SPL Mixdream XP Mk2 16-in-2 Summing Mixer
Description
As an analog 16-in-2 Class A summing device, the SPL Mixdream XP Mk2 offers impressive sound quality and brings together single tracks in a musical way. The spatial depth of the stereo stage and the harmonic coherency of the summed signals make mixing through an analog summing device a very special experience.
The Mk2 generation of the Mixdream XP offers the same outstanding audio quality as its predecessor thanks to the internal audio operating voltage of ±30 V. In addition to the new design and an even better feel, the Mixdream XP Mk2 offers another new feature: the individually switchable -18 dB level attenuation for the last four stereo channels. This is how the analog summing gets the best out of every mix!
ANALOG SUMMING
Analog summing with the MixDream XP Mk2 brings intense depth, precise localization and impressive spatiality. Individual instruments mix with smooth transitions. For the analog summing, individual tracks from the computer are sent via D/A converters into the MixDream XP Mk2. These are summed in the MixDream XP Mk2 and then recorded again as a stereo signal via an A/D converter in the DAW software.
The MixDream XP Mk2 is designed for stereo summing of up to 16 audio tracks at the analog level. In combination with digital production systems, the advantages of analog and digital techniques can thus be ideally combined: digital convenience is complemented by the sound quality that until now only the best analog consoles have been able to deliver. Conceptually, the reduction to high-quality analog summing without panorama controls and faders offers the great advantage of being able to retain the entire scope of computer automation.
So when using the MixDream XP Mk2, the usual workflow with the DAW does not have to be changed, all techniques and options of a DAW can still be used without any restrictions.
CONTROLS
MONO SWITCH
The first four channel pairs of the MixDream XP Mk2 (1/2 to 7/8) can be switched from stereo to mono via the Mono switch (red status LED lights up). This is important for mono signals that should be positioned exactly in the center of the mix (kick, snare, lead vocal, bass, ...). In stereo mode, the two channels are generally panned hard left/ right. This basic setting is useful for all stereo signals. Panorama settings and automation of the DAW remain perfectly unchanged.
-18 DB SWITCH
The level of the last four channel pairs of the MixDream XP Mk2 (9/10 to 15/16) can be attenuated by 18 dB via the -18 dB switch (blue status LED lights up). Low level signals in the mix can thus be played back and get converted with a higher level, therefore with a higher digital resolution, from the DAW. This preserves more details and sonic characteristics.
OUTPUT CONTROL
The Output control adjusts the output level of the MixDream XP Mk2. The control range covers -10 dB to +5 dB. The output control can be used to ensure perfect control for following A/D converters.
VARIABLE OUTPUT SWITCH
The output controller is switched on or off with the Variable Output switch. When the Variable Output switch is deactivated, the input level is maintained at 1:1 (Unity Gain).
CONNECTIVITY
INPUTS
MixDream XP MK2 has 16 inputs with DB25 connectors. Here e.g. the analog outputs of a D/A converter, which plays the tracks to be summed out of the DAW are connected.
MAIN OUTPUT
MixDream XP MK2 has 16 inputs with DB25 connectors. Here the analog outputs of a D/A converter are connected, which plays the tracks to be summed out of the DAW.
MONITOR OUTPUT
The Monitor Output is connected in parallel to the Master Output and provides the stereo mix for a monitor controller or a pair of studio monitoring speakers.
EXPANSION INPUT
If 16 channels are not enough when summing, another MixDream XP Mk2 can be connected to the Expansion Input. The expansion input switch on the front of the MixDream XP Mk2 is used to switch the Expansion Input on or off.