Large Format Console - These mixers generally have inputs for between 48 and 96 channels of analog and digital connections, will offer high quality dynamics and EQ processing on each channel, as well as full automation. In the world of major label record production, where producers demand the highest sound quality and most flexibility from a console, a mixing board can easily cost between $50,000 to upwards of $250,000.

Pictured here: Sony Oxford

Project Studio Console - Most of the features found in large format consoles are now available in smaller, more cost effective models. These will generally have fewer inputs and won't sound as good, but offer tremendous value to producers working on a budget. Much of the music you hear on TV and the radio is produced in smaller professional studios, often located in a producer's home, and these are great choices for those situations.

Pictured here: Yamaha O2R

Personal Mixer - Everyone working with electronic instruments and microphones needs some sort of mixer to combine signals from different audio sources. These mixers will generally have between 8 and 32 channels, EG on each channel and some flexibilty in routing signals to and from the mixer. Typically these types of mixers are analog and offer no automation capabilities. These mixers inexpensive, starting at around $200, and are well suited for home recording and live performance.

Pictured here: Mackie 1202

Control Surface - As we'll soon see, all of the mixing functions performed in the any of the above physical tools can be accomplished in the virtual world using a wide range of software. A number of manufacturers have begun producing hardware control surface that provide the user with the programmable physical controllers for many, if not all mixing functions found in a software package.

Pictured here: Logic Control