Box to sum 4 channels to 2 for remote work

[mosrite]

What I need (or might need, depending on the direction my new purchases go) is a unit that will do the following:

1. Take the line outs from 4 preamps
2. Not interfere with the sound (or at least hardly interfere with the sound)
3. Have panning and level controls (nothing else needed)
4. Output the stereo sum of the 4 inputs

Does this exist?

[lampmeister]

Yes, they do exist.

Try ENG/EFP/location mixers from Shure, Cooper Sound Systems, PSC, Rolls, Sony, Sound Devices and Wendt. It may be cheaper to get someone to build you one to your spec though.

I recently saw a Wendt portable mixer go for just over £200 on ebay.co.uk, a complete bargain for the sound and build quality.

TOA also do some nice rack mixers. Recently I picked up a 2u TOA 12 channel mic/line mixer for £100.

[mosrite]

Thanks for the info. Actually knowing what Im looking for now ('location mixer') has greatly enhanced my search success

[Legacy]

The Speck XSum is worth a look. Its transparent and gives level and Pan control for 16 stereo or mono channels in a single rack space (with external PS). With a little breakout box you could actually make 2 seperate mixes on it (as long as you don't need to assign one input to both outputs-or use a Y cable if you do). More channel than you need but IME this is never a bad thing...

Its about $1500. US last time I checked.

-Silas

Speck Electronics -X.Sum Line Mixer

[mpdonahue]

Or, you could make a passive 2>1 mixer from 4 resistors (5 if you want to reduce the level of the summed output) and 3 XLR connectors and 2 pieces of wire......

All the best,
Mark

[mosrite]

Mark, that might be an option. I am, however, not the most DIY orientated. Do you have any secret blueprints for such a device kicking about per chance?

[hughesmr]

I know you said you don't need the pres, but other than that this box is right up your alley. (Great pres, too)!

The PRE420 from Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.

Cheers,
Mike

[Baithak]

Hi Mosrite,

The Benchmark is pretty remarkable for what it can do. However it needs AC power. I am still using the SD 442 for the which is the king of this hill and is widely used in the film /eng location world. AETA makes a machine that has optional digital out for the mix. At the higher end Sonosax makes a few great boxes and more to come soon.

Good luck,
Baithak

[David Spearritt]

My Nagra V mixes 4 into 2. But that Benchmark box is wonderfully useful for a small location setups. So is the 442 and it's extremely compact, like their recorders.

[Remoteness]

Check this thread out!

[sasha222]

Brent Averill makes a passive 4:2 box. No volume or pan though. I have one and it sounds great.

Brent Averill Enterprises | Products

[Jim vanBergen]

If I were buying a summing mixer, I'd buy Neve. The 8816 sounds great!

http://www.ams-neve.com/downloads_al...anual_Iss4.pdf

[Kalara]

API 3124MB+ http://vintageking.com/New-Brands/API/API-3124MB

Cool box, great pre's, panning and blanced mix bus outputs!! I'm a huge fan of these pre's! I'd be curious waht you come up with. Thanks!

[Remoteness]

Yes, the 3124M or MBs sound awesome, but he's looking for a summing box since he already has the preamps he uses.

Also, he wants a transparent sounding box and the APIs do have a sound.

The Speck matrix mixers are pretty transparent sounding.

[John Brook]

mosrite - you didn't say if you need batt only or can use AC. There's the Ashly mixer which is pretty decent. It's not high end, but it handles 8 ch with a pan control on each. Not too pricey at around $450. 1U rack space. I wish someone made an 8 ch high end summing amp in 1U. Dangerous Audio makes one in 2U with outboard PS (why?).

[hrn]

This one seems to have what you need:

MM-4210 by MARENIUS

Hans