Best Passive Summing Mixer Modern Analog Wibe Classic Console Sound Desktop Box 2022

Paul Taylor
3 min readAug 29, 2021

Its simple physics :)

Simply boost up your DAW output Level (master fader) — and you get some “nice” distortion because you’re pushing the SUMMING INPUTS (SUM BUS) Passive side of Summing Mixer — quite a bit OVER its nominal level.

Why choose VintageMaker Summing Mixer? Because you get the best fitted, the right one electronically and individually designed mixer for Your studio (DAW Interface) working range!

Read more: https://vintagemaker.net

analog summing mixer
analog summing mixer passive

Attenuation (gain loss of summing mixer) — -> The most important factor in the modern analog mixing process. While other manufacturers come with huge attenuation — gain loss mixers like -35 or -45dB relative to 0dB, because of this you are forced to use expensive low noise high gain preamps to re-amp this huge loss without picking up noise, the VintageMaker mixers are designed for your DAW interface MicPreamps “sweet spot” working range.

16 in DSUB Tascam Balanced 4 out TRS balanced as: ST 1–2 to Monitors / ST 3–4 to Interface 21 Step precision Attenuator on ST 1–2 to Monitors *Atten. work range: -6.5dB to — 50 dB rel to 0dB
16 input summing mixer

Why it’s this important? Because you don’t have to use or buy expensive low noise Mic preamps with high gain like +65dB amplification.

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. re4ad more: https://vintagemaker.net/analogsummingmixer/

passive summing mixer dsub in trs insert trs main monitor out
dsub in trs insert trs main monitor out vintage maker custom summing mixer

You can order different gain reduction mixer (let me know about your DAW mic preamp gain range)

Select Reduction: -6,5dB / -10dB / -15dB / -20dB / -25dB (free order)

  • Minimal: -6,5dB -10dB reduction
  • LOW: -15dB gain reduction ideal for entry level preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input
  • MID: -20dB gain reduction ideal for mid range preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input UAD, Focusrite and so on.
  • HIGH: -25dB gain reduction ideal for high range preamps like Neve, Api, Avalon or DAW mic pres
passiv mix passive summing mixer worth it
8 input summing mixer with stereo to mono

To make the best, just let me know the maximum gain of your DAW mic preamp or external preamp in dB (like +20dB /+30dB/+55dB/+65dB or more) or let me know your DAW interface type / brand.
Example:
-15dB reduction summing with +30dB maximum gain preamp = perfect “middle way” ratio, low noise , low SNR, suitable headroom for transients.
Signal mixing using physical wires with uniquel designed extra low noise SUM BUS circuits like in vintage & classic mixing consoles via buses, hand made point to point soldering for connecting the selected Vishay Dale resistors bus networks.

best summing mixer
cheap summing mixer

BASIC SETUP:

  • 8 input DSUB Tascam Balanced
  • 2 out TRS balanced L/R
  • -15dB reduction relative to 0dB
  • Unique Name Engrave (let me know)

Variants: (you can order)

  • DSUB In / TRS Out (basic)
  • DSUB In / XLR Out
  • TRS In / TRS Out
  • TRS In / XLR Out

Hand Made Desktop Passive Summing Mixers direct from VintageMaker since 2010' read more: https://vintagemaker.net

Products:

LittleOne 4–8 input Mini series Desktop Passive Studio Summing Mixers
https://vintagemaker.net/minimixer/

LittleOne 8–10 input Wide Series Desktop Passive Studio Summing Mixers
https://vintagemaker.net/littleonewide/

LittleOne 8–16 input Desktop Passive Studio Summing Mixers
https://vintagemaker.net/littleone16/

--

--

Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor – founder of Vintage Maker, former producer, low-current engineer, composer, musician – piano player.