Audio mixer stands: How to use them as a multipurpose tool for gigs

Introduction

A mixer placed on a stand is the best way to work with it but that is not the only purpose we can use the stand for. Audio mixers are the brains of every live performance. They are hubs that control every aspect of all sound that is produced live. Like every other component of a PA, they have to be placed at a convenient height while working with them. The best position for a mixer is an elevated one so that the sound technician can access all the features without bending over.

Let’s see how an ordinary mixer stand can act as a multipurpose tool and make a huge impact on how your setup and teardown are being done.

Supporting musicians’ health, not just mixers

Musicians who gig frequently know how exhausting it can get to play 5 gigs a week. Performances aren’t the hardest parts of gigging. They can even make you feel like you’re relaxing compared to the hustle before and after shows. After 800 gigs with my current band, I am always looking for a solution to make the entire process of gigging easier. Here, I am sharing with you, one of the most beneficial items for gigging.

After years of gigging, back problems become a common concern for musicians. Carrying heavy equipment, constantly bending over, and standing for long periods will make your back pay the toll sooner or later.

Back pain can be your worst enemy when you need to bend down to open cases and take out cables and all the other accessories for the gig. And then everything has to be repeated after the gig. Once again, you have to lay case after case on the floor, bending your back to place all the equipment back into them. Is there a way to prevent us from constantly bending over?

Multipurpose Functionality

This is where the audio mixer stands come into the picture. They place the mixer at a height that is ideal for working, which is anywhere between 24” and 36” and that is their main purpose. For practical reasons, mixer stands have adjustable height and width and they are foldable. This helps us during transport since their overall size is significantly reduced than when unfolded.

A mixer stand can also act as a foldable elevated surface area, in other words, a small table that we happen to have with us.

I have back problems that only get worse after constantly bending over in order to gather all those cables and other equipment lying on the floor. At the time I bought the mixer stand I am using now, I knew it was going to help me work with the mixer. But after some time I realized I could place small cases on it. That way I could open my case and take all of the cables out of it while standing. I also placed my case with other musical equipment such as microphones, music stands, DI boxes, and adapters on the mixer stand. By doing this, I eliminated all that bending that was a nightmare for my back. Now, the only times I have to bend over is to pick up a case and place it on the mixer stand.

This mixer stand of mine has become an irreplaceable piece of gear that is the most helpful thing I use for gigs.

Even if you have a different solution for your band’s mixer, incorporating a foldable mixer stand for the sole purpose of being a work surface is a huge benefit.

Best audio mixer stands for workspace

This is the stand I use for everyday performances. It has adjustable height and the legs are foldable so you can customize the length and width of the stand. When fully folded it takes up minimal space in the car. Non-expensive, sturdy and lightweight.

Conclusion

For professional musicians, every change that can make their setup before and teardown after concerts more efficient is more than welcome. We now know that an audio mixer stand offers a dual solution; a mixer stand and an elevated working surface.

An audio mixer stand used in this way will bring relief to your back, so your main focus lies on your performance.

-where do you place your band’s mixer during the show?