SPL Audio MixDream XP Mk2 16-in-2 Class A Summing Mixer

About: SPL Audio MixDream XP Mk2 16-in-2 Class A Summing Mixer

As an analogue 16-in-2 summer with Class A technology, the MixDream XP Mk2 offers impressive sound quality and combines individual signals in a musical way. The spatial depth of the stereo stage and the harmonious coherence of the summed signals make mixing with an analogue summer 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 reduction for the last four stereo channels.

This is how analog summing gets the best out of every mix!

Analog summing

The analog summing with the MixDream XP Mk2 brings intensive depth gradation, precise localization and impressive spatiality. Individual instruments mix with soft transitions.

For analog summing, individual tracks are fed from the computer into the MixDream XP Mk2 via D/A converters. These are summed in the Mixdream XP Mk2 and recorded again as a stereo signal via an A/D converter in the DAW software.

The MixDream XP Mk2 is used for stereo summing of up to 16 audio tracks on an analogue level. In conjunction with digital production systems, the advantages of analog and digital technologies can be ideally combined: digital convenience is complemented by the sound quality that only the best analog consoles have previously 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 all computer automation.

When using the MixDream XP Mk2, the usual way of working with the DAW does not have to be changed; all techniques and possibilities of a DAW can still be used without restriction..

Mono

The first four channel pairs of the MixDream XP Mk2 (1/2 to 7/8) can be switched from stereo to mono using the mono switch (red status LED lights up). This is important for mono signals that need to be positioned exactly in the middle of the mix (kick, snare, lead vocal, bass, ...). In stereo mode, the two channels are generally placed hard left/right in the panorama. This basic setting is useful for all stereo signals. The DAW’s panorama settings and automation remain exactly the same.

-18dB

The last four channel pairs of the MixDream XP Mk2 (9/10 to 15/16) can be reduced in level by 18 dB using the -18 dB switch (blue status LED lights up). Signals that only have a low level in the mix can be played out of the DAW and D/A converted at a higher level, i.e. with a higher digital resolution. More details and sound information are retained.

• Tip: This can work wonders with digital reverbs (including plug-ins)!

Output

The output control is used to adjust the output level of the MixDream XP Mk2. The control range is from -10 dB to +5 dB. The output controller can be used to perfectly control subsequent A/D converters. Since the main and monitor outputs are connected in parallel, the output control always affects both output pairs.

Variable output

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).

Entrances

The MixDream XP Mk2 has 16 inputs with DB25 sockets. The analog outputs of a D/A converter are connected here, which plays out the tracks to be summed from the DAW.

• The DB25 sockets are assigned according to the Tascam standard.

Main output

The MixDream XP Mk2 has two different stereo outputs. The summed stereo mix is ​​played out at the main output of the MixDream XP Mk2. This can, for example, be fed back into the DAW via an A/D converter and recorded there on a stereo track.

Monitor output

The monitor output is electronically balanced and via XLR sockets. The monitor output is connected in parallel to the main output and sends the stereo mix for a monitor controller or the studio monitoring speakers.

• Important: Since the main output and monitor output are connected in parallel, the asymmetrical operation of one output also affects the other output!

Expansion input

If 16 channels are not enough for summing, another MixDream XP Mk2 can be connected to the expansion input. The expansion input is switched on or off using the expansion input switch on the front of the MixDream XP Mk2.

• Tip: The expansion input can also be used as another 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. All you have to do is create the MIDI tracks in the DAW and connect the outputs of the sound generator directly to the MixDream XP Mk2.

Looks good, feels good – and lasts forever

The MixDream XP Mk2 has a 4 mm thick, black anodized aluminum front panel and solid aluminum buttons milled from solid. The housing is made of high-quality steel and powder-coated in elegant black.

Sounds good

Right from the start, we develop all SPL devices not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many of the basic components are installed on the boards using through-hole mounting (THT). This way we can ensure that we can install the components that sound best.

Specifications

• Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer
  • Operating voltage for analog audio -  +/- 30 V
  • Operating voltage for relays and LEDs -  12 V
• Mains Power Supply
  • Mains voltage 230 V (selectable) -  230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
  • Fuse for 230 V -  T 312 mA
  • Fuse for 115 V -  T 630 mA
  • Power consumption -  max. 30 VA
• Dimensions (WxHxD) - 19 x 1.73 x 9.33 inch (482 x 44 x 237 mm)
• Weight - 7.83 lbs (3.55 kg)