Minimal mixers

[bradfromraleigh]

I was just playing around with the Schertler configurator trying to build my dream minimalist mixer. When you consider the modules are all discrete components, ~$400 a module doesn’t seem so outlandish.

That being said, you have to wonder if there is a business opportunity for modular mixers that employ a more pedestrian signal path. Not poor quality, obviously, but using quality ICs at a lower cost.

Maybe the market for $5k smallish mixers is stronger than I imagine and I certainly don’t know if switching to ICs would make it any cheaper (maybe it doesn’t). But its worth mentioning that Alessandro Cortini was/is touring with a $100 Behringer mixer. Its… not pretty… l but I guess it works for his music.

[pulplogic]

The Sony MXP-290 is not really minimal in size (or weight) but it does have an automation system that could be cool for modular performances. There is a DBX2155 VCA on every channel that responds to a control voltage on a DB15 connector on the back. It was originally designed for automation when mixing sound for video but one could be recycled for electronic music use. If anyone is interested in giving it a go, I can share the schematics.

[shortwave]

I periodically look at the Key Largo and think it’s so close to what I’d want in a minimal mixer but not quite. I guess it’s aimed specifically at keyboard players and so caters to their needs - personally don’t need the volume and sustain or midi, and probably wouldn’t make use of the USB, although I can see the usefulness of it.
If you own it, I’d be keen to hear from experience how it sounds with say a stereo source and a couple of mono sources running through it. Looking at the Radial website, it seems mono signals are output in both L&R channels.
It is indeed not the most attractive piece of design although the footprint’s nice!

[equipoise]

I know a few folks who own it and the sound is fantastic. So is the build quality. The eye catching graphics are so you can easily figure out what’s what on a dark stage, as much as anything.

[jasper_ryder]

I use one of these:

In conjunction with 2 of these.

[delmerdarion]

Any idea if these can handle modular level? Or would it need attenuating before going into the mixer?

[kim]

So far I have only used it with three stereo sources. I’m away from studio these days but I’ll experiment and report back when I get back in there.

[Ecoustic]

I use a Rolls as well and for similar reasons–because I’m primarily mixing stereo signals. It’s small, unprepossessing looking and decidedly minimal. But it works for my needs and takes up very little space. Also it’s incredibly cheap. While not as impressive as the other minimal mixers pictured here, it’s kind of like the little engine that could.

[boboter]

Does anybody here use small passive summing mixers?

I once saw a green, pedal sized one by an American company (I forgot the name, sadly). Might be a decent alternative to something like the small Rolls mixers.

Edit: Found it. Made by Unit Audio. Not sure if any dealers in Europe sell them.

[ParanormalPatroler]

I completely forgot to post this. Made this one a while back but there was no case to turn it into a standalone mixer, so I used Lego ™

When the Pod cases came out I opted for those instead

I really like how the tube does pseudo-sidechain compression. Reached out the Erica about actually making this into a standalone device but I don’t think they were interested.

[boboter]

Very cool. Do you use it for line level as well?

[ParanormalPatroler]

Yes! The Erica mixer can accommodate line levels on its own but I have the Ladik module there to make sure that I can amplify from Line to Modular levels and take advantage of the tube distortion and compression levels properly.

[boboter]

Sounds great. This might be the thing I was looking for. Thank you, K!

[bradfromraleigh]

In a similar vein, I just ordered a Quattro Figaro to build this for a small, portable, non-modular rig. Sending CV from my 16n to control each channel.

[ParanormalPatroler]

Especially with the ADDAC VU meter there, I’m inclined to say that Erica are missing out on a really nice standalone mixer device. Not a lot of tube mixers out there! Just add some attenuation at the outputs and some preamps at the inputs for better Line level handling and you’re there. That being said I’m happy with having the Pods around as an option.

I intend to expand this to a 48x Pod with just a couple more modules. It will still be a standalone mixer. I’ll post more about that when it’s done.

[boboter]

Yep, I’d be very interested in a standalone mixer like that.

When going modular, my goal would be 6inputs (3 stereo), 4 of them with a fixed highpass filter at 100hz (maybe with a modded shakmat 2hp filter), a mixer with character, a final stereo eq and balanced outputs.

I also have a Mannequins RIP and a Meng Qi Please Exist 2 which I could either use as input or output modules. Still: Choices.

[ParanormalPatroler]

You’re more or less in the same territory I’m covering with the above setup! Let’s talk via PM.

[vhall]

Really liked this little unit that Land Devices revealed yesterday. Not cheap at 265USD though.

Land Devices

[wm.wragg]

Yeah I use an Art SplitMix4, really love it. Also because modular levels are so hot, you can also use it as a headphone out.

[cocco88]

here my new minimal mixer + fx