Each WheatNet-IP Blade has a built-in 8-channel UTILITY MIXER function. The SideBoard allows access to four or eight of those channels, using it wherever a small, purpose-driven mixer is needed. Its input faders can each access any source in a networked BLADE system and its PGM and AUD outputs appear as new sources in the audio network. Each Sideboard fader channel has an ON/OFF switch, PGM and AUD output assign buttons, a programmable (Prog) button that can be used for source preset, talkback, etc, and a Set switch for accessing the central source selection roatary control. Each fader has its own 8-character input source display. The stereo PGM OUTPUT is metered with dual 20-segment LED bargraphs. The monitor section has a headphone output with level control, and six programmable monitor source hot buttons for instant selection. There is also a source encoder knob with a TAKE switch and an associated display that, as with the input channels, can access any signal in the network.