Mixer Hire In sound recording and reproduction, and sound reinforcement systems, a mixing console is an electronic device for combining sounds, routing, and changing the volume level, timbre (tone color) or dynamics of many different audio signals. Inputs to the console include microphones being used by singers, mics picking up acoustic instruments such as drums or saxophones, signals from electric or electronic instruments such as the electric bass or synthesizer, or recorded music playing on a CD player.