune the sound from one or more microphones. More expensive models can feature semi-parametric EQ on each channel to give you more control over each sound source before they're combined.
Flexible Multi-Input Mixers
Studio mixers also usually have 'auxiliary sends' that enable you to create separate monitoring mixes (how many times have you heard the singer ask for "more me" in the headphones!?), as well as send a 'copy' of each channel to effects like reverb and delay. More expensive mixers are also likely to have Insert points, which allow you to apply processing (such as a gate or compressor) to specific channel individually.
We carry a range of mixers, from small notebook mixers that are ideal for home project studios and can come in handy as brilliant problem-solvers, to mixing consoles you can use to make an entire record. We also have mixers with onboard effects representing excellent ease-of-use and value, and mixers with USB connections to connect multi-channel audio straight to the computer - perfect if you're an advocate of the Digital Audio Workstation revolution!