| 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
| 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
| 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
| KORG MW 2408 MIXER MIXER | 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
| UF8 is SSL’s latest studio controller, designed for today’s DAW-based production workflows and ultrafast turn-around times. 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.
UF8 is the culmination of SSL’s 40+ year legacy of mastering production workflows and studio ergonomics built into generations of classic SSL consoles. This depth of understanding of studio production, combined with decades of engineering excellence, delivers a premium finish tactile USB controller that distills SSL workflow and quality. |
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