A mixing console, also known as a mixing desk or audio mixer, is a device used to combine, control, and adjust audio signals from various sources. It allows sound engineers to manage multiple inputs, such as microphones, instruments, and playback devices, ensuring a balanced and polished final output. Mixing consoles come in various sizes and configurations, from small portable models for live events to large studio consoles used in professional recording studios. They typically feature faders, knobs, and buttons that control volume, tone, and effects, making it easier to create the desired sound for music, film, or broadcasting.