MixBuss 16x2
Analog Active Summing Mixer

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Do your mixes suffer from lack of depth?  Do your mixes sound narrow and flat? Are you tired of all your mixes sounding like they're "in a box" when you mix "in the box"?  Then you need the MixBuss!

This nifty device is an outboard summing mixer that allows you to take your digital mixes out of the computer and put them back where they belong - in the analog realm.  Everyone knows you can't beat the sound of an analog console when it comes to getting the best audio quality for your mixes.  The only problem with consoles is that they take up a lot of space and require ongoing maintenance over time, especially for vintage equipment.  With the MixBuss you get all the benefits of mixing down on an analog console in a convenient 2 unit rackmount piece of gear.  

The MixBuss is built upon an active summing circuit that incorporates the highest quality components available today.  Because of the active summing matrix, the MixBuss is free from the artifacts of passive summing circuits where the variable loading of individual inputs requires variable levels of makeup gain in the output. With the MixBuss, though, what comes in is what goes out.  There is no additional need for a makeup gain amplifier like in passive summing solutions.  However, in those instances when a little extra gain is needed between the MixBuss outputs and downstream gear with different line level requirements, the output summing amplifier provides up to an additional +10 dB of gain.

The MixBuss comes stock with 16 channel inputs that are hard-wired to stereo output pairs with odd numbered channels routed to the left output and even numbered channels routed to the right.  Channel pairs 1-2 and 3-4, however, each have a selector switch to assign the outputs to either a stereo or mono for center panning each channel.  This provides enough flexibility to assign mono channels like kick, snare and bass while still maintaining pan automation within the DAW when sending outputs to channels with stereo Left-Right pairing.  In addition to the 16 routable inputs, there is an additional Mix Input that accepts a stereo pair from other MixBuss units.  In this way multiple units can be daisy chained to provide an unlimited amount of summing expansion.  The single pair of outputs on the MixBuss are controlled by the Mix Level volume control on the front panel.  Each unit is hand calibrated to precisely match the left and right output signal levels, thus ensuring the stereo field imaging is not altered due to level discrepancies.  

Features

• TRS 1/4 inch inputs and outputs for balanced/unbalanced operation
  
• 16 channel inputs into 2 channel stereo output
  
• Separate stereo Mix Input for daisy chaining additional MixBuss units
  
• Output volume level from 0 to +10 dB gain
  
• 2U Rack unit
  
• Distortion: 0.0005%
  
• CMRR: 90dB
  
• Calibrated for +4dB line level output
  
• 1 year Parts and Labor Warranty
  
• Available for 120 volt and 240 volt operation.
  

Price:   $1499 plus shipping


Need help?  Check out the MixBuss Installation and Calibration Guide for details on how to integrate a MixBuss into your studio environment.

Hydra
Passive/Active Hybrid Summing Mixer

Like its little brother the MixBuss, the Hydra is also a 16 channel analog summing mixer.   However, the Hydra adds options and flexibility that go far beyond the capabilities of the MixBuss to transform your mixes and take them to a whole new level!  The Hydra utilizes a hybrid active and passive summing matrix.  In effect you get the best of both worlds!  When it is not powered, the Hydra operates in passive mode with all input signals routed to the outputs without any intervening circuitry.  What you get is a completely uncolored signal output that can be fed into the preamp of your choice for makeup gain to bring the mixed signal back to line level.  While in passive mode, your mixes take on the sonic attributes of the connected preamp, so your coloration is only limited by the preamps you have available in your studio.  The possibilities are endless.

Once you power it up, however, the real tonal possibilities of the Hydra come to life.  What makes the Hydra unique is the summing mixer itself.  Instead of a single summing amplifier found in the likes of the MixBuss and other products, the Hydra has THREE!  A simple turn of a knob changes the character of the signal processing for each of the three different modes: Modern, Classic and Vintage.  

The Modern mode uses the same ultra clean and transparent circuitry that the MixBuss is renowned for.  In this mode the analog summing of the input signals is as uncolored as possible, providing the most accurate and faithful result possible.

In Classic mode the signals are processed through a Class A discrete amplifier circuit reminiscent of some of the most identifiable and sought after sounds in recording history.  Although this mode is not designed for ultimate transparency, it does impart a tonal character that colors the signal in a good way.  Mixes tend to be punchier and slightly aggressive while still retaining all the smooth silkiness that only high quality signal processing can provide.  

And finally in Vintage mode the signals are processed through hand selected and hand matched vacuum tubes to bring back some of the allure of old school recording when everything was still tracked to tape before the era of computers and hard disks.  Here is where the Hydra really shines by infusing sterile, lifeless digital recordings with all the warmth and fullness of a hot, glowing tube.  The Hydra will truly set your mixes on fire!

And if that weren't enough, the Hydra also includes output transformers to further enhance the sonic character of the summed mix.  Add to that separate Monitor outputs in addition to the main Mix outputs, and you've got an indispensible piece of gear that not only provides an unprecedented level of flexibility in the studio, but also transform your mixes into something spectacular in the process!

Photos will be posted shortly!

Price: $2999 plus shipping

Contact us for more details on how to order yours today.  

Please note: All MixBuss and Hydra units are MADE TO ORDER!  Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for build time and delivery.  All units are made in the USA by hand and as such have a level of detail and quality not found in units mass produced overseas.  Keep that in mind when considering the overall value of the product.  

All products carry a 1 year parts and labor warranty.  If anything goes wrong not attributable to abuse, just send the unit in, and it will be repaired and sent back as soon as possible.  Good luck getting that level of service from the big name brands.