What is the analog summing mixer?

The summing mixer is an analog hardware (audio mixer) for turning (mixing) multitracks into a master stereo L/R.

While a digital system (eg. digital mixer, DAW mixer) rounds off all values for level, pan, eq-ing and compression, the analog summing technique operates with an infinitely high resolution, causing no rounding errors or digital distortions. The analog domain offers a number of great advantages like pleasant harmonics compared to the simple “DAW bounce-function”. In digital and analog audio, headroom refers to the amount by which the signal-handling capabilities of an audio system exceed a designated nominal level.

Analog audio mixing is the process by which multiple sounds are combined into one or more channels. In the process, a source’s volume level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated or enhanced. This practical, aesthetic, or otherwise creative treatment is done in order to produce a finished version that is appealing to listeners. Also is a process of mixing down recorded tracks to a single stereo track, so it can be printed or rendered to a final stereo file. (source wikipedia)

Why analog summing mixer?

Summing Mixer is simply combining summing DAW interface audio sound card outputs, or external synthesizer, drum machine audio output signals are summed analogue domain.

What exactly does a summing mixer?

Beside of combining signals, It provides Headroom – buffer safe zone for harmonics, transients or loud sounds without risking clipping, which result a more dynamic open and wide, depth 3D sound, just like the good old analog days. Read more about on Vintage Maker Summing Mixer analog summing site.

When mixing on a computer, ie. DAW (DAWs are used for the production and recording of music, songs, speech, radio, television, soundtracks, podcasts, sound effects and nearly any other situation where complex recorded audio is needed)many prefer to sum the tracks in the analog domain, which can result in more depth of field and a wider, more defined stereo image.

Digital summing is performed by software (Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper, Ableton etc.) inside a computer, these processes are done mathematically inside a computer employing complex binary arithmetic or floating point calculations.

Why Passive Summing mixer have gain loss?

Roughly, the passive summing network have summing resistors placed on each channel input. This resistor (Vishay Dale) provides load isolation and improves channel to channel isolation, since the voltage gain of the amplifier and the signal loss across the summing resistor compensates the gain across the summing buss and amplifier is 1 or unity gain. A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element. In electronic circuits, resistors are used to reduce current flow, adjust signal levels, to divide voltages.

The Vintage Maker Passive Summing mixer come by 3 type of gain make up requirements, by this easy can fit the passive summing to an existing external microphone preamp pr DAW interface mic preamp or instrument line input

Extra Low: -6.5dB

LOW: -15dB gain up ideal for entry level preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input

MID: -20dB gain up ideal for mid range preamps or DAW mic pre or instrument input

HIGH: -25dB (or more) gain up ideal for high range preamps like Neve, Api, Avalon or DAW mic pre

By prior consultation the mixer can be designed for your / customer DAW mic preamp working range, so by this you can use your DAW interface mic preamp without any compromises. You can customize your desired summing setup here

Active Summing Mixer

Active analog summing mixers have complex circuitry that provides additional amplification. An audio amplifier is an electronic amplifier that amplifies low-power electronic audio signals. An amplifier, electronic amplifier or (informally) amp is an electronic device that can increase the power of a signal (a time-varying voltage or current). It is a two-port electronic circuit that uses electric power from a power supply to increase the amplitude of a signal applied to its input terminals, producing a proportionally greater amplitude signal at its output.(wikipedia)