What are channels and busses in mixers?

[Mongoo]

I've looked at zZounds and they list 14, 8, bus mixers along with digital mixers. My question is whats the difference, and which is better?


Also, I hear alot about Channels but don't really know what that means. From the way they talk about it I would guess there not the track number. So what are they and how does a limited number limit you?

Thanks.

Mongoo

 

[c7sus]

Channels are input channels. Plug a mic or line signal (like the output of a synth) into these.

Busses are outputs that you can assign channels to, and also assign a pan position to. Two-buss is a stereo out, 4-buss is 4 out, 8-buss is 8 outs.

Channels also have inserts and direct outs, so you can send the output of the channel direct to disc. Use a "Y" cable in an insert to send the output to a compressor, then back into the mixer, and out that signal through a buss.

Check out www.mackie.com for their manuals online. They have pretty good descriptions of signal routing through a mixer.