| Content | The A-Designs Mix Factory takes a fresh approach to analog summing, delivering analog warmth with the depth and imaging needed to make your mixes truly stand out. Mix Factory inputs 16 channels and sums to balanced stereo outputs. All channels are fitted with gain controls, pan pots, and mutes. Two 8-channel groups are provided, each has an insert with mute button, and there is a master insert for all 16 channels. Mix Factory lets you switch between "clean," which bypasses the transformers, to "tonal," which introduces the harmonic enhancement of custom Cinemag output transformers. The Mix Factory is linkable, letting you expand to 64 or more channels. Take your studio to the next level with the A-Designs Mix Factory.
Benefits of the hybrid studio
Producer/engineer Tony Shepperd came up with the idea for Mix Factory, and it was brought to life by noted circuit design wizard Paul Wolff. Mr. Shepperd had been one of the modern engineers who subscribed to the "all-in-the-box" school of digital music production. At some point, however, he came to believe that digital and analog could very well coexist in the contemporary studio in a synergistic union that delivered additional "best-of-both-worlds" sonic benefits. This hybrid approach worked exceptionally well for Tony, taking his mixes to a new level. So much so that other engineers took notice and started asking him for tips. Today, most high-end recording facilities (including Sweetwater Studios) are hybridized in one sense or another. A-Designs' Mix Factory is a smart and cost-effective way to realize the many advantages of this approach.
A-Designs Mix Factory Features:
- 2RU 16-channel analog summing mixer
- 2 x 8-channel Groups
- All channels fitted with gain controls, pan pots, and mutes
- Switchable Cinemag output transformers
- Linkable, for easy studio expansion
- External power supply (included) switches between 120V and 230V
| The Dangerous Music Liaison puts the fun back into trying out creative combinations of gear. The Liaison also lets your setup remain absolutely flexible — just what you need if you want to survive in a market that often demands recording, mixing, and mastering services from a single studio. The Liaison's claim to fame is that it combines your favorite pieces of music gear together in various configurations, allowing you to try out new gear combinations and recall them later. But there's a lot more to the Dangerous Music Liaison than mere signal routing.
Mix, match, store, and recall all your favorite gear combinations
Dangerous Music has always been dedicated to providing serious engineers with the most useful gear possible. They've upped the ante again, with the Liaison. The Liaison lets you experiment with different combinations of gear, giving you a total of six discrete 2-channel inputs and two 2-channel buses. Want to hear how that compressor sounds pre- and post-EQ? With a Liaison, you can audition various hardware combinations as easily as swapping around plug-ins in a DAW. What's more, you can store and recall your favorite setups, so you can keep that killer vocal compression chain or that thumping kick drum processing path close at hand.
Flexible stereo buses give you advanced configuration options
When we ran the Dangerous Music Liaison through its paces here at Sweetwater, we found that its stereo buses do more than just compare two discrete signal paths. Depending on how you configure them, these stereo buses can provide you with two completely independent, flexible signal chains, each serving as its own small routing matrix. You can also combine both buses to create a long and flexible continuous signal-processing chain, in which you can reorder entire sections of your gear setup. Even cooler, you can use the Liaison's buses to establish complex parallel signal processing — opening up limitless sonic possibilities.
Mastering-grade components for unrivaled sound quality
As is the case with all Dangerous Music products, the Liaison is made entirely from mastering-grade components, so you never have to worry about audio coloration or latency. In fact, when set to simply pass audio, professional grade testers used to measure the Liaison read as though they were plugged into themselves. Talk about quality control! Here are some of the other specifics. Both the inserts and the buses feature straight-wire, unamplified, balanced signal paths. All audio is relay-switched via top-quality, gas-filled, bifurcated contact relays — ensuring that all switching is absolutely noiseless. The rest of the Liaison's signal paths feature mastering-grade components made by THAT Corp. and Burr-Brown.
What the pros are saying about the LIAISON:
- "The Dangerous LIAISON feels like engaging light-speed for my workflow...and make no mistake: workflow IS sound. The sheer speed at which you can do critical comparisons of entire signal chains does have a direct and positive impact how your music will sound." — Alberto Rizzo Schettino (Engineer)
- "One of the best features of the LIAISON is the monitor outs...you can monitor the signal at four points in the chain: before and after Bus A and B. The usefulness of this feature is huge, and Dangerous deserves major props for including it! The switching of inserts is managed by beefy relays that are as transparent as any I've ever heard." — Adam Gonsalves (Mastering Engineer)
- "LIAISON gives you the impetus to rethink how you record, mix, and master your music...[and] using the LIAISON is dead simple. I think of LIAISON not as an insert switcher, but as a creativity enabler." — Andy Hong (Writer/Reviewer)
- "The Dangerous LIAISON is incredibly exciting. To have a device that lets you so easily switch between processors, swap the order of processors, do quick A-B comparisons of signal chains. It makes my work better!" — Jonathan Wyner (Mastering Engineer)
- "Being able to switch devices from one bus to the other is extremely useful. The fast switching is amazing!" — Jeff Lipton (Mastering Engineer)
- "The LIAISON is really important — I can do a lot of combinations of chaining gear and I am able to work a lot faster. Before the LIAISON [I had to] switch the patchbay and compare the sounds. Now I am 20-times faster than before, I like the way the LIAISON allows me to still be in the energy of the music. — Antoine "Chab" Chabert (Mastering Engineer)
- "So happy with the LIAISON. Being able to switch gear in and out from the listening position without leaning over a patch bay is fantastic. After sitting in this chair for so many years, it actually improves my mixing ergonomics considerably." — Bob Power (Mastering Engineer)
Dangerous Music Liaison Features:
- Flexible signal routing matrix that allows you to combine the gear in your studio in fun, exciting, and creative ways
- Leverage all your gear, all the time
- Improve your tracks, mixes, and masters by auditioning and marrying the perfect ensemble of equipment
- 2 independent stereo buses mean you can set up 1 as a tracking path and the other as a mix path, without repatching, or chain them together
- Separate parallel processing loop to let drums breathe and crush simultaneously
- Create complex combinations of gear and A/B instantly
- Store your favorite settings to recall any tracking, mixing, or mastering configuration
- 6 stereo insert loops, assignable to 2 stereo buses
- Mastering-grade components ensure silent, relay-based switching and color-free audio
| Heritage Audio's MCM-8 MK2 is an 8-slot 500 Series chassis with an integrated 10-channel summing mixer. The top-of-the-line MCM-8 MK2 features On Slot Technology that leverages next-generation power electronics to handle power supply on a per slot basis. Each slot has its own power supply linear regulation stages, isolating each module from the rest. Your modules simply share the metal enclosure. Each slot even has test LEDs for checking correct power operation. Dual-concentric potentiometers handle Volume and Pan for each slot, with pan pots being center detented for precise center positioning. Each channel is equipped with an On switch to assign it to the mix bus. MK2 improvements include a lower noise floor and the addition of a bypass switch for each slot that still lets you use the summing mixer functions. Heritage Audio has earned the respect of Sweetwater engineers, and the MCM-8 MK2 lives up to that sterling reputation.
Superb build and feature set
From its RAF blue-gray enclosure to the solid tactile feedback from its knobs and switches, the Heritage Audio MCM-8 MK2 unabashedly rocks vintage British Class A vibe. And just like the classic gear that inspires all Heritage Audio equipment, the MCM-8 MK2 boasts superb build quality and a very smart feature set. There's an additional stereo input on the back panel, which allows several MCM-8 MK2 units to be daisy-chained — or signals not needing further 500 Series processing to be mixed together. The central section sports analog VU meters and a Stereo Master fader. Gold-plated XLRs and DSUB25s handle the I/O.
Smart technology, superior sound
Thanks to Heritage Audio's On Slot Technology (OST), the MCM-8 MK2's power capability is a maximum of 400mA per rail, per slot — with an overall of 1.4A (1.6A non-continuous) per rail, whichever is reached first. Total available phantom power is 140mA. The mix bus has a passive voltage summing topology, similar to that found in Rupert Neve's 80 Series consoles of the 1970s. The gain loss is restored by the same Class A, 2n3055 driven, transformer-based output stage used in the Heritage Audio's modern-day version of the classic 1073. If you're not into specs, what this all means is that the MCM-8 MK2 is built right to give you many years of authoritative sonic performance and trouble-free use in your studio or on the road.
Heritage Audio MCM-8 MK2 Features:
- 8-slot 500 Series chassis with integrated 10-channel summing mixer
- NEW lower noise floor
- NEW bypass switch for each slot that leaves summing mixer functions enabled
- Mix bus with vintage Neve-style passive voltage summing topology
- Additional stereo input on the back panel allows several MCM-8s to be daisy-chained
- Central section sports analog VU meters and a Stereo Master fader
- Handles power supply on a per slots basis, isolating each module from the rest
- Gold-plated XLRs and DSUB25s handle your I/O
- 140mA total available phantom power
- Class A transformer-based output stage
- Solid build quality for many years of trouble-free use
| An 8-channel stereo summing mixer with 12AX7 tubes for sonic excitement, the Radial Space Heater can add incredible depth and harmonic richness to your tracks. Recording engineers at Sweetwater know that summing in the analog domain, as opposed to within your DAW, is a great way to get that big-console sound. The Space Heater's variable tube overdrive allows you to add everything from subtle transformer warmth to rich harmonic distortion. From gluing individual drum tracks into a cohesive kit to mixing down your final stems, the Radial Space Heater will add a great sound to your productions.
Tubes and transformers are just what your digital tracks need
No matter how well you record your tracks, or how you approach your mixes in your DAW, it's hard to beat the undeniably rich and deep sound that summing in the analog domain is known for. Instead of investing in a large analog console, a summing mixer like the Radial Space Heater is the perfect match for DAW-based studios. The transformer-coupled outputs add a touch of warmth, and variable tube overdrive is perfect for adding sparkle to vocals, depth to acoustic instruments, and even full-on distortion for extreme effects. Send your stems through the Space Heater, record the stereo mix back into your DAW, and you'll be impressed with the results.
Variable voltage for fine-tuning the tube sound
The Radial Space Heater not only gives you variable tube overdrive for each stereo input pair, but it also allows you to switch between 35-volt, 70-volt, and 140-volt operation. Use the 35-volt setting for maximum grit and distortion, or switch over to 70 volts for cleaner headroom and a smoother sound. When you want the cleanest headroom, switch over to 140 volts. You can adjust the voltage for each stereo input pair individually, which means you can add gritty overdrive to rock vocals while giving bass and drums tons of clean headroom for a deep, punchy sound.
Two useful studio tools in one
One look at the back panel tells you that the Radial Space Heater is ready to be a studio workhorse. Each of the eight channels can be set up as a hardware insert, which means you can send individual tracks through the Space Heater to add tube saturation and transformer warmth. Once your individual tracks are perfect and you're ready to sum your final mix, run your stems through the Space Heater and record the final stereo mix to your DAW. The Space Heater is effectively a smart combination of four outstanding tube/transformer modules plus an analog mixer.
Radial Space Heater 8-channel Tube Summing Mixer Features:
- Stereo summing mixer for adding warmth, depth, and harmonic richness
- A 12AX7 tube for each input pair lets you add anything from subtle sparkle to full-on distortion
- Transformer-coupled outputs add a touch of character while maintaining a high-quality, low-noise signal
- 3 adjustable voltage modes (35-volt/70-volt/140-volt) allow you to adjust how much clean headroom you have before distortion begins
- Use it as an analog summing mixer or as 4 individual tube saturation/transformer warmth modules
- Multiple units can be linked for higher channel count
| Add the undeniably vibrant sound of analog summing to your DAW with the SPL MixDream XP 16 x 2 analog summing mixer. Take one of your past projects and mix it through the MixDream XP and you'll hear more depth, enhanced stereo imaging, and noticeably punchier dynamic impact. The Class A design and 60-volt rails in the MixDream XP provide amazing headroom and ultra-low noise, rivaling the sound of full-featured analog consoles. Once you've got your submixes sounding just right, Sweetwater can highly recommend the SPL MixDream XP summing mixer to take your mix over the top.
SPL MixDream XP 16 x 2 Summing Mixer at a Glance:
- Deeper, wider mixes from analog summing
- Premium analog design for top-notch sound
- Expandable for higher channel counts
Deeper, wider mixes from analog summing
While the debate over analog vs. digital summing is not new, most engineers agree that summing your mix through high-quality analog gear sounds awesome. Compared to the exact same mix summed in your DAW, you'll notice that the SPL MixDream XP sums your mix with greater depth and enhanced stereo definition, with an undeniably vibrant quality.
Premium analog design for top-notch sound
SPL designed the MixDream XP summing mixer with 60-volt rails for an outstanding 125dB dynamic range, with a very low noise floor too.The discrete Class A topology was designed to give you essentially the same sound as a high-end mixing console, in a convenient rackmount form factor.
Expandable for higher channel counts
Need more than 16 channels of analog summing? It's easy to expand your summing capabilities with additional MixDream XPs. Just use the expansion inputs to daisy-chain your MixDream XPs, or even mix and match with SPL MixDream model 2384 summing mixers.
SPL MixDream XP 16 x 2 Summing Mixer Features:
- 16-in, 2-out analog summing mixer
- Amazing dynamic range and ultra low noise, thanks to discrete Class A design and 60-volt rails
- Multiple units can be linked for surround operation
- Allows you to achieve an analog vibe that's difficult to create with plug-ins
- Ideal for mixing and mastering applications
| The Purple Audio Moiyn is an innovative 500 Series 8-channel summing amp module that transforms your Sweet Ten rack into an 8 x 2 mixer. When using this feature, you can still use the first eight modules' outputs as you normally would into your DAW or tape machine. Place the Moiyn in slot nine of the rack, and you then are able to assign each module (in slots 1-8) to either of the two outputs via the Moiyn's front-panel buttons. Finally, use the rotary knob to adjust your output volume. The Purple Audio Moiyn is an ideal way to get the most from your Sweet Ten rack.
Purple Audio - the quality is designed in
Sweetwater is proud to carry Purple Audio. Founded in 1997 by Andrew Roberts, Purple Audio has kept the analog flame burning brightly with acclaimed professional signal processors and studio problem solvers based on inspired new designs and fresh takes on coveted classic gear. Handcrafted in Pennsylvania, Purple Audio equipment is built for the long haul, using only the finest components. Let Purple Audio's innovative engineering elevate your studio's sonic quality and juice your workflow.
Purple Audio Moiyn 500 Series Summing Amplifier Features:
- Designed specifically for mounting in Slot 9 of Purple Audio's Sweet Ten 500 Series rack
- Transforms your Sweet Ten rack into an 8 x 2 mixer
- Discrete signal path with 2 KDJ3 Summing Amplifiers and 2 KDJ4 Output Amplifiers
- Differential summing amplifier with 15 Kilohm inputs
- Stereo balanced inject
- 8 Input left/right assignable
- Current consumption: 90mA
- Discrete signal path
- Auto-resetting fuse shuts down individual module without affecting entire rack or console
- Includes high-quality 2-bus rotary master fader
- Cascade multiple Sweet Tens with Moiyns for more channels
- Requires Purple Audio's Sweet Ten rack
- ROHS certified lead-free
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