Market guide
Count the whole audio system
Turn channel claims into a complete I/O, bus and network mapA channel count can hide local socket limits, stereo bus use, matrices, stagebox capacity and recording constraints. Draw the signal path before comparing consoles.
01
Inputs
Count sources, sockets and processing separately
List microphones, playback, returns, talkback, communications and spare inputs, then map where their preamps and converters live.
- Stagebox
- Verify protocol, supported model, sample rate, cable type, maximum run and ownership of preamp gain.
- Reserve
- Keep practical spare inputs and outputs for show changes and failures.
02
Outputs
Build every monitor and system feed
Stereo in-ear mixes consume two paths. Add wedges, fills, subs, recording, broadcast, assistive listening, matrices and effects returns.
- Control
- Confirm whether performers can control only their own sends and which device or account they need.
- Safety
- Limiters and feedback tools are not hearing-safety guarantees or substitutes for system design.
03
Recording
Prove simultaneous multitrack work
Check source count, tap points, media, USB or network interface, computer drivers, virtual soundcheck routing and what remains available while recording.
- Rate
- Keep sample rate, stagebox and expansion-card compatibility attached to the exact system.
- Cost
- Include media, storage, computer, licenses and redundant capture where the recording matters.
Evidence used
First-party sources behind this guide
- 01Current CQ digital mixer familyAllen & Heath · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 02DM3 digital mixing consoleYamaha · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 03Yamaha DM3 reviewSound On Sound · checked August 16, 2026Open source
- 04Ui24R product and support recordSoundcraft · checked August 16, 2026Open source