What does a digital mixer primarily do?

A digital mixer primarily serves the function of processing and managing audio signals, which includes transmitting signals to a computer. This allows for digital sound manipulation, editing, and processing, enabling audio engineers to achieve a more precise and versatile mix compared to traditional systems. In a digital environment, mixers interface with recording software and digital audio workstations (DAWs) to facilitate tasks such as mixing, balancing, and applying effects to the audio.

The other options either do not accurately capture the core function of a digital mixer or describe functionalities associated with other audio equipment. For example, manually controlling sound mixing is more characteristic of an analog mixer, while direct audio recording onto tapes pertains to older recording technologies. Enhancing speaker volume might imply amplification rather than the core signal processing role a digital mixer fulfills.