| Content | API launched their 1608 console in 2008 and proceeded to deliver over 600 consoles and expanders to audio professionals across the planet. Now, the 1608-II ups the ante. With its updated feature set and Final Touch fader automation system, the 1608-II continues API's rich legacy of crafting the world's high-quality professional analog recording consoles. Packed with valuable features for today's engineers, producers, and musicians, the 1608-II provides the legendary reliability and incredible sound that has characterized API products for a half century.
API — The Legendary American Console Company
No American console company is more iconic than API. Launched in 1968 by Saul Walker, Automated Processes Inc. began building quality consoles for broadcast applications. Soon, the company's products found favor with recording studios, and a string of industry-leading innovations (including the 500 Series module, the first VCA, computerized console automation, and more) followed. API produced the 2520 amplifier, one of the most famous op-amps in the recording industry, and their consoles and products found homes in such iconic studio facilities as The Hit Factory, Record Plant, Ocean Way, Sunset Sound, and many others. In fact, there are over 700 vintage API consoles around the globe — many of which are still in use. And the company certainly isn't resting on its laurels; today's API products give you the same unbeatable combination of utility, innovation, and great sound. That's why at Sweetwater, the name API commands reverence.
Final Touch Automation System Features:
- Reliable, self-contained fader automation system requiring no external computer
- Individual Switch Control on each fader
- Global Control Panel in the console Center Section
- High-resolution 7.5" Touch Screen Control
- Files are easily saved to standard SD memory cards
- Automated Mute and Solo switches on each channel
- Unlimited Fader Groups with 2 dedicated Group master Faders
- Motorized Stereo Program Fader
- 4 Motorized Stereo Returns
- DAW Control with unity gain audio bypass
- Unlimited Mix Restore points
- Comprehensive Operations Manual
API 1608-II 16-channel Analog Recording Console with Automation Features:
- Includes API's state-of-the-art Final Touch fader automation system
- 16, 32, or 48 Input channel frame sizes
- Each channel equipped with Mic Pre and EQ
- Accepts API 500 Series EQs
- 8 Multitrack Buses
- 8 Aux Buses
- 1 Stereo Bus
- 4 Stereo Returns, 100mm faders (manual or automated)with Multitrack and Stereo Buss assign
- Full Center Section Control
- Surround 5.1 Center Section Monitoring
- Classic Analog Metering
- Global 0dB Fader Bypass
- Comprehensive Rear Panel IO Connectivity
| The Dangerous Music 2-BUS+ is a 2U, 16-channel analog summing mixer with both XLR and D-sub inputs. It raises the bar on its legendary 2-BUS predecessor with even lower crosstalk, distortion, and noise-floor performance, along with stunningly precise soundstaging and center focus. Dangerous spent over two years developing three onboard audio processors that, with a simple push of a button and twist of a knob, add tone and color to your stems or across your entire mix directly from the 2-BUS+. The 2-BUS+ is smartly designed, extremely useful, and sounds incredible.
A trio of custom audio processors
In sync with Dangerous Music's doctrine of tonal coloration as a per-project artistic choice, the 2-BUS+ features three separate custom audio processors that selectively add tone and color to your mixes. In parallel processing mode, you can deploy Harmonics, a tuned harmonic distortion generator, and Paralimit, a FET limiter on steroids. At Sweetwater, we've applied both of these across stereo mixes and on pairs of stems. X-Former kicks in a pair of custom transformers with core-saturation control on your stereo mix outs. You can have all three tone processors active concurrently, and you can flip the order of signal flow through distortion and limiting.
Outstanding flexibility
Dangerous Music knows that each engineer — and session — is unique, so they designed the 2-BUS+ for outstanding professional flexibility. They spec'd it with an XLR stereo insert before the outputs for adding a separate compressor or processing chain that you can bypass at the touch of a button for a quick reference comparison. Channels 1/2 and 9/10 can be set to mono to rout; for instance, vocals/bass and kick/snare each to its own mono input. They also gave the 2-BUS+ an output control stepped in 0.5dB increments from -4dB to +6dB, and included XLR connections for both the main and monitor outputs.
Gang 'em for high channel count
Need a full-on analog "console" summing experience? Gang together multiple 2-BUS+ units via the stereo expansion inputs XLR to create a customized channel count. For the ultimate in tonal flexibility and control, the custom audio processors on each unit apply across the ganged group output. With three units, for instance, you'll have 48 channels of analog summing, with the first two units employing Harmonics (distortion), and Paralimit (limiter) across two separate stereo stems, and the third unit applying X-Former transformer saturation on the master stereo outputs.
What the pros are saying about the 2-BUS+:
- "The Paralimit and X-Former appear to be magic knobs. Special mention goes to the Paralimit because it does that lovely thing of bringing up the general ambience without slamming the track, something I particularly love on drums. Plugged it into my system along with my old 2-BUS and Dangerous MONITOR ST, and wow ... it's fantastic! Bags of air and space around the mix." — Chris Blackwell (drummer/composer)
- "Since the 2-BUS has so much headroom, it's really easy for me to decide that I want the entire vocal submix to be brighter or warmer, or more or less compressed." — Michael James (producer/mix engineer)
- "The Dangerous Music 2-BUS is one of the reasons my studio delivers a killer sound that grants the edge on the competition." — Alberto Rizzo Schettino (engineer)
- "Between SSL, in-the-box, and 2-BUS ... in blind tests ... it was a unanimous decision that the Dangerous mixes beat out everything. The 2-BUS mixes ... were simply cleaner and warmer than the SSL or in-the-box mixing ... I just don't miss my console." — Gina Fant-Saez (mix engineer)
- "With the 2-BUS LT, elements have their own place. You end up with a quicker, bigger mix and retain a more natural, less processed sound." — Phil Greiss (producer/engineer)
- "The Dangerous Music equipment is the centerpiece of my mixing rig. Everything I do goes through a Dangerous MONITOR, 2-BUS, MASTER, and BAX EQ. Everything." — Fab Dupont (mix engineer)
- "I don't understand how the 2-BUS has been in the studio for so long, but hasn't gotten to live shows — the sound is unbelievable." — Horace Ward (FOH engineer)
- "The harmonic and transformer flavors are great options to have and the parallel limiter is a genius idea." — Chris Tabron (producer/mix engineer)
Dangerous Music 2-BUS+ Analog Summing Mixer Features:
- Stunning 16-channel analog summing mixer injects your mixes with exceptional headroom and dimensionality
- 3 analog options (Harmonics, Paralimit, and X-Former) for adding tonal coloration to your mix
- XLR and D-sub input connectivity and flexible routing allow for a customized workflow
- Integrate your outboard gear easily with the switchable stereo analog insert
- Output control is stepped in 0.5dB increments for perfect recallability
- High-quality components ensure audiophile-grade sound
| BEHRINGER X32 RACK " Rack Mixer
- 32 Channels
- 16 XLR Mic/Line inputs
- 8 Stereo FX returns
- 25 Buses
- 6 Matrix buses with insert
- 6 Mute groups
- 8 DCA groups
- 8 XLR outputs
- 6 AUX inputs via 6.3 mm jack (optional: 2 via RCA)
- 6 AUX outputs via 6.3 mm jack (optional: 2 via RCA)
- Adjustable headphone jack
- 32 x 32 USB audio interface
- Talkback microphone input (XLR)
- 4-Band fully parametric EQ on each channel
- Adjustable delays on all channels
- Virtual effects rack with 8 FX slots
- Built-in stereo USB recorder
- Remote control via Ethernet
- 5" TFT display
- Compatible with the Behringer P-16 personal monitoring system
- Format: 19" / 3U
- Dimensions: 132 x 483 x 287 mm
- Weight: 6.5 kg
| 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
| The Ultimate Desktop Mixer Legendary SSL studio tools redefined and streamlined
To the casual observer SiX looks like any other compact desktop mixer. Look a little closer and like all SSL consoles, SiX reveals a carefully considered feature set that is driven by an obsessive desire for total flexibility, to encompass every creative eventuality. It may be small but SiX is a classic SSL design. It carries the DNA of 40 years of true expertise in creative studio workflow. Listen to SiX and you will experience the impeccable sonic performance that is the hallmark of every SSL console. It is powerful and intuitive. Inspired and rewarding.
SiX is a condensed professional console for use in the studio, in post-production, on stage, and for podcasting. SiX offers big console sound and an impressive set of utility features in a format that is small enough to stick in a bag a go wherever you need it. SiX is stunning value; it offers two recording channels with SuperAnalogueTM mic pres, two band EQ, an essential one knob version of the classic SSL Channel Compressor, a new two-band Channel EQ, inserts and 100mm faders. There is a two-knob version of the legendary G-Series Bus Compressor on the main mix bus and the unique Listen Mic Compressor on the Talkback. In mixdown mode it is a very capable twelve channel summing system that offers analogue detail, depth and width to your mixes.
The SuperAnalogue™ Sound of SSL
SiX is an SSL SuperAnalogue™ design – it gives you the sonic signature of a large format SSL console on your desktop or in your backpack. Its signal path is fully balanced from front to back on everything except the headphone output. It delivers pristine, detailed audio with wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise, ultra-low distortion and superb imaging. If you want to know more about the technical reasons why SSL mixers sound so good read our document.
Two Recording Channels
SiX has two mono channels with SSL SuperAnalogue™ Mic’ Pre’s; these are transparent, fast and have a much wider available gain range than you would typically get on a compact desktop mixer – 66dB of gain compared to the more typical mid-40s or 50dB found in desktop mixers. They have phantom power, 75Hz high pass filter and an independent line-level input which can be switched to instrument level input with high impedance.
Moving down the channel strip we have a brand-new one knob compressor circuit. This design is based on and has the same sound as the classic SSL feed-forward Channel Compressor circuit. It has a program-dependent attack time, a fixed release time and fixed ratio. Simply adjust the threshold, watch the traffic lights flash to see how much compression is happening and rely on the circuit to automatically adjust gain to match input levels. This is a cool-sounding circuit that makes it simple to dial in a consistent level and get signals sitting right in the sweet spot.
Both mono channels have a new two-band SSL EQ that may be independently switched between shelf and bell curves, with different centre frequencies for each type. This approach draws upon the SSL design legacy of specifying response curves and centre frequencies for channel EQ that are immediately intuitively pleasing in their response; these curves and frequencies were selected by our team as the most “musically useful” for a wide range of sources.
SiX has 100mm faders. We spent some time working on alternate fader tapers and settled on a law that gave us the most control over the most useable gain range, making on-stage level control far easier than it would be with a rotary or a 60mm fader as found on other compact mixers.
Each channel has a fully balanced insert point for integrating other signal processors which is after the EQ and Compressor circuits, and like all SSLs the insert send is always active – meaning you can use this as a “dry” record send to your DAW if required.
At the bottom of the mono channels we have an ALTernate input switch which can source 2 extra mono channels from a connector on the rear of the console which can be used at mixdown.
Line Level Heaven
SiX has two stereo input channels with -10/+20 dB trim for line sources such as synthesisers, drum machines, output from soundcards etc. These have their own balance controls and 100mm faders. If only the Left input of a stereo channel is connected (and the right left free) the channel will automatically switch to mono, panned centre.
While SiX might be small it can handle a lot of inputs at mix-down! Using the two mono input and the two stereo input channels gives SiX its name, but we also have two stereo EXTernal inputs (with volume controls in the master section) which can be sent to the mix bus. Include the ALT inputs and we have up to 12 channels that can be summed into the main mix bus.
Master Bus Magic
SiX has a G Series Bus Compressor on the main mix bus. This uses the same circuit design as the legendary SSL Bus Compressor from our larger consoles but with a fixed ratio, attack, and release settings and a more modern quad-VCA chip. The simplified controls make it very easy to get that SSL glue and snap on whatever you push through your master bus. SiX also has a set of inserts on the main mix bus that can be used to bring external processing tools (like SSL Fusion) to your mixdown.
Routing Pro
SiX has a collection of professional routing & monitoring features taken directly from our large format console heritage. It has two Stereo Cue buses (with level and pan controls) for individual artist foldback mixes. The Master Section has main and alternate monitor outputs with a proper monitor source matrix, as well as mono check, dim and cut. The fader channels all have proper PFL and a Mute button that routes the muted signal to a ‘Bus B’. Bus B can be used as a convenient DAW record send but it can also be routed to the monitor matrix. This means that the muted signal can be monitored without it feeding the main mix bus and then switched in to the main mix with the Mute button – perfect for live webcasting because a remote feed can be monitored ‘offline’ and punched in to the broadcast feed. There is a talkback mic’ input with phantom power and SSL’s unique, crunchy Listen Mic Compressor, which of course also serves as a unique processing tool that delivers that classic 1980’s slammed drums sound.
Key Features:
A fully professional condensed console for use in the studio, in post-production, on stage, and for podcasting.
Benchmark SuperAnalogue™ audio performance
Ultra low noise : ultra-low distortion : pristine sound
Stunning Record Path
Two SSL console grade SuperAnalogue mic pre’s
Classic SSL Channel Processing
Essential versions of SSL Channel EQ and Dynamics
The unique Listen Mic Compressor
Nothing slams drums quite like it!
Professional Routing & Monitoring
The hidden versatility of truly professional features
12 Input Summing at Mixdown
12 line level inputs with channel and Master Bus inserts
Legendary Master Bus Compressor
An essential version of the incredible SSL legacy
Completely balanced signal path
Everything except the headphone jack is fully balanced | The Shadow Hills Industries Equinox microphone preamp, summing mixer, and monitor controller is like adding a mastering-grade console to your studio's rack. You get two Golden Age microphone preamplifiers, 30 channels of analog summing, a comprehensive mastering-quality monitor section, and switchable output transformers - everything you'll need to make your mixes sound like they were created in a world-class facility. You'll love the rich, open character of the microphone preamps. The summing mixer gives you ample headroom to craft exciting, dynamic mixes. And you'll hear every detail and nuance of your music, thanks to the precision-designed monitoring signal path. In short, the Shadow Hills Industries Equinox gives you the functionality and timeless sound of an analog console in a convenient, 2U rackmountable unit.
In today's modern recording studio, the ability to work smarter is the key to success. The Equinox combines the most useful features of a traditional analog console, like premium summing capability, talkback functionality, and a flexible monitoring section. While you could buy a high-quality, dual-channel mic preamp, 30 channels of analog summing, and an impeccable monitoring controller separately, you would spend thousands more and still may not reach the same level of sonic excellence as you get with the Equinox.
Shadow Hills Industries Equinox Microphone Preamp/Summing Mixer/Monitor Controller at a Glance:
- Exceptional Golden Age microphone preamplifiers
- 30 channels of analog summing
- Comprehensive monitoring control
- Switchable output transformers for sonic variations
Exceptional Golden Age microphone preamplifiers
The Shadow Hills Industries Equinox gives you a pair of Golden Age mic preamps with extreme functionality. You have 60dB of gain on tap, with a -20dB pad to allow you to record loud sources like drums and guitar amps without unwanted distortion. A 1/4" instrument input is present for direct recording of guitar, bass, and acoustic-electric instruments, making the Equinox an all-around workhorse microphone preamplifier.
30 channels of analog summing
The Equinox is ready to provide rich and punchy mixes with incredible depth, thanks to 30 channels of on-board analog summing. You'll have the incredibly high headroom of an analog console that will allow your tracks to reach their full dynamic potential. You'll also appreciate the incredible stereo imaging with a lifelike sense of depth.
Comprehensive monitoring control
With mastering-quality components, the Equinox gives you the monitoring quality you need to make crucial mix decisions with confidence. You can connect up to three sets of monitors, and a stereo cue output is ready to feed a separate headphone system from any of the Equinox's inputs. You'll have the flexibility you need to approach recording, mixing, and mastering projects with speed and precision when you add the Equinox to your studio setup.
Switchable output transformers for sonic variations
You have remarkable control over the tone and vibe of your music with the Equinox, thanks to three switchable output transformers. Switching transformers provides a subtle but significant tonal shift, both to signals recorded through the Equinox's mic pres as well as the output of the summing mixer section. Choose from steel, nickel, or iron output transformers to get the iconic sound of different styles of analog consoles. The nickel transformer gives you a natural low-end with smoothly enhanced high frequencies, outstanding on vocals and acoustic instruments. The iron transformer has a natural high end with a slight boost around 110Hz, and has a Class-A output stage that only passes even-ordered harmonic distortion - very musical. The steel transformer sounds very open with a detailed and fast response, with a very subtle boost around 40Hz that helps provide rock-solid low frequencies. With the Equinox, you can shape your recordings and mixes to suit whatever musical vibe you want.
Shadow Hills Industries Equinox Microphone Preamp/Summing Mixer/Monitor Controller Features:
- Combines fantastic mic preamps, 30 channels of high-quality analog summing, and mastering-quality monitor control to give you the best functions of an analog console
- 24-position, gold-plated stepped attenuator knobs for precise recall of your session settings
- Switchable nickel, iron, and steel output transformers give you the sound of a variety of vintage consoles
- 30 channels of passive analog summing provide ample headroom to produce dynamic, hard-hitting mixes
- Supports up to three sets of studio monitors
- Cue output for connecting to your headphone distribution system
- Requires Shadow Hills Power Supply, not included
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