SPL Mixdream XP
Analog Summing Mixer
Item: SPL2591000
The MixDreamXP discrete class A technology is based on the same 60-volt rails (±30V) of the MixDream. Newly developed circuitry, based on the most modern analog components, guarantees an extremely high slew rate, a very low noise level of -97dBu and a dynamic range of 125dB.
Along with DAW audio tracks and effects machines or processors, samplers, keyboards and expanders may also be connected directly to the MixDreamXP. MIDI tracks need only be added in the DAW project, the outputs (for example, from a keyboard) are then routed directly to the MixDreamXP.
Mono Controls:
To save converter channels, all channels may be switched to Mono so that two signals can be converted by a paired D/A. In this case such signals are characteristically chosen which would receive a more central placement in the stereo mix (e.g. kick, snare, lead vocal, bass). All channel pairs must otherwise be panned hard left/right in the mix.
Summing:
Tracks destined for analog summing are routed from the DAW to the MixDreamXP via A/D converters. To reduce track numbers, there are two options: you could buy additional MixDreamXP (which would make us happy and we‘re sure would not disappoint you) or sum your grouped tracks with the MixDreamXP itself. For example, if you‘ve recorded a choir over 16 solo tracks, you can adjust your panning in your DAW and the MixDreamXP sums a stereo mix which is recorded again. The sound benefits of analog summing are larger than the disadvantage of a further A/D-D/A conversion.
MixDreamXP in Mastering Applications:
The MixDream XP is especially suited for two mastering applications; discrete mastering and upsampling to SACD/DVD-A formats. Normally a mastering engineer requires that a stereo file be made available for his or her work. But in such a mix down, any problems (for example, significant variations in volume among instrumental subgroups) will mean equally significant limitations to your final mastering options. Instead, if one masters from a discrete mix with single tracks or subgroups, each of these can be adjusted just as easily and quickly in the mastering process to the extent that even individual groups can be tweaked with different processing. Your final result is clearly better and the time needed would be minimal especially since it is less likely a new mix will be called for.
Multichannel sessions can be summed in the infinite resolution of analog signal processing equipment, something that may also be of special importance when an engineer wishes to upsample to SACD or DVD-A.
Linking Several MixDreamXP:
An expansion connector provides for a second MixDreamXP input should 16 channels not suffice. The Main Outputs of the second MixDreamXP must be connected to the Expansion Inputs of the first unit; do not connect both Expansion Inputs. If more than three MixDreamXP are to be summed, we recommend to employ a further MixDreamXP as master—otherwise the signals from the first MixDreamXP (to cite a "worst case scenario") would unnecessarily be summed in each following unit. In such a chain One MixDreamXP is connected to the Expansion Inputs while all other units are connected to the usual (DB25) Input Channels.
Specifications:
- Frequency range: ‹1Hz-200kHz (-1 dB)
- THD+N: -103dBu (20-22kHz, Input Level +10dBu)
- Noise Level: -97dBu (20-22kHz, A-weighted)
- Max. Input Level: +28dBu
- Max. Output Level: +28dBu (@ 1kHz, THD+N -95dB) Dynamic range: 125dB (20-22kHz, A-weighted)
- Crosstalk L-R: -90dB (@ 1kHz, Input Level +10dBu) CMRR: ‹70dB (@ 1kHz, Input Level +10dBu)
- Input Impedance: 10kOhm
- Output Impedance: 65Ohm
- Power Consumption: 36W
- Standard EIA 19 inch Housing, 1U
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 482 x 44 x 237mm/19 x 1.76 x 9.5 inch