Uploaded July 2014 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
As with digital I/O interfaces, analog mixing consoles have a fixed number of inputs and outputs. For example, a mixing console with 16 inputs and four outputs would be designated as a 16 x 4 mixer.
In addition to channel outputs, consoles may also have other outputs, such as direct outs, aux, and bus sends, that can be used for cue mixes, effects sends, and other routing, but these aren’t included in the output number. Only the channel outputs are counted.
Consoles often have additional inputs as well, such as tape and effects returns, but these inputs aren’t included either.
Here’s a quick way to determine a console’s I/O designation. As you look at a mixing console, count the number of channel faders. That’s almost always the input number. Then count the number of channel output meters. That’s generally the output number.
As with digital I/O interfaces, analog mixing consoles have a fixed number of inputs and outputs. For example, a mixing console with 16 inputs and four outputs would be designated as a 16 x 4 mixer.
In addition to channel outputs, consoles may also have other outputs, such as direct outs, aux, and bus sends, that can be used for cue mixes, effects sends, and other routing, but these aren’t included in the output number. Only the channel outputs are counted.
Consoles often have additional inputs as well, such as tape and effects returns, but these inputs aren’t included either.
Here’s a quick way to determine a console’s I/O designation. As you look at a mixing console, count the number of channel faders. That’s almost always the input number. Then count the number of channel output meters. That’s generally the output number.
