Pfl

[Fariz]

what is PFL and what does it do?

 

[sockswithshoes]

PFL means Pre-Fade Listen. It's function is to do exactly that — listen to the channel's audio at a point before the fader takes effect. The PFL button is usually located just above the channel fader.

 

[Uhdinator]

it's used to meter the pre amp level for that channel.
Plug in mic or instrument, turn down fader, push PFL, watch meter and adjust pre amp/trim level so peaks are around or just below 0 level, push PFL to turn off.
turn fader up and mix as desired. IF you adjust EQ on a channel you need to PFL again to adjust as EQ will change the level.

I also use it to troubleshoot noise issues. If Im getting some noise in a PA system, I put on headphones and PFL each channel 1 at a time to hear if the noise is coming from one of the channels.

 

[stevieb]

PF can also come in handy if you are mixing sound for a live event, and recording the event in multiple channels. Changes you make to the level of a live channel do not go downstream of the PF stream, so you don't drive yourself crazy later when you mix down. PFL allows you to listen to what is going to "tape."