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Audio Training
Master our 32-channel digital mixing console. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic signal flow to advanced mixing techniques.
32 Channels
Digital Console
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The PreSonus StudioLive 32S is a professional-grade 32-channel digital mixing console designed for live sound reinforcement. It combines the tactile feel of analog mixing with powerful digital processing.
Unlike older analog boards, the StudioLive 32S offers scene recall, built-in effects, and remote control via iPad or laptop—making it ideal for church environments where consistency matters.
On an analog board, each knob has one fixed function. On the StudioLive 32S, faders and knobs can control different things depending on what layer or mode you're in.
This is powerful but requires understanding layers and selection. Always know what channel is selected and what layer is active.
Understanding signal flow is the foundation of audio engineering. It's the path audio takes from source to speakers.
Source
Mic/Instrument
Preamp
Gain Stage
Fat Channel
EQ/Comp/Gate
Fader
Level Control
Bus
Main/Aux
Output
Speakers
Pre-fader signals are sent BEFORE the channel fader. This means the send level is independent of the fader position.
Post-fader signals are sent AFTER the fader. When you move the fader, the send changes proportionally.
💡 Monitor mixes are typically PRE-FADER so musicians' monitors don't change when you adjust FOH.
The StudioLive 32S has multiple output paths:
Proper gain staging is the single most important technical skill in audio. It determines your signal-to-noise ratio and prevents distortion.
Gain is NOT volume. The gain knob sets the input level BEFORE processing. The fader controls the output level AFTER processing. If your gain is wrong, no amount of fader adjustment will fix it. Get gain right first, then use faders for balance.
Start with fader at unity (0dB)
This is the default mixing position
Have the musician play/sing at performance level
Not a soundcheck whisper—their actual loudest moment
Adjust gain until meter peaks around -18dB to -12dB
Occasional peaks to -6dB are okay, never hit 0dB (red)
Use the fader for mix balance
Once gain is set, don't touch it during service
DANGER - Clipping
Digital distortion. Reduce gain immediately.
Caution - Hot
Brief peaks okay, sustained is too hot.
Optimal Range
This is where you want most signals.
Too Low
Signal is weak. Increase gain.
💡 On the StudioLive 32S, the channel meter shows post-gain signal. Watch it while adjusting the gain knob.
35-50 dB gain
Dynamic mics need more
20-40 dB gain
High SPL, less gain needed
30-45 dB gain
Varies by pickup type
15-30 dB gain
Line level is hotter
The Fat Channel is PreSonus's term for the onboard channel processing. Every input channel has a complete signal processing chain including Gate, Compressor, EQ, and Limiter.
Silences a channel when the signal drops below a threshold. Reduces bleed and noise.
Used on: Drums, Toms
Reduces dynamic range by turning down loud parts. Creates consistent, controlled levels.
Used on: Vocals, Bass, Drums
Adjusts frequency balance. Cut problem frequencies, boost to enhance character.
Used on: Everything
Hard ceiling that prevents signal from exceeding threshold. Protects speakers and ears.
Used on: Main outputs, protection
| Frequency | Character | Boost For | Cut To Remove |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-60 Hz | Sub bass | Kick drum thump | Rumble, stage noise |
| 60-250 Hz | Bass, warmth | Body, fullness | Muddiness, boom |
| 250-500 Hz | Low mids | Warmth in vocals | Boxiness, honk |
| 500Hz-2kHz | Midrange | Presence, punch | Harshness, nasal |
| 2-8 kHz | Upper mids | Clarity, attack | Sibilance, piercing |
| 8-20 kHz | Air, brilliance | Sparkle, openness | Hiss, harshness |
💡 Golden Rule: Cut narrow, boost wide. If you have to boost more than 6dB, something else is wrong.
Monitor mixes are what the musicians hear on stage. Good monitor mixes help musicians perform better. Poor monitors lead to frustration and mistakes.
Each Aux output creates a separate mix. On the StudioLive 32S, you have 16 Aux outputs that can feed individual monitors, in-ear systems, or broadcast feeds.
Select the Aux you want to adjust
Press the Aux button (1-16) on the console
Faders now control send levels to that Aux
Move channel faders to build the monitor mix
Master Aux level controls overall volume
Located in the Aux master section
Start with their own voice/instrument
Musicians need to hear themselves first
Add only what they ask for
Don't add everything—ask what they need
Keep volumes manageable
Loud monitors cause feedback and hearing damage
Use high-pass filters aggressively
Cut low frequencies to reduce stage rumble
Drummer
Click + bass + keys
Vocals
Vocals + keys
Instruments
Vocal + band mix
Broadcast
Stream/recording feed
FOH is what the congregation hears. This is your main output—the mix that serves the worship experience.
Your job is to remove distractions, not show off. A great worship mix is one nobody notices—because they're focused on God, not the sound.
Start with all faders down
Clean slate approach
Bring up kick and bass together
They work as a rhythm foundation
Add drums (snare, toms, overheads)
Build the full drum picture
Layer in keys and guitars
Fill the harmonic space
Add vocals on top
Vocals should sit above the music
Fine-tune balance
Adjust individual levels for clarity
Ride the vocal faders
Vocals are dynamic—follow the singer's intensity
Match energy to the moment
Quiet verses, powerful choruses
Mute unused channels
Reduces noise floor and feedback risk
Watch the stage
Anticipate changes—who's about to step up?
Check your meters
Main output should average around -12dB
Turn down instruments, not up vocals. Clear space in the mix by cutting competing frequencies.
Use high-pass filters on everything except kick and bass. Cut 200-400Hz on problem channels.
Turn down the offending channel. Use EQ to notch out the feedback frequency. Check mic position.
Cut 2-4kHz range on harsh sources. Reduce cymbal levels. Check for clipping.
Scenes are saved snapshots of your entire console state. This is one of the most powerful features of digital mixing—instant recall of a known-good configuration.
Create a "Base Scene"
Your standard Sunday configuration
Recall before soundcheck
Start from a known-good state
Make adjustments for the day
Different musicians may need tweaks
Save as new scene if needed
"Sunday AM - Jan 15" or event-specific
You don't always want to recall EVERYTHING. The StudioLive lets you filter what gets recalled. This is powerful for mid-service changes without disrupting the whole mix.
Recall Faders Only
Keep your EQ but change levels
Exclude Gains
Don't change preamp levels
Exclude Aux Sends
Keep monitor mixes intact
Audio engineering is both art and science. Study the fundamentals here, but nothing replaces hands-on practice. Ask for time with the console, shadow experienced engineers, and always be learning.
Take the Mixer Quiz to verify your understanding of the PreSonus StudioLive 32S console. Answer 20 questions covering signal flow, EQ, compression, and FOH mixing.
Also available: ProPresenter Quiz