Phoenix Audio Nicerizer 16-Channel Analog Summing Mixer
AN EVOLUTION OF THE LEGENDARY TONE MACHINE
Analog Summing In The Digital Age
Recording software companies often boast about their “mixer,” but discerning engineers won’t settle for in-the-box mixing when the dimension, punch, and articulation of analog summing can vastly improve their productions. Phoenix’s Nicerizer series summing mixers incorporate features and circuitry that have made it a legendary tone machine.
A Summing Mixer (Not Amplifier)
The distinction between a stereo mixer and a summing amplifier is important when considering your hybrid analog/digital rig. In essence, a mixer incorporates a fuller range of features. The Nicerizer is a true mixer, bringing elements like circuit overdrive and panning back into the analog realm, where they outperform digital emulations. Our detented pan-pots are unmatched for precision stereo placement and recall, contributing to the huge, open sound of the Nicerizer.
Driving a Versatile, Class-A Input Circuit with ‘Drive Technology’
With the Nicerizer, Phoenix takes a modern approach to Class-A circuit design. The unique transformerless input stage delivers the full frequency spectrum with unrivaled clarity and punch. Transformers can slow transients (slew rates), limiting tonal range, but the electronically balanced input stage can be driven modestly for ultra-clear hi-fi sound. Alternatively, engage the drive switch on any of the 16 channels individually to drive the circuit for a fatter, more saturated sound that only discrete Class-A buffer amps and custom-wound output transformers can deliver.
Legendary Transformer-Balanced Output Stage
Once mixed, the stereo signal hits a pair of custom-wound DB694 output transformers, coupled with Phoenix’s proprietary, fully discrete DSOP-2 output amplifier. The DSOP-2, developed by Phoenix’s head designer David Rees, represents the pinnacle of Class-A output circuits, offering a smooth transition from ultra-clean tones to beautifully saturated tones.
Extra Features That Quickly Become Essentials
- Stereo Width Control – The Nicerizer’s width control uses Mid/Side processing to offer a narrower or wider stereo image with a simple knob turn.
- Balanced, Unbalanced: No Problem – The 16 individual inputs accept both balanced and unbalanced signals without gain loss, perfect for looping through guitar pedals or recording MIDI-driven analog synths in real time while mixing.
- Stereo Bus Insert – Strap balanced or unbalanced gear onto the main mix bus, such as a bus compressor or EQ, for added control.
- Independently Controlled Aux Output – Provides an auxiliary output with its own front-panel level control, allowing you to bypass the output transformers for transformerless sound to the final capture device.
- 2T Return – Monitors an external output source through the onboard headphone amplifier, making the Nicerizer a true mixer.
- Monitor Select Switch – Allows monitoring of individual pairs of channels (1-2, 3-4, etc.), external inputs, or the main mix outputs.
- Monitor Select Switch Toggle – Toggle between Left, Right, or Stereo channels for forensic audio analysis on the headphone amp.
- LED Meters – Provides constant visual confirmation of your operating levels, indispensable for managing gain during production.
