Q-sys Level One Training: Automatic Mixers

ID Gating refers to the mixer's ability to identify which microphone is the primary source for a talker who is loud enough to open multiple microphone thresholds. This means that when multiple microphones are picking up sound, the mixer can determine which microphone is capturing the primary audio source and prioritize it over the others. This helps in ensuring that the primary talker's audio is clear and not overshadowed by other ambient noises or secondary sources.

Noise Floor Tracking refers to the Gating Automatic Mic Mixer's ability to adjust the open threshold level above the slowly-changing level of background noise. This means that the mixer can adapt and set the appropriate level for when the microphones are activated, taking into account the varying background noise in the environment. By adjusting the open threshold level, the mixer ensures that only relevant audio signals are captured and transmitted, while minimizing the pickup of unnecessary noise.

To change the number of input channels in an Automatic Mixer, you need to select the component and go to its Properties panel in the Right-Side Pane. From there, you can adjust the Channels field to increase or decrease the number of input channels. This allows you to customize the mixer according to your needs and the number of audio sources you want to connect.

An Open LED on the control panel of an Automatic Mixer indicates that the gate of the associated channel is open. This means that the channel is currently allowing audio signal to pass through.

In the Designer software, the Gain-Sharing and Gating Automatic Mic Mixers can be found in the Schematic Library under Audio Components > Mixers.

The Side-Chain Filter field in the Automatic Mixer's properties panel allows the user to toggle the availability of a bandwidth/frequency selector in the mixer's control panel. This means that when the field is enabled, the user will have the option to adjust the bandwidth or frequency of the side-chain filter in the mixer. This can be useful for controlling the audio processing and filtering in the mixer, allowing for more precise and customized sound adjustments.

The Hold Time knob adjusts the length of time that a channel will stay open after it drops beneath the Open Threshold level. This means that once the channel's signal level falls below the Open Threshold, the Hold Time determines how long the channel will remain open before it closes again.

NOM stands for Number of Open Mics. This acronym is commonly used in the context of live performances, particularly in the music industry. It refers to the total number of microphones that are available for use during an event or a specific performance. By knowing the NOM, event organizers and performers can plan accordingly and ensure that there are enough microphones for all participants or performers.

To compensate for the quiet person speaking into the microphone, you can raise the Priority Gain knob of the channel in question. This will increase the gain specifically for that channel, amplifying the sound and making it louder. By adjusting the Priority Gain, you can ensure that the quiet person's voice reaches the Open Threshold of the Gain-Sharing Automatic Mixer, allowing it to be heard properly.

The Depth knob adjusts the amount of attenuation that is applied to closed channels. Attenuation refers to the reduction in signal strength or amplitude. By adjusting the Depth knob, the user can control the level of attenuation for the closed channels, allowing them to fine-tune the audio output and balance between open and closed channels.

The field that determines how long an audio signal must be present in order to count as a viable source for opening a gate is the Detector Time. This parameter sets the duration that the audio signal needs to exceed in order for the gate to open and allow the signal to pass through.

When a channel is manually opened in the Gating-Automatic Mic Mixer, it means that the channel is manually activated and not controlled by the automatic gating feature. Therefore, this manually opened channel does not count against the allowable number of open mics, as it is not part of the automatic mic mixing process.

The "Default" button in the Gating Automatic Mic Mixer determines which channel will remain open when no channels are gated open. This means that when no channels meet the gating criteria, the "Default" button decides which channel's audio will still be heard.

The knob that adjusts the amount of attenuation applied to all channels when none are open is the Rest Gain knob. This knob allows for controlling the overall level of attenuation when no individual channels are active or open. It helps to set a baseline or resting level for the audio signal before any further adjustments are made.

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If four channels were to reach their threshold, each channel would experience an attenuation of 10 dB.

The mixer decides which channels to open and which to close based on the channel that has reached its threshold the longest. This means that if more mics are above their threshold than the Max NOM field allows, the channel that has been above its threshold for the longest period of time will be closed or gated. This prioritizes the channels that have been above their threshold for a shorter duration, allowing them to remain open.

If four channels were to reach their threshold, each channel would experience an attenuation of 6 dB.

If four channels were to reach their threshold, each channel would experience an attenuation of 8 dB.