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MODMIX

Experimental CV-controlled mixing console with routing and modulation … or is it a no-input synth?

Introducing Modmix


Finegear is proud to present yet another unusual take on the mixing console: Modmix, an experimental, cv-controlled mixer with routing and modulation … or is it a no-input synth?

Modmix is a CV-controlled 4-channel, 4-sends mixing console with stereo returns, and multiple send-to-channel switchable routing options for no-input mixing and feedback techniques. If unusual in a mixing console, CV-modulation is here to allow extended sound generation and manipulation. Modmix has a pair of each: MIDI-syncable LFOs and envelope followers.

If Modmix caught your attention, you must be one who’s partial to the yet unexplored frontiers of sound, gear and music. This soundshifting daemon will be sure to push you down some self-generating rabbit holes.

Four transparent channels. Specific controls made creative
 Sends/returns. Crossing into synth territory
 Master section. Sum and conquer
 CV modulation. The other side of mixing
 Chaining. When there’s more…

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Channels

All of the 4 channels have an XLR/6.35mm jack combo for connecting either a microphone or line level signals (balanced or unbalanced). Together, the preamp, three-band EQ, and insert jack make for a transparent type of channel strip.

 Send/Returns

Modmix contains 4 effect-send buses and 4 stereo inputs. The stereo inputs can be used as either the returns for the effect buses, or as 4 extra stereo channels, or a combination thereof. Each effect send bus is sent to a corresponding  6.35 mm jack.

 CV control

In contrast, the 4 CV-controllable sends, CV-controllable panning and CV-controllable volume for each channel are as many gateways to new sonic territories.

 No-input synth

By the flick of a switch, each send can be re-routed to the corresponding channel: send 1 to channel 1, send 2 to channel 2 … turning Modmix into a no-input synth or “feedback effect” with surprising possibilities.

 Master section

The master section allows setting the channel mix level, the master level, the phones/cue level (each channel has a phones routing switch). Two analog vu-Meters are included to help monitor the output signal.

CV modulation

Modmix includes two types of CV generators: two MIDI-syncable LFOs and two envelope followers. Use them to get started, to shape external sounds or to expand the weird and wonderful ways of feedback.  

FEATURES

Mixing console with CV-modulation

At the heart of Modmix lies a 4-channels, 4-send/returns mixer. Then we added some CV sprinkles.

 

Modmix’s 4 channels are simple and transparent, providing a clean vehicle for all kinds of experimentation.

Each of the channels has a line/microphone input, a preamp, a three band equalizer, an insert point as well as 4 effect send buses, panning controls and a volume knob.
Each channel can be routed to the headphones output and/or muted (selectable through a jumper).
The 4 returns are stereo and can also be used as extra inputs, if need be.
The console has clipping LEDs on each channel and on the send outputs and the return inputs in order to help monitoring and gain staging.

While this may look like a classic format, we then took a rare, but refreshingly liberating direction, and added CV modulation for all of the channels’ 4 send amounts, panning and volume. Next, we added CV generators. With two LFOs and as many envelope followers, the Modmix is a new sort of modular monster!

No-input synth —

— with a hunger for feedback processing! Modmix was already the modular daemon it was meant to be…

But to make things incalculable and add a ton  of possibilities, four switches were made, and they were given to each of the send buses. 

When the switch is flipped it is too late: the line was crossed and the signal from the send bus has already arrived at the input of a channel’s equalizer. Before you know it, feedback is upon the entire signal and…Listen to what you have just done: the mixer has become a synth! 

And how does it sound?

Chaining

Build an army and increase these incalculable possibilities exponentially by chaining together two or more Modmix units! (You must be mad!)

When there’s more…. We just don’t know: it goes beyond imagination. But you should know that Modmix units can be chained together by removing one wooden side from each unit to use the included connectors. The chained units can be fastened together using screws for secure use and transportation.

When chained, all the channels and the stereo returns of all the units are summed and sent to the outputs. The 4 send buses are also summed, as well as the phones/cue bus.

Because each unit is powered by its individual power supply, many units can be used together. Yes, you can build a monster army.

SIGNAL PATH

Mixer

Please Scroll down to download a full-sized pdf file.

LFOs

Identical, until they shapeshift!
Schematic showing the signal flow of the low frequency oscillator module.

Envelope followers

Schematic showing the signal flow of the envelope follower module.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Current draw

≈1 A for each rail (+12 V, -12 V)

Impedance

Input:
unbalanced: 10 kΩ;
balanced: 20kΩ

Effects send out:
unbalanced: 40 Ω;
balanced: 80 Ω

Effects return:
unbalanced: 22 kΩ;
balanced: 44 kΩ

Output:
unbalanced: 40 Ω;
balanced: 80 Ω

Phones: 20 Ω

SNR

-95 dB

Crosstalk

-80 dB

Input amp gain

Microphone: -∞ to 40 dB
Line: -∞ to 20 dB

Aux Send gains

-∞ to 10 dB

Equalizer

High (60 Hz): ±10 dB;
Mid (300 Hz -1.9 kHz): ±10 dB
Low (12 kHz): ±10 dB.

Volume amp gain

-∞ to 6 dB

Frequency response

Master amp gain: -∞ to 10 dB
Phones amp gain: -∞ to 15 dB
Stereo returns amp gain: -∞ to 10 dB

Unit

Dimensions: 43 x 38 x 12 cm
Weight: 5 kg

Power Supply

Voltage input: 220/110 V
Voltage output: 12 V, -12 V, 48 V
Maximum current draw: 1 A on each
rail (+12 V, -12 V)

DOCUMENTATION