Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is analog summing going to make your recordings sound like a Nashville studio with a billion dollars worth of equipment?
A: Probably not, but you will notice a difference in your mixes using a Unit Audio Analog Summing Mixer. Q: How do I set up my mixer to work with my DAW?
A: Refer the Setup Document in the support section ...here NEW Q: What's the sonic difference between summing through one of your boxes and simply summing by going directly to a preamp?
A: Unit Audio summing boxes (actually all passive summing boxes) have 8 or 16 line level inputs and 2 mic level outputs. The box itself has no influence on the sonic quality of your mix, that is the job of whatever mic pre-amp you use. The job of the passive summing box is to simply create more analog signal separation, giving you a better stereo field in your final mix and creating a tighter mix in general. You do need at least an 8 channel output DA converter to use any passive summing box effectively. NEW Q: I'm interested in purchasing your summing box. How does the sound of your boxes compare to the more expensive summing boxes such as the Dangerous Music 2-Bus LT?
A: The main difference is that Unit Audio summing boxes are passive, meaning there is no preamp for make up gain. The Dangerous Music 2-Bus LT is active and has the gain stage built into it, as does the Neve and other expensive summers. The built in gain is handy, but it restricts you to the sound of that particular box. The make up gain for passive summing mixers like ours comes from a mic preamp that you probably already own. The pre-amp you chose controls the final sound of your mix, so a preamp without transformers will give a very clean straight wire sound, while a pre-amp with transformers will give a color to your mix. Passive summing is transparent on its own. It's only job is to split your signal into several channels for you final stereo mix. Read the comments by our customers and reviewers in the news and reviews section of this site to learn more about how summing has worked for them. Q: Why are the Unit Audio summing mixers so much cheaper than all the other brands I have seen?
A: We use the same high grade components used by all the other manufacturers. There is no compromise there! We are simply a small company who deals directly with you without markups from distribution and retail channels. |
Q: What is the primary application for these mixers?
A: They were designed to be used as a recording / summing mixers in conjunction with a DAW. The outputs are low impedance microphone level. (no phantom power required). Make up gain is done through the mic inputs of a mic pre-amp.
A: They were designed to be used as a recording / summing mixers in conjunction with a DAW. The outputs are low impedance microphone level. (no phantom power required). Make up gain is done through the mic inputs of a mic pre-amp.
Q: What are the default channel assignments?
A: Like most of the summing mixers available, the odd number channels default left in a stereo mix and the even number channels default right in a stereo mix.
A: Like most of the summing mixers available, the odd number channels default left in a stereo mix and the even number channels default right in a stereo mix.
Q: I read the 2 pan switches allow the user to place channels 1 and 2 in monaural (center), or hard left (ch1) or hard right (ch2), but, could you give us practical uses examples for the 2 pan switches , that is to say, in what case would we need to use them?
A: For signals meant to be in the middle of the stereo spectrum. It saves the user from having to bus a mono centered signal to a stereo out just to keep it in the middle. For example you may want to keep a lead vocal and the bass in the middle of your mix, you would then flip the switch to (C) center.
A: For signals meant to be in the middle of the stereo spectrum. It saves the user from having to bus a mono centered signal to a stereo out just to keep it in the middle. For example you may want to keep a lead vocal and the bass in the middle of your mix, you would then flip the switch to (C) center.
Q: What is your policy on returns?
A: There will be a 15% restocking fee for returns within 15 days. Please contact terry@unitaudio.com with any questions.
A: There will be a 15% restocking fee for returns within 15 days. Please contact terry@unitaudio.com with any questions.
Unit Audio makes high quality affordable passive summing mixers and acoustic control for pro recording and project studios. Nashville, TN USA 2012