| 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-inch rackmount chassis, the Nicerizer 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 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.
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.
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.
Stereo bus insert
Today, it's quite common while mixing to strap a compressor or other processor across the mix bus, and the Nicerizer'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's metering setup indispensable for gain management as you finalize your productions.
Phoenix Audio Nicerizer 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
- 2 balanced 8-channel D-sub inputs — can accept balanced or unbalanced input with no -6dB loss
- Unbalanced 1/4-inch TRS insert sends on all Busses, including master Stereo Mix Bus insert
- Drive Technology button on each channel for color & saturation
- 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
| Working inside the box? Sweetwater would like to recommend a summing mixer that will seriously up your game: the Rupert Neve Designs 5059 Satellite Shelford Edition. If you record and mix entirely within your DAW, you’re hampered by the inability to leverage the sonic advantages of high-quality analog outboard gear. Enter the 5059 Satellite. The 5059 gives you 16 channels — each with individual level and pan, plus insert and bus-2 send buttons. You get two stereo buses with RND’s proprietary Silk Texture controls, giving you effortless integration with outboard equipment, total control for two separate stem mixes, and the facility to dial in harmonic enhancement in two distinct flavors.
It’s a Neve
In serious audio circles, Rupert Neve needs no introduction. Large-format Neve consoles from the 1970s are considered by many to be the pinnacle of analog mixer design. Boasting the same design heritage and sonic perfectionism that went into the boards used to record countless hit records, the 5059 Satellite Summing Mixer graces your tracks with legendary Rupert Neve warmth, punch, and presence. With 16 channels of Rupert Neve designed Class A alchemy and flexible tonal and routing options, the Rupert Neve Designs 5059 Satellite Summing Mixer will take your DAW-based studio’s sound to a whole new level.
Dial in the Silk
The Rupert Neve Designs’ 5059 Satellite Summing Mixer’s continuously variable Texture controls with Silk and Silk+ modes let you fine-tune the harmonic ratio and tonality of each of 5059’s stereo buses. The Silk mode adds sparkle to your tracks by introducing alluringly airy transformer saturation in the high frequencies. Silk+ mode accentuates saturation in the low frequencies, adding density and thickness to the source — particularly desirable when you’ve got a dry, lackluster mix. Distinctly different sounding from equalization, Texture saturates the output transformers, adding sweet, musical even-order harmonics to your source material for authoritative, radio-ready mixes that blast right out of the speakers.
Flexibility: it’s a beautiful thing
The dual stereo outputs of the Rupert Neve Designs 5059 Satellite Summing Mixer are perfect for creating stem mixes, which you can enhance using the 5059’s Silk/Texture controls, then process through bus compressors or other devices via the inserts, finally feeding into the inputs of another mixer or your interface. You can send any input to stereo bus 1 or 2, and create two very different-sounding mixes from the same 16 channels. These are just some examples of the amazing flexibility you’ll enjoy when integrating the 5059 into your recording rig. Smartly attired in classic Shelford livery, the Rupert Neve Designs 5059 Satellite Summing Mixer is housed in a rugged, fan-cooled 2U steel chassis for dependable, no-compromise professional performance year after year, in the studio or on the road.
The legend continues
Rupert Neve’s 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 boards as fast as they could. By 1977, with the introduction of the NECAM automation system, 80-series boards were the main component of the success formula for any recording studio with world-class aspirations. Mr. Neve’s current company, Rupert Neve Designs, continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge products that sound incredible and intelligently address the challenges of the digital age. With your Rupert Neve Designs 5059 Satellite Shelford Edition from Sweetwater, the legend continues.
Rupert Neve Designs 5059 Satellite Summing Mixer Shelford Edition Features:
- Classic Neve: Class A, all transformer-balanced, and awesome-sounding
- Zero crossover distortion and unmatched purity
- Custom transformers provide galvanic isolation and serve up "larger than life" sound
- Sets a standard for rackmountable summing mixers
- 16 inputs/channels (with level controls, pans, and inserts); 2 stereo buses
- Send any input to stereo bus 1 or 2, each with variable Silk/Silk+ Texture
- Dual Stereo Outputs let you split the input channels into 2 stems for further processing and mixing
- Stereo buss 1 and 2 each has its own XLR outs
- DB-25 line input, insert send/return connectors
- Rugged 2U fan-cooled chassis, clad in classic Shelford livery
| SSL UF8 Advanced DAW Controller
The SSL UF8 is an advanced DAW controller designed to fit the needs of DAW-based workflows and ultra-fast turn-around times. The SSL UF8 features 8, 100mm touch sensitive faders, 8 endless rotary encoders and 43 assignable keys. An expandable 8-channel advanced DAW controller, UF8 connects engineers, producers and artists directly to the creative process, offering absolute command of their workflow and significantly accelerating the speed of audio production and content creation.
Advanced Workflow
UF8 offers intuitive features that are developed from a true understanding of production workflow. Take ultimate control with simultaneous access to multiple DAW sessions, and precise navigation with a multi-purpose Master Encoder for DAW timeline access, track banking and mouse wheel emulation. 'Dual-purpose Selection Keys permit rapid access to select functions as well as solo and mute clearing in Pro Tools and Logic Pro. New CHANNEL and PLUG-IN control modes provide enhanced workflows for those using UF8 with Pro Tools, with easy access to sends and plug-ins without slowing down your creativity.
Configurability
Each UF8 comes equipped with 43 assignable user keys set across 5 configurable banks, allowing users to configure their essential keyboard shortcuts and macros for total session control. Add multiple controllers to create your unique mixing system; build your perfect 16-24 channel music creation hub, or connect 4 UF8’s within a single system to create a 32-channel controller ideal for large post production or mixing sessions. Multiple UF8s can be chained together using the THRU port and provide a safe place for iLok storage. For perfect positioning, each UF8 includes an adjustable stand allowing for six different angles of elevation for user defined placement. 19” rack mount kits are also available for installation into an ORIGIN console center section or other 19” studio racking.
360° Control
SSL’s new 360° software application provides fast configuration and admin control of your UF8. With an expanded system, ‘drag-n-drop’ configuration gives quick and dynamic access to each individual controller set up. Customise workflows and define up to 3 different DAW layers for simultaneous session control, with all changes managed without getting in the way of your productivity.
SSL UF8 Features:
- High-quality 100 mm touch sensitive faders
- High-resolution colour displays
- All metal enclosure, finished with a brushed, anodised top plate
- 8 Endless Rotary Encoders
- Custom Workflows with 43 assignable keys per UF8; 5 banks of 8 User Keys + 3 Quick Keys
- Intelligent Multi-Purpose CHANNEL Encoder
- Mouse Scroll Emulation; control of any plug-in parameter you hover the mouse over with absolute precision
- Integrates With All Major DAWs with workflow ready templates
- Pro Tools | Logic Pro | Cubase | Ableton Live | Studio One
- Hi-Speed USB connectivity
- Switch Control between 3 Simultaneously connected DAWs
- Bundled with SSL Native Vocalstrip 2 & Drumstrip plug-in
| 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)
| SPL MixDream Analogue Summing Unit
- Analogue outboard summing mixer
- Active Class A/60-volt stages
- 16 inserts for mixing external effects
- Individual and overall bypass relays
- Reduced of A/D conversions
- Efficient resampling individual tracks
- Latency-free monitoring
- Stereo expansion control for additional transparency
- Analogue peak limiter for gain optimisation
- Lundahl output transformers and inserts
- Adjustable insert levels, output levels and peak limiters
- Multiple units linkable for larger mixes
| 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
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