Mini-Bus
Analog Summing Bus
PRECISION 10-CHANNEL PASSIVE SUMMING MIXER
Analogue bus summing from 2 to 10 channels
Maximum of 5 Stereo Inputs (10-channels) on TRS balanced jacks for simple connection to most audio interfaces
Allows for re-amping of tracks already mixed for added glue and grit
AUDIO DEMO
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Audio examples of digital bus summing in a DAW compared to the Mini-Bus
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Drop all the files into a playlist to be able to quickly switch between the sections (A/B compare)
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Files are 24-bit WAV at 44.1kHz
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All tracks are used with the kind permission of Spirit Space Recordings
HIGH-END PERFORMANCE
Start summing buses in analogue with mastering grade precision. With up to ten channels of identically matched gain reduction, Mini-Bus brings high-end audio to your desktop. Route buses during mix-down to the five stereo channels for analogue glue and cohesion, or simply re-amp a track which is already bounced for added glue and grit, the possibilities are endless.
AT HOME IN THE MIX OR MASTERING STUDIO
Providing analogue mix summing, analogue mix busing, as well as re-amping of individual instruments or entire mixes during mastering. Not to mention processing of stems during mastering. The Mini-Bus is ultra flexible in it’s design and application.
STEM MASTERING
Due to the closely matched performance of each input of the Mini-Bus, the precision offered is suitable for stem mastering applications. No need to match faders or gains as is necessary on an analogue console, simply route the stems directly into Mini-Bus.
OUT OF THE BOX
If you’ve been working “in the box” for some time, eventually it becomes clear that not every recording benefits from the absolute clarity offered by today’s DAWs. Being able to dial in a certain amount of dirt can be vital. At times the difference between a “recording” and a “record” might be a single piece of equipment, such as a high-end compressor at the mastering house, which adds the elusive sparkle needed.
CONFIGURATIONS
Common setups show how Mini-Bus can be used
AWAY FROM THE DESK
While it is possible to perform analogue summing on a small mixer, the noise and distortion introduced by a budget desk may not be acceptable. Mixing consoles which offer the same audio performance as the Mini-Bus are generally out of reach of most project studios. Even then, the fader balance of the channels or buses used must be carefully set in order to provide a reliable and uniform busing. With the Mini-Bus there is no setup or calibration required, simply plug in your audio interface and start bouncing analogue audio.
MADE IN GERMANY
All our products are entirely designed, assembled and tested in Berlin.
COMPATIBILITY
Any audio interface with at least 4x balanced single outputs (2x stereo outputs) and two balanced microphone inputs with at least 20dB of gain should suffice to get started with the Mini-Bus. Balanced outputs may be electronically balanced or transformer balanced (it does not matter which type, just as long as they are “balanced” and have either 3-pin TRS jack sockets or 3-pin XLR sockets). The use of unbalanced (e.g. RCA) outputs is not supported.
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It is important that balanced and unbalanced outputs are NOT mixed in the Mini-Bus! This is due to it’s fully balanced passive architecture. Should unbalanced signals be mixed with balanced signals then a noticeable degradation or distortion in the audio output will be heard.
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All trademarks remain the property of their owners
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4, 18i8, 18i20 etc
Presonus Studio 68c, 1824c etc
Roland Rubix44
Steinberg UR816C
RME Fireface UCX II
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 MK2
Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre
Audient iD22, iD44
Metric Halo 2882 3d
Zoom UAC-8
Tascam US-20x20, US-4x4HR
Behringer UMC1820, UMC404HD
MOTU UltraLite mk5
MOTU 828 Mk III Hybrid
MOTU Audio Express
MOTU 4 Pre Hybrid
MOTU 828x
MOTU M4
EVO 8
Plus many more...
SPECIFICATION
Measurement Setup: THD/THDN (1kHz, +18dBu sine tones)
Sample Rate: Run your audio interface at any sample rate
Maximum Input Level: Greater than +26dBu
Minimum Input Level: -10dBV (+4dBu or greater recommended)
Passive design, preserves the timbre of your recordings
Fully balanced from input to output means a high degree of noise immunity
TRS jacks for easy connection to most audio interfaces
Mastering grade 1% metal film resistors throughout
All jacks are manufactured by REAN (subsidiary of Neutrik)
Designed & Manufactured in Berlin, Germany
Technical Review
Remco of specialist audio consultancy It's Only Audio, put the Mini-Bus through it’s paces on his Audio Precision APx585 analyzer. There is a thorough investigation and substantial amount of detail in his discussion.
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