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basic channel block

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Mixerblocks Basic Channel Block 01

It starts with the first block

The basic channel block is the simplest type of mixing console channel strip, powered by, and it sending its signals to the Main Docking Block. A signal intensity and a clipping LED give a visual feedback about the channel’s audio signal. The Basic Channel has a transparent sound and the following features and modules:
  • XLR/6,5” jack combo for balanced input
  • Balanced input preamplifier stage
  • -20 dB pad
  • Phase inverter
  • 48 V phantom power
  • Trim/gain input amplifier
  • 70 Hz low cut
  • DIYRE Colour insert slot
  • Extra blocks insert connector
  • Jack insert (tip=send, ring=return)
  • 3-band EQ
  • Channel mute
  • Panning
  • Fader amp
  • 2x post fader effect sends
  • Signal and clipping LEDs
  • Solo
  • Master bus and submix bus routing

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Two connected Basic Channel blocks    >>>   

Transparent Sound

These are the blocks that make up the channels of the Mixerblocks console. A basic channel block contains all the features/modules for a complete channel strip:

balanced XLR/jack input  input amp  pad  phase invert  phantom power  EQ  pan  FX sends  master bus  submix bus  mute  solo  fader amp  DIYRE Colour insert slot  insert jack.

A signal intensity and a clipping LED give a visual feedback about the channel’s audio signal. 
It is powered by, and it sends its signals to a docking block.

MXB_Block Families26
MXB_Block Families47
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Construction

Inside the channel are two boards: one with the input and preamp circuitry and another with the rest of the circuits, including the EQ, this will allow for any combination of preamp and EQ to be installed on each channel.

Sound

The circuits are made as transparent and clean as possible without going into exotic and complex circuits (which are going to get gotten into soon, anyway).

Connection

The basic channel block can be connected with any other type of channel block as well as other basic channel blocks or a docking station. They can be connected in any order, except for the docking block, which is always connected at the rightmost of a Mixerblocks console.
The connections are made through connectors on the sides of the channel blocks (more details here)

Enclosures

Two types of enclosures can be chosen for Mixerblocks: an MDF version and a sheet metal one.
The MDF gives the console a very unique and inspiring look and is sure to make your studio stand out. The sheet metal enclosure follows a more traditional path, all the while making the Mixerblocks console more durable and road-ready, as well as giving it a better electromagnetic shielding.

The cases connect through the electrical connectors but are also securely fastened into place. For the MDF case, the blocks are connected like puzzle pieces with laser cut crosses, which complete the design. For the sheet metal cases, the blocks connect through “ears” that screw each channel to the previously connected channel and/or dock.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • EQ:
    • gain high: ±10 dB @ 60Hz
    • gain mid: ±10 dB @ 300 Hz – 1.9k Hz
    • gain low: ±10 dB @ 12 kHz
  • LoCut frequency: 70 Hz
  • Fader amp gain: -60 dB … +10 dB
  • Frequency response:
    • Input to main: 20-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
    • Input to submix: 20-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
    • Input to effect sends: 20-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 53 mm x 63 mm x 400 mm
  • Weight: 450 g 
  • Current draw: max 120 mA
  • Input impedance:
    • 11 kΩ unbalanced
    • 22 kΩ balanced
  • SNR: -93 dB
  • Cross-talk (@ 1 kHz):
    • Channel mute: -70 dB
    • Channel down: – 70 dB
  • Pad: 0 dB/-20 dB
  • Input amp gain: -60 dB … 40 dB
  • Fx send gains: -65 dB … 0 dB
  • Current draw: max 120 mA
  • Input impedance: 11 kΩ unbalanced,
    22 kΩ balanced
  • SNR: -93 dB
  • Crosstalk (at 1 kHz):
    channel mute: -70 dB
    channel down: – 70 dB
  • Pad: 0 dB/-20 dB
  • Input amp gain: -60 dB … 40 dB
  • Fx send gains: -65 dB … 0 dB
  • EQ:
    gain high: ±10 dB @ 60 Hz
    gain mid: ±10 dB between 300 Hz and 1.9 kHz
    gain low: ±10 dB @ 12 kHz
  • LoCut frequency: 70 Hz
  • Fader amp gain: -60 dB … +10 dB
  • Frequency response:
    Input to main: 20-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
    Input to submix: 20-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
    Input to effect sends: 20-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 53 mm x 63 mm x 400 mm
  • Weight: 450 g 

SIGNAL PATH

EXTRA BLOCKS

The basic channel block (as well as any other channel block) has a connector on the rear side through which any number of “extra” blocks can be installed to add features to the channel: extra effect send/returns, extra submix buses, vuMeters, recorder/loopers, etc.

Some of the extra blocks connect between them forming rows in order to mix their signals (like for effect sends). These blocks also connect to their respective docking block to send the mixed signal to the master mix.

DIYRE

DIYRE Compatibility

The Colour modules from DIYRE are a set of different circuits with a standardized footprint and connectivity that replicate certain classic analogue circuits’ sonic “colour”: preamps, transformers, compressors, EQs, etc. By using Colour modules (especially when driving them), one can (slightly) modify (i.e., colour) the sound passing through them.

Using a module to colour up the sound is an interesting option considering that the circuits inside the channel are designed to be as transparent as possible, so, if a sound needs to be “enhanced”, you can just insert (un-bypass) the Colour module in the signal chain and drive it to taste using the trim/gain input amp.

The Colour modules and format from DIYRE came to attention while designing the Mixerblocks channel PCB, and it was immediately obvious that it would be a welcome addition to spice up the channel’s sound. It was also very easily integrated through the addition of a connector, a bypass switch and an RGB LED into the channel board.

DOCUMENTATION

Coming soon!

  • Basic channel block manual
  • Basic channel block assembly manual
  • Basic channel block enclosure assembly manual
  • Basic channel block DIY ressources