Signal Flow : Introduction

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the role of preamps, power amps and line level
• Know what a mixing desk does
• Know what 'Multitrack Recording' and 'Overdub' means
• Be able to plan the process of recording a song
  
• Be able to use microphones, mixing desks and amplifiers correctly

What is a signal?

A Signal is an electronic representation of sound

Signal flows in one direction: Forward

Such axioms underpin the entire process of recording music:

• Speakers need to be connected with wire.
• The sound comes from the stereo and goes to the speakers.
• We plug in a microphone and the signal flows through the cable from the mic to the stereo.

In a concert, the signal flow begins at the microphones, goes through the mixing desk, through the amplifiers and out the speakers. A signal cannot flow in the opposite direction ( although speakers can be used for microphones, if they are plugged into the microphone socket ).