Passive Summing Mixer solution without compromises
Warming Up your Digital ITB mixes – add warmth and analog vibe
Customer feedback: “Really cool passive analog summing box. Really well made. Noiseless, infinite headroom and no power required. The best way to mix outside the computer, enjoy clip free summing and then use the mic pres of your choice to send your mix back to your DAW”.. read more…
You can order different gain reduction mixers as: -10dB, -15dB, -20dB, -25dB or more (let me know about your DAW mic preamp gain range)
More about Passive Summing Mixer – FAQ
16x2 Passive Summing Mixer
399 € +shipping (basic setup)
Specs
- 1U Standard Rack 19″ unit
- 16 input by TRS orD-sub tascam balanced
- 1x Stereo out TRS balanced L/R
- 2 x Stereo to 4 Mono conversion switch
- Laser engraved
16x4 Passive Summing Mixer with variable headroom switch
439 € +shipping
Specs
- 1U Standard Rack 19″ unit
- 16 input TRS 1/4″ balanced (8 Stereo)
- 2x Stereo out TRS balanced L/R (Main/Monitor)
- 2 x Stereo to 4 Mono conversion switch
- -15dB/-25dB variable headroom switch
- Laser engraved
32x4 Passive Summing Mixer with gain control
599 € +shipping
Specs
- 1U Standard Rack 19″ unit
- 32 input by TRS/DSUB :
- 1-8 input TRS balanced
- 9-32 input DB25 Tascam Standard Balanced
- 2x Stereo output by TRS/XLR balanced L/R (Main/Monitor)
- 4xStereo conversion to Mono by 2xSwitch = 8 mono
- 2xSTM ST1/ST2 (1-4 TRS IN)
- 2xSTM ST5/ST6 (9-12 DSUB IN)
- Master Stereo to Mono (mix mono compatibility test)
- Stereo input 1 L/R to Master outputs – Direct Monitoring purposes
- 21 step precision Attenuator 0dB range – 20dB
- Laser engraved
- DESCRIPTION
Paul makes some amazing high quality summing mixers.
I’ve owned the Dangerous 2 Buss and the Roll Folcrom, and this easily holds its own with those units.
The real deal maker is that you can get a custom built one that suits your exact needs. The international shipping was very fast to the West Coast USA, and the build time was within a week for my specific custom needs. I’m so glad I came across Paul’s stuff. Definitely a great choice!!
CUSTOM PASSIVE MIXERS
19-inch rack 8 - 64 Input channel summing
no price indicated unique audio - ask for price
Custom 2U Rack 24 ch passive summing mixer with 4x multi insert send return balanced stereo 6 x stereo to 12 mono variable -15/-25dB gain switch A/B out control direct monitoring switch on input 1/2
These days the analog mixing technique has shifted mostly to the passive summing part.
Let me explain. It’s more easy and more convenient to switch between different external amplifiers like Neve, Lawo, Avalon, API, Focusrite and so on, besides of internal (built inside) summing amplifiers. Therefore by external amps you are NOT forced to use always one type of amp what you have inside of your summing mixer, finally you know – different amp = as a result for different sound colour and character.
Coloring or not coloring amp that is the question
Well, you can use a really warm tube amp for sound colour, or a really transparent non coloring amp for clean sounding, that’s your choice, and depend of your audio material. IMHO my customers really don’t like to change their mix character. On the other side the nice and pleasant harmonics can make the magic on your music.
btw — add an EQ for coloring / adding tone can massively redefine the tone of mix, and sounds really cool..:)
So no problem at all If you do not have expensive microphone preamplifiers, You can use for gain make up Your existing DAW Mic Preamps or instrument line inputs with GREAT success because you will get a custom built passive summing mixer designed for your preamps work range.
Why Passive Summing mixers (have) gain loss?
As all analog mixers as well the passive summing network need to have summing resistors placed on channel inputs,due to those
(Vishay Dale) resistors provides load isolation and improves channel to channel isolation.
The point is, it couldn’t be summed different instruments without resistor (gain loss) isolation, if you try to do without resistors as result you get over 0dB, furthermore you get clipping above 0db actually cause worse audio quality…
The gain make-up amplifier like an External amp — your DAW mic preamp or line amp or Internal transformer based amps like Lawo or Filtek or Neumann which follows the buss (master stereo L/R out) compensate the gain loss of passive summing mixer.
Can I use my DAW interface “stock” mic preamps or line input’s for gain makeup?
Yes, you can.
By prior consultation the mixer will be designed for your DAW mic preamp working range, so you can use your DAW interface mic preamp without any compromises.
You can customize your desired summing setup on: https://vintagemaker.net/contact/#customorder
Gain loss — Gain make up
It is important to note that the gain range (eg. you have +30dB gain up relative to 0dB) of your DAW Interface (preamp, line inputs) will determine the passive summing resistor values, therefore You need to tell me (furthermore I need to know) your external gear gain make up range.
A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element. In electronic circuits, resistors are used to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels, to divide voltages and so on…. so due to those resistors we have gain loss on the summing bus.
Behind the former example:
-15dB gain loss summing with +30dB to +40dB preamp = perfect “middle way” ratio
The other passive mixers on the market come with huge -35dB to -40dB gain loss, which requires +50 to +60dB gain make up, which in my humble opinion is meaningless, and it requires expensive preamplifiers, but if you have them, you are a lucky man:)
For example customers with -25dB gain loss summing use +50 dB to+60 dB range gears like Neve 1073, Avalon etc. with great success based on customer feedback since 2010′.
Gain make up requirements – let me know before you make an order
*Basic Setup -15dB by default please let me know if you need different gain structure before you make an order.
MINIMAL: -6,5 dB or -10dB relative to 0dB
LOW: -15dB gain up ideal for entry level preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input
MID: -20dB gain up ideal for mid range preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input
HIGH: -25dB (or more) gain up ideal for high range preamps like Neve, Api, Avalon or DAW mic pre
Flexibile solution:
Variable gain switch: -10/-20dB, -15/-25dB or -25/-35dB read more….
Dual Stereo Balanced Summing Network from input to output
- In/Out:Balanced, floating to ground
- Insertion input resistance: -15dB / -20dB / -25dB or more (order)
- Output impedance 600-1k ohms balanced
- Output level: -15 dB nominal (basic setup)
- Frequency response: 0-500Khz
- Crosstalk 1Khz: -95dB
- In/Out: Balanced, floating to ground
- Signal/ Noise rate: -110dB (RME HDSP tested, no DAW inputs connected)
- TRS wiring: (Tip:HOT/,Ring:COLD/Sleeve:GROUND)
- Pure hand made! Hand wired and tested point-to-point!
- Selected VISHAY DALE military metal-film resistors!
- Laser engraved massive aluminium alloy box!
Customer Reviews
Cr Jeffrey McLaughlin
I have been working with Bob Katz doing the mastering.
I want to share this quote from Bob.
“Things are a lot sweeter! Compared to the previous mixes this overall sound, including the vocal, is like milk and honey! Overall with better balance and natural tonality. The sound has very nice dynamics and impact. It’s a total transformation. Good clarity, instrumental balance, stereo image…
Feel free to use the +18 setting or even a hair higher if available as your peak level does not exceed -5.6 dB.” Bob Katz
This is to the Dr Flouride Mix 24 summing mixer you made thank you. It’s letting me do world class work in a very remote environment
Herb Belofsky Drummer · Austin, Texas
My REVIEW: Clarity and Glue.
It clearly sounds better than in the box summing, but you all knew that would be the case. It also sounds better than the AMEK console that I had been using for summing mixes. I had sold the console and this was one of the replacement parts. I am Very Happy. I would highly recommend Paul Taylor’s custom built products. he was easy to deal with, great communication and ultimately a great sounding box that let me interface the preamps I already have as the 2 buss. A serious upgrade for a box that is reasonably priced for what it does. I would love to hear the other active summing mixers that he makes, but for now, I am a happy studio owner with the box he sent me.
Thanks, Paul.
Passive Summing 10x4 TRS/DSUB designed for UAD Apollo Unison Preamps Insert Focusrite ISA828
I have been mixing for about 15 years now and all my mixes have been done in the box. I work hard to get the harsh digital sound out of each track. Using plugins like Oeksound’s Soothe, UAD Studer Tape, Oxford Inflator and others to bring some analog beauty to my mixes.
I have heard about analog summing for years. Fab Dupont highly recommended it on one of his Puremix tutorials. But I have heard other mix engineers like Andrew Scheps say he doesn’t use any analog gear when mixing. So I was skeptical of spending my hard earned money on something that “MIGHT” work. So I never did. Until just recently when I came across a few Vintage Maker videos.
Actually it was the price that drew me in. I thought that it would be worth the risk. I mean I spent thousands of dollars on plugins that I thought would make my mixes more Analog in nature. So what the heck.
I contacted Paul at Vintage Maker and told him my setup. I have a UAD Apollo Quad. He sent me all the info I needed. He even made me my own personal visual direction sheet and custom made me a unit that would fit my needs. I don’t know how many emails we sent back and forth but a lot.
Anyway, when I got it and plugged it all up- I was stunned. It’s like I got a whole new system. My mixes went from trying to fix all the harsh tones to almost having to brighten some of the tracks up which is a good problem to have for me LOL.
I wish I had done it a long time ago.
It’s not a mind game thing. It really changed what I can present to my customers and to myself. The 3d Stereo Imaging that I’ve heard people talk about is true (especially on the effects). The sweet warm sound makes me want to listen instead of running away from the piercing darts of a sharp lead guitar solo or female vocal.
The customer service and the absolute transformation of my mixes is well worth the $500 I spent. I am a believer. Thank You Paul VintageMaker!!!
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/showpost.php?p=14896454&postcount=37
Additional Options – Documentation – Technical Description – User Manual
Youtube explain videos
LOOP BACK
DAW – SUMMING
STEREO TO MONO
Take complete control from DAW
If you want to breathe life into your digital tracks, a summing mixer is the best way to do it. Summing mixers add real analoque harmonics and punch to the sound of your productions, letting you easily mix stems output from your DAW in the analog domain.
- Fully balanced dual stereo solid state network & switching network from input to output.
- Can be left “free” unconnected inputs 4-8-12 or more inputs!
- No unused/unconnected input problem!
- No thermal noise on passive mode due to custom-developed balanced summing network.
- Absolutely repeatability DAW control: Volume Panorama, EQ, and effects sends of your mix from within the DAW, and send as many as 4-8-16 different tracks or submixes to Summing Mixer.
Your choice of the right summing mixer depends on your individual needs.
- Can handle both balanced/unbalanced signal from synth like Moog, Nord, Yamaha etc.
- Can handle large external instruments like samplers, tape machines, drummachines etc.
- Can be fit to all brand of DAW interfaces like Digidesign 192, Avid HD I/O 16X16,Universal Audio, RME Fireface, Prism, Lynx Aurora, Apogee, Motu, Focusrite, Metric Halo, Steinberg MR816, and so on..
- Can handle external signal processors eg. EQ, Compressor, Limiter, Multi Effects Processors like Massenburg, Drawmer S3, Lexicon, Alesis, Tube-Tech LCA2B, JoeMeek, FMR Audio RNC DBX, ART etc.
- Can handle large number of external mic preamps like AMS Neve 1073,Aphex Channel, Great River, Avalon, Chandler Limited, Crane Song, SPL, Focusrite, Presonus, Midas, Summit Audio, ART Pro and so on…
- Extremely simple, Discrete, pure, and transparent signal path.
Can be used for external DAW summing or as a line summing mixer for effects external pres,instruments, synths, drum machines or any (balanced/unbalanced) line signal!
Why VM summing?
- Other brand passive mixer requires +30/+40dB makeup gain, thet require expensive gear to gain makeup without noise pick up.
- The VintageMaker electronic circuit design is optimized to provide sufficient headroom to accommodate the signals from a large number of channels, as well as to maintain a sufficiently low noise floor.
- More than 1500 happy customers around of the World since 2010!
Passive Summing mixer come by 3 type of gain make up requirements
*Basic Setup :-15dB by default please let me know before you make an order
- LOW: -15dB gain up ideal for entry level preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input
- MID: -20dB gain up ideal for mid range preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input
- HIGH: -25dB (or more) gain up ideal for high range preamps like Neve, Api, Avalon or DAW mic pre
Dual Stereo Balanced Summing Network from input to output
- In/Out:Balanced, floating to ground
- Insertion input resistance: -15dB / -20dB / -25dB or more (order)
- Output impedance 600-1k ohms balanced
- Output level: -15 dB nominal (basic setup)
- Frequency response: 0-500Khz
- Crosstalk 1Khz: -95dB
- In/Out: Balanced, floating to ground
- Signal/ Noise rate: -110dB (RME HDSP tested, no DAW inputs connected)
- TRS wiring: (Tip:HOT/,Ring:COLD/Sleeve:GROUND)
- Pure hand made! Hand wired and tested point-to-point!
- Selected VISHAY DALE military metal-film resistors!
- Laser engraved massive aluminium alloy box!
Headroom – Dynamic-range space
Headroom is how much room has your audio signal has before it starts to get compressed and distorted.
Headroom – It provides buffer zone for harmonics, transients or loud sounds without risking clipping, which result a more dynamic open and wide, depth 3D sound. Also it provides space for Gentle Harmonics Distortion.
In digital and analog audio, headroom refers to the amount by which the signal-handling capabilities of an audio system exceed a designated nominal level.[1]Headroom can be thought of as a safety zone allowing transient audio peaks to exceed the nominal level without damaging the system or the audio signal, e.g., via clipping. Standards bodies differ in their recommendations for nominal level and headroom. (wikipedia)
Driving the PASSIVE SIDE will add harmonics to help ‘image’ sounds.
By proper gain staging can achieve the Analog Harmonics Sweet Spot
How to hit analog harmonic distortion ?
Simply boost up your DAW output Level (master fader) – and you get some “nice” distortion because you’re pushing the summing quite a bit over its nominal level
Special dsub output passive summing mixer
1U Standard Rack unit
32 input DSUB Tascam Analog Balanced
2 x Stereo (4) out DSUB (7/8 and 9/10) Balanced
Master insert/return DSUB (SND1/2, RET 3/4)
8 stereo to 16mono switches
Direct monitor switch on input 31-32
Vari gain switch -15/-25dB
Main outputs 1/2 (processed) as
3/4 SND
5/6 RTN
7/8 (pre insert)
4 x Subgroup Passive Summing Mixer
1U Standard Rack Unit
32 input DSUB Tascam Standard balanced:
A: 1/8, B:9/16 C:17/24 D:25/32
Routing Switches A/B/C/D (down) = A/or/B/or/C/or D routed to DSUB OUT:
A: 1/2, B:3/4 C:5/6 D:7/8
Routing Switches A/B/C/D (UP) = A/or/B/or/C/D out routed to Master sum out : XLR
Vari gain Sub groups: 4 x -10/-20dB Switch on A/B/C/D
Vari gain Master (base reduction -6.5dB): -6/-16dB switch (-10dB)
*Base reduction from input -10dB + (-6.5dB)
**Vari gain sw +(-10dB sub) + (-10dB master)
4 x STM switches for ch 1-2, 9-10, 17-18, 25-26.
