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SUNDAYMIX MAIN LESSON

Let's get to it.

You’ve been there. The keyboard player shows up with a laptop, a synth, and a keyboard, but you only have one or two open channels on your soundboard. Or maybe the drummer is using a bunch of electronic pads and you’re out of inputs.

This is a common problem, and there's a simple solution the pros use: a sub-mixer. Today, we’re talking about how to correctly hook up a small, second mixer to your main board without creating a noisy, frustrating mess.

The Sub-mixer Survival Guide

A sub-mixer is just a small mixer that "pre-mixes" a group of instruments (like all the keyboards) down to a simple stereo pair (left and right) that you can then plug into just two channels on your main soundboard.

But if you just plug it in without thinking, you can end up with a loud, nasty buzz or a signal that's either way too quiet or way too loud and distorted. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: The "Same Power Strip" Rule

This is the most important rule. To avoid a "ground loop" (that awful 60-cycle hum or buzz), you must plug your sub-mixer and your main soundboard into the same power strip or wall outlet circuit. Don't plug the main board in at the back of the room and the keyboard mixer into a random outlet on the stage. Keeping them on the same electrical ground is your #1 defense against noise.

Step 2: Set the Sub-mixer's Gain First

Before you even think about the main soundboard, get a good mix on the sub-mixer.

1. Treat it like your main board: Follow the "Set It & Forget It" gain staging process for every keyboard channel on the small mixer. Get healthy levels on the meters (averaging -18 to -12dB).

2. Build a good blend: Use the faders on the small mixer to create a nice mix of all the keyboards.

3. Set the Master Fader: Push the master fader on the small sub-mixer up to the "0" (Unity) mark. This should send a strong, clean signal out.

Step 3: Connect to Your Main Board

Now, run two cables from the "Main Out" of the small sub-mixer into two open channels on your main soundboard (e.g., Channels 23 and 24).

Step 4: Set Gain on Your Main Board

You're almost done. Go to those two new channels on your main board. While the keyboardist is playing, set the Gain for those channels just like you would for any other instrument. Aim for that -18 to -12dB level on your main board's meters. Now you can use those two faders to control the entire keyboard mix in your main mix.

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For Those Long Sunday Mornings on Your Feet

We all know what it feels like. You're at the church for hours—from early morning setup, through the worship practice, and all the way to the end of the service. By the time you start powering down the amps, your legs and feet can feel heavy, tired, and uncomfortably swollen.

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Don’t let physical discomfort hold you back from serving at your best.

A Quick Tip on Levels...

Sometimes, the signal coming from the sub-mixer is way too "hot" or loud, even with the gain on your main board all the way down. If this happens, don't just pull the sub-mixer's master fader way down—that will just give you a weak signal.

The pro solution is an "in-line pad." It's a small adapter that looks like a short extension cable that plugs in before your main soundboard. It simply reduces the volume of the signal without affecting the tone, allowing you to use your gain knobs properly. You can find them at any music store like Sweetwater.

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A Proactive Step for a Man's Health

As men, we're often the ones people rely on—at home, at church, and in our communities. Being a dependable steward means taking care of everything entrusted to us, and that includes our own health for the long haul.

As we get older, being proactive about our health becomes even more crucial. For men over 50, supporting long-term prostate health is a key part of that stewardship. It’s about taking a simple, responsible step today to ensure you have the vitality and peace of mind to continue serving your family and ministry for years to come.

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Taking care of your health is one of the wisest investments you can make.

SUNDAYMIX ACTION STEPS

3 THINGS TO IMPLEMENT THIS NEWSLETTER TODAY

1. Check Your Power. The next time your keyboardist or drummer sets up their sub-mixer, walk over and see where they are plugging it in. If it’s not near the main soundboard's power source, find an extension cord and get them on the same circuit. This will solve many strange buzzing problems.

2. Gain Stage in Order. Always set the gain and levels on the sub-mixer first, then set the gain for the sub-mixer's channels on your main board second.

3. Check All Gear. Before the service begins, make sure ALL the equipment on stage is turned on—including lights, projectors, and amps—so you can hear if there are any new buzzes and fix them before people arrive.