Basic Studio Directing

Vision mixers

The vision mixer (or switcher) is both the name of the machine and the job title of the person operating it. This section is about the machine. Many places expect directors to be able to vision mix at the same time. There is a big clue here … if you want to survive long term as a director, use every chance to learn and develop your vision-mixing skills.

Capabilities

All vision mixers are capable of the same basic functions – cutting, mixing, wiping and keying. Different manufacturers use different layouts and terms for some functions, and larger machines have extensive memories for storing complex composites.

Cut, mix

Ninety-five per cent of television is cutting and mixing between two sources. This is done between two ‘buses’, ...