| Content | The immense flexibility of software mixers notwithstanding, there's nothing like the in-your-face punch, articulation, and dimensionality that a quality analog summing mixer can impart to your productions. The Phoenix Audio’s Nicerizer Series summing mixers rock proprietary Class A circuitry and smart features that make them legendary analog tone machines for a digital world. A 16-channel DAW summing mixer in a 2RU 19″ rackmount chassis, the Nicerizer 16 Mk2 puts critical elements such as circuit gain staging and panning back into the analog realm where they handily outperform their digital emulations.
Hi-fidelity transformerless input stage
With their Nicerizer summing mixer, Phoenix takes a decidedly modern approach to Class A circuit design. The company's proprietary transformerless input stage delivers the full frequency spectrum with crystal-clear clarity and punch. Transformers tend to slow things down a bit — which can sound amazing in certain cases; but then slew rates take a hit, delivering sluggish transients and limiting your tonal palette.
Driven conservatively, Phoenix Audio's electronically balanced input stage serves up ultra-clear high-fidelity sound. If you're after fatter, more saturated tones, engage the +8dB switch individually on any channel to drive the circuit hotter for a punchy in-your-face sound that only discrete Class A buffer amps can deliver. The Nicerizer 16 Mk2 captures articulate, full-bodied input signals, allowing you to drive the output stage for an immense range of pure Class A tone, from modern audiophile clarity to vintage-flavored warmth.
Masterful transformer-balanced output stage
Phoenix Audio couples their custom-wound DB694 output transformer to a fully discrete, proprietary DSOP-2 output amplifier, itself a direct descendant of the renowned TF1 amp that Phoenix chief designer David Rees developed as an upgrade for vintage Neve 80 Series console modules. Outperforming the TF1, the DSOP-2 represents a pinnacle of Class A output circuit design, offering a seamless tonal range from ultra-clean to gorgeously saturated. With its big iron and massive headroom, you can drive the DSOP-2 to taste. Crank the Nicerizer's output stage to elicit beautifully saturated tones; back off for a cleaner high-fidelity sound, or dial up any flavor in-between.
The Width control
Once you've used the Nicerizer, you'll realize how valuable its unique control set is. The Width control incorporates elements of mid-side processing to narrow or widen your stereo image with the twist of a knob. If you haven’t used a width control before, trust Sweetwater: you're in for a treat! The Nicerizer's Width control offers a degree of spacial manipulation that can instantly tighten up a sprawling arrangement or unlock hidden dimensions in a mix.
Balanced/unbalanced
If your inputs come from a variety of sources, you're bound to be dealing with both balanced and unbalanced signals. No worries! The Nicerizer’s 16 inputs can accept either — without any of the gain loss all too common with many mixer inputs. This amazingly useful feature lets you easily execute many functions that are fast becoming standard practices, such as looping through guitar pedals or recording MIDI-driven synthesizers in real time while mixing.
Stereo bus insert
Today, it's quite common while mixing to strap a compressor or other processor across the mix bus, and the Nicerizer 16 Mk2's stereo bus insert makes it easy. Monitor punchy, loudness-optimized mixes and get a head start on mastering while you're still mixing.
Independently controlled AUX output
Just before it hits the output transformers, the Nicerizer mults an output signal and routes it to a dedicated front-panel level control. This independently controlled AUX output lets you drive external monitor amps or simply bypass the output stage to send a transformerless sound to your recording device.
2-track Return
Another feature borrowed from large-format consoles is the 2-track Return input that lets you monitor an external output source through the Nicerizer's onboard headphone amplifier. Incredibly convenient, and great for A/B comparisons!
The Monitor Select switch
The Nicerizer 16 Mk2 features a unique Monitor Select switch, which lets you easily monitor single pairs of channels (1–2, 3–4, etc.), in addition to any of the Nicerizer's other stereo ports. Infinitely handy for a variety of workflows, this switch is the mixer's secret weapon, ready for all sorts of creative uses, from individual stem work to comparing mixes to direct comparison of multiple analog sources.
The Monitor Select switch Toggle
Once you’ve chosen which input pair you want to monitor via the Monitor Select switch, the Toggle allows you to monitor either the Left or Right channels in mono on both channels via the headphone amp, or to monitor in stereo. Critical analysis of your audio signals has never been easier.
Flexible LED metering
Following the Monitor Select switch, the Nicerizer's LED meter display gives you constant visual confirmation of your operating levels. Another big-console feature, the flexibility afforded by the metering being selectable for each channel as well as the main outputs makes the Nicerizer 16 Mk2's metering setup indispensable for gain management as you finalize your productions.
Phoenix Audio Nicerizer 16 Mk2 Features:
- 16-channel DAW Summing Mixer in a 2RU 19-inch rackmount chassis
- 16 channels of discrete Class A balanced transformerless input stage
- Discrete Class A transformer-balanced DSOP-2 output stage
- Phoenix custom-wired transformers on both outputs
- Individual detented pan controls on each channel
- 16 balanced XLR inputs accept balanced or unbalanced inputs with no -6dB loss
- Unbalanced 1/4-inch TRS insert sends on all Busses, including master Stereo Mix Bus insert
- +8dB Boost button on each channel
- Master mix bus output level control
- Stereo LED level monitoring, switchable for each channel and Stereo Mix Bus
- Stereo/Mono External/Headphone monitoring output is switchable to each channel, external input (via 2T Return), AUX and main output (L, R, and Stereo)
- Main Outputs on balanced XLRs
- Unbalanced 1/4-inch TRS jacks for AUX outputs with front-panel level control
- 2-track stereo mono inputs on 1/4-inch TRS balanced jacks
- Bypassable Class A stereo Width control with lossless bass (pannable from mono to 25% Wider)
- Maximum Output Level of +26dB
- Generous headroom available on all channels
- Wired with PTFE silver-plated mil-spec cable
| 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
| 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
| Brand New Midas ProX with Neutron.
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The Midas PRO Series family moves up a gear with the PRO X control centre and the industry-changing NEUTRON Audio System Engine. Featuring 168 simultaneous input channels and 99 time-aligned and phase-coherent mix buses, the PRO X sets a new performance benchmark in high-profile live sound applications and is a truly impressive digital control surface for the engineer whose very livelihood depends on both unparalleled functionality and reliability. Like all PRO Series consoles, the PRO X features managed latency and 40 bit floating point processing precision.
HyperMAC and AES50 audio networking technologies allow the PRO X to dynamically assign up to 288 inputs and 294 outputs at 96 kHz sampling rate to any of its input channels and bus outputs on a scene-by-scene basis. This high level of connectivity, coupled with the large channel and bus counts, makes the PRO X equally at home in theatres and symphony halls as it is in live concert touring, outside broadcast and music festivals. | 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
| If you're seeking to take your projects to a level on par with world-class analog consoles, the AMS Neve 8816 will lead you to new sonic frontiers and beyond. The 8816's handbuilt, handwired 16-channel mixer employs the same transformer-balanced mix bus circuitry as a '70s-era Neve 80-series console, infusing every signal that flows through it with increased headroom, punch, and dimensionality. The 8816 does more than mere analog summing, however. This feature-laden box also includes cue mixing, metering, per-channel solo/mute, and talkback functionality. Its capable monitoring section includes a volume knob, an auxiliary input, dual headphone outputs, and alternate speaker outputs. Beyond that, the 8816 includes a main stereo insert send/return for strapping a compressor, EQ, or other processing across your entire mix, while its unique Width knob gives you a level of control over your mix’s stereo field that’s generally reserved for top-level mastering facilities. Craving tactile, hands-on control over your mix? Add an 8804 Fader Pack (sold separately). The 8816 also includes a USB port for saving and recalling settings to and from your computer, plus a digital I/O option, which provides you with A/D conversion (option card sold separately).
Inject your projects with the unmistakable Neve sound
Vintage Neve 80-series consoles are simply legendary. Watch Dave Grohl’s Sound City documentary for definitive proof, or listen to any of the countless chart-topping recordings that were made with one. Elton John, Steely Dan, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, George Clinton, Chick Corea, Grateful Dead, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Pat Benatar, Santana, Ratt, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Slayer, Kings of Leon, Slipknot, Elvis Costello, Everclear, Mastodon, and many other artists were recorded or mixed on a Neve 80-series console. The AMS Neve 8816 contains genuine 80-series topology, boasting two custom Neve Marinair specification transformers on its stereo mix bus. Whether you use it for tracking and overdubbing, submixing and summing, or mastering, the 8816 will infuse your projects with the authoritative sound of a classic Neve console. All the sonic hallmarks are present: the heft, the muscle, the three-dimensional non-linearities — enabling you to add color and vibrancy to every project.
16 feature-packed channels of classic Neve character
The AMS Neve 8816 is centered around a feature-rich 16-channel analog mixer. Each channel boasts a line-level input with a rotary Level control, a rotary Pan control, a Cue button, and a Cut/Solo button. The Level knob, which accommodates both +4dBu and -10dBV sources, ranges from ∞dB to +15dB with 0dB set at approximately 12 o’clock. The Pan knob offers smooth, progressive operation with -3dB center attenuation. The Cue button sends the channel’s input, pre-fader, and pre-pan to the 8816’s cue mix. Channels 1–14 are individually switchable to the cue mix, while Channels 15–16 are stereo linked. At Sweetwater, we’ve found channels 15–16 incredibly useful for playback of a rough 2-track artist mix while overdubbing. The Cut/Solo button enables you to mute or solo a track. Since the 8816’s solo system is latching, you can also build solo groups, then use the master Cut/Solo button to audition or mute a group — a must-have feature when comping or sorting out EQ or balance problems.
A full-blown Neve console in a 2U rackmount format
The sheer number of the 8816's mix send/return options is enough to make your head spin, in a good way. Place a stereo compressor, EQ, or other processing across your entire mix, or create a parallel return for New York-style compression. Access high-end, mastering-studio-level stereo image enhancement with the Width control. Route the 8816’s 2-track return to its cue mix, or replace your headphone cue mix with the main monitor mix. The insert return and 2-track return feature independent level controls, providing you with near-endless customization. You can also put the 8816’s sends/return in Mid-Side mode. There’s even a hidden talkback mic that you can engage with a push of the 8816’s headphone level knob. With all of this complexity, you may be concerned that you’ll lose your settings. Don't worry: the 8816’s USB port allows for easy recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC. And if you need more inputs, you can cascade up to 32 units for up to 512 channels.
Comprehensive monitoring section
The AMS Neve 8816’s comprehensive monitoring section puts it at the very heart of your studio. You get four monitoring sources: the 8816’s 2-track return, channels 1/2 (pre-fader), its auxiliary input, and your main monitor mix. A Mon Level knob allows you to calibrate your mixing levels (we recommend aiming for 85dB), while a Mix Level knob controls the output level to your DAW. Main/alternate speaker outputs enable you to reference your mixes on a second set of studio monitors. The 8816’s dual headphone outputs are wired in parallel, one on the front panel and the other on the rear, where there are also balanced line outputs for feeding a separate headphone amp. You also get two quasi-PPM VU meters fed from the 8816’s main outputs, along with analog and digital clip indicator LEDs.
The legend continues
At Sweetwater, the name Neve commands reverence. Rupert Neve started designing audio equipment in the tube console era but made his mark with solid-state designs. Setting up shop in Little Shelford in the ’60s, Mr. Neve faced many obstacles establishing his brand amid a new technological landscape. Transistors were new, expensive, and difficult to obtain in quantity in the UK. Reliable faders didn’t exist yet — a far cry from today’s world, where parts are affordable and readily available from multiple suppliers, all competing to win bids. Nevertheless, Rupert persisted. And by the early 1970s, the Neve company was humming along, taking orders and building custom transformer-balanced consoles for recording and broadcast studios the world over.
Neve 80-series consoles had a huge, punchy, and authoritative sound that defined the sound of ’70s rock. From London to New York to Los Angeles and beyond, top studios were installing Neve desks as fast as they could. By 1978, with the introduction of the majestic 8078 — the pinnacle of handwired analog “production” consoles — and NECAM automation system, Neve boards were the main component of the success formula for any recording studio with world-class aspirations. In the decades since, AMS Neve has innovated with groundbreaking products such as the VR, VX, and 88R series consoles. And today, the company continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge pro audio gear that sounds incredible and intelligently addresses the challenges of the digital age.
AMS Neve 8816 Summing Mixer Features:
- Packs the sound and functionality of a Neve console into a 2U rackmount unit
- Contains genuine Neve 80-series topology, including 2 custom Marinair transformers
- Ideal for tracking, overdubbing, submixing, summing, and mastering alike
- 16 channels of analog summing add color and vibrancy to every project
- Each channel boasts rotary Level and Pan controls, plus Cue and Cut/Solo buttons
- Mix insert points for adding effects to individual channels
- Comprehensive cue mixing for creating custom-tailored headphone mixes
- Main stereo insert send/return for adding processing to your mix bus
- Width knob supplies high-end-mastering-studio-level stereo image enhancement
- Main/alternate speaker outputs enable referencing on a second set of studio monitors
- 2-track return, auxiliary input, and dual headphone outputs
- Sends/returns boast a Mid-Side mode for added flexibility
- Hidden talkback mic is engaged with a push of the headphone level knob
- 2 quasi-PPM VU meters for the main outputs, plus analog and digital clip indicator LEDs
- USB port allows for recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC
- Cascade up to 32 units for up to 512 channels
- 8804 Fader Pack gives you tactile, hands-on control over your mix (sold separately)
- Digital I/O option provides A/D conversion (option card sold separately)
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