MixDream XP Mk2
The puristic summing mixer with Class A technology.
As an analog 16-in-2 Class A summing device, 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!
Analogue Summing
Analogue summing with the MixDream XP Mk2 brings intense depth, precise localisation 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 in the analog domain. 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.
Mono
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
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.
Tip: This can work wonders for digital reverbs (especially plug-ins)!
Output
The Output control adjusts the output level of the MixDream XP Mk2. The control range can be set from -10 dB to +5 dB.
With the output control a perfect control for following AD-converters can be performed.
Since the main and monitor outputs are configured in parallel, the output control always affects both output pairs.
Variable Output
The output control 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).
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.
The DB25 sockets are assigned according to the Tascam standard.
Pin layout (Tascam standard) as pictured below:
Main Output
The Main Output sends the summed stereo mix. This signal can be fed back into the DAW via an A/D converter to get recorded there.
Monitor Output
The Monitor Output has electronically balanced XLR connectors. The Monitor Output is connected in parallel to the Master Output and provides the stereo mix for a monitoring controller or a pair of studio monitoring speakers.
Important: Since Main Output and Monitor Output are connected in parallel, using a non-balanced connection in one results in both outputs being unbalanced.
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.
Tip: The Expansion Input can also be used as an additional stereo input.
Tip: In addition to audio tracks from a DAW, samplers, drum computers, keyboards, synthesizers and expanders can of course also be connected directly to the MixDreamXP Mk2. To do this, simply create MIDI tracks in the DAW and connect the outputs of the sound processor directly to the MixDream XP Mk2.
Looks great, feels great –
and lasts for a lifetime
MixDream XP Mk2 has a 4 mm thick, black anodized aluminum front panel and aluminum knobs milled from solid. The housing is made of high-quality steel and is powder-coated in elegant black.
Sounds good
With all SPL devices we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear.
Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology.
This way we can ensure that we can use the best sounding components.
