In this expansive world of Eurorack modules, Sebsongs Modular claims a sweet spot with their ST Mixer XL – a comprehensive stereo mixer designed to be the final output module of a larger system. This useful mixer does more than just compile sounds; it ensures that even the most diverse mono synth voices and stereo effects can coexist harmoniously within a single mix.
Let's take a deep dive into what makes the ST Mixer XL such an impressive addition to any Eurorack setup.
For starters, the ST Mixer XL isn't your ordinary stereo mixer - it's an 8-channel titan equipped with a high-quality headphone amplifier. This means you can easily indulge in the delicate task of sound sculpting using your headphones, and thereafter send your polished mix directly for recording via a 1/8 inch stereo jack cable to your portable recorder.
The module offers four mono channels, each armed with level, panning, and aux send control, allowing you to dictate the course of your mix with precision. Also on board are two stereo channels with individual level controls and separate left and right inputs. If you're planning to feed a complex mix of up to four mono synth voices and stereo effects through the ST Mixer XL, worry not - it's been engineered for exactly this kind of intricate audio choreography.
The PHONES and LINE OUT outputs, well-catered with level controls, seamlessly connect your mixer to your headphones or recorder for immediate playback or recording. The AUX output concocts a mix of the aux sends from the four mono channels, providing an additional layer of control. Should you need to route your first channel to a looper, the ST Mixer XL comes equipped with an OUT 1, which gives you a buffered direct out from channel one.
What sets the ST Mixer XL apart is its ability to serve as a portable workstation. Whether you are listening through headphones or recording your tunes, the ST Mixer XL ensures your Eurorack system is optimized for both. Also worth noting is the quality of the sound the ST Mixer XL delivers - clear and robust, it captures all the nuances of your soundscape.
In line with the spirit of DIY prevalent in the modular synthesis community, this handy Eurorack companion is available as a DIY kit at Thonk. Not to mention, the joy and satisfaction of having assembled your own module add a whole new dimension to your mixing experience.
With the Sebsongs Modular ST Mixer XL, you're not just getting an ordinary mixer - you're investing in a versatile companion that accommodates detailed control, promotes simultaneous recording, and offers the kind of portability that Eurorack enthusiasts simply adore. If you're in the market for a mixer that marries functionality with sonic fidelity, the ST Mixer XL certainly warrants your attention.
Example Usage
For novice users, the Sebsongs Modular ST Mixer XL offers a simple yet powerful solution for mixing and recording in a eurorack system. Let's say you have a setup with three mono synth voices and a stereo effects module. You want to create a stereo mix with panning and send some of the audio to an external effects processor.
First, connect the output of each mono synth voice to the inputs of channels 1, 2, and 3 on the ST Mixer XL. Adjust the level controls on each channel to balance the volume of each voice.
To create a stereo effect, connect the left output of the effects module to the left input of channel 4, and the right output to the right input of channel 4. Adjust the level control of channel 4 to set the desired effect amount.
Now, let's pan each channel to create a stereo field. Use the panning controls on channels 1, 2, and 3 to position each voice within the stereo mix. For example, you can pan channel 1 slightly to the left, channel 2 to the right, and leave channel 3 centered.
If you want to send some of the audio to an external effects processor, use the aux send control on channels 1, 2, and 3 to adjust the amount of signal being sent. Connect the aux output of the ST Mixer XL to the input of your effects processor. Don't forget to adjust the level control on the effects processor to match the input signal.
Finally, connect your headphones to the PHONES output of the ST Mixer XL and adjust the level control to a comfortable listening level. If you want to record the stereo mix, connect the LINE OUT output to a portable recorder or an audio interface using a 1/8-inch stereo jack cable.
By following these steps, you'll have a beautifully mixed stereo output of your eurorack system with the flexibility to add external effects and the convenience of headphone monitoring and recording. The Sebsongs Modular ST Mixer XL truly is the ultimate eurorack stereo mixer for headphones and recording.
One creative way to utilize the Sebsongs Modular ST Mixer XL in an intermediate-level setup is to create a dynamic stereo effect using a guitar and a delay module.
Begin by connecting the mono output of a guitar module to one of the mono channels of the ST Mixer XL. Adjust the level and panning controls to position the guitar sound in the stereo field.
Next, connect the stereo output of a delay module to one of the stereo channels of the ST Mixer XL. Adjust the level control to desired intensity.
Now, take advantage of the aux send feature of the ST Mixer XL. Connect the aux send output of the mono channel with the guitar to the input of the delay module, allowing you to send the guitar signal to the delay effect.
To add depth and movement to the stereo effect, adjust the delay parameters on the delay module to create rhythmic echoes or swirling trails.
Finally, connect your headphones to the headphone output of the ST Mixer XL and enjoy the immersive stereo experience. If you wish to record the output, connect the line out to a portable recorder or an audio interface.
With the Sebsongs Modular ST Mixer XL, you have a powerful stereo mixer that not only allows you to control the levels and panning of your sound sources but also facilitates the integration of external effects for enhanced creativity and sonic exploration.
Further Thoughts
In a production setup using the Sebsongs Modular ST Mixer XL, you can truly immerse yourself in the stereo field and create captivating spatial effects. Let's envision a scenario where we have a four-voice analog synthesizer setup, each voice routed to a separate mono channel on the ST Mixer XL.
To start off, we'll assign unique panning positions to each voice, creating a wide and dynamic stereo image. Voice 1 could be panned slightly to the left, while Voice 2 to the right. By setting Voice 3 dead center and Voice 4 slightly off-center to the right, we can achieve a balanced and elaborate stereo soundscape.
Next, let's utilize the two stereo channels on the ST Mixer XL to add depth and dimension to our composition. We patch a lush, modulated stereo delay effect into the left input of the stereo channel 1 and a shimmering reverb into the right input of the stereo channel 2. Adjusting the level controls on each channel allows us to blend the synthesized voices with the stereo effects seamlessly.
Now, here comes the creative twist. We engage the aux send on the mono channels for additional sound manipulation. For example, we can patch an envelope follower module to the aux send of Voice 1, modulating the intensity of a spatializing effect. By tweaking the aux send control, we can dynamically introduce and fade out this effect, injecting movement and complexity into our mix.
To finalize our sonic masterpiece, we connect our favorite pair of headphones to the dedicated stereo PHONES output on the ST Mixer XL. The built-in high-quality headphone amplifier ensures that we experience every nuance of our composition with crystal-clear clarity. Simultaneously, we connect a portable recorder to the LINE OUT output using a 1/8 inch stereo jack cable, allowing us to capture our performance on the go or feed the mix directly into a computer audio interface for further processing and editing.
With the Sebsongs Modular ST Mixer XL as the central hub of our setup, we have harnessed the power of stereo imaging, precise panning, and versatile aux sends to transform a simple four-voice analog synth into a vast and immersive sonic journey. Whether composing, experimenting, or recording on the move, this ultimate eurorack stereo mixer delivers exceptional sound quality and flexibility that will surely elevate your music production experience.