Phoenix Audio Nicerizer 16mk2 Summing Mixer
A LEGENDARY TONE MACHINE
Analog Summing In The Digital Age
Recording software companies often brag about their “mixer,” but discerning engineers know that analog summing vastly improves the depth, punch, and articulation of their productions. The Phoenix Nicerizer series summing mixers are legendary for their tone, incorporating features and circuitry that set them apart.
A Summing Mixer (Not Amplifier)
Unlike a stereo mixer, which incorporates a fuller range of features, the Nicerizer is designed as a true summing mixer, bringing key elements like circuit overdrive and panning into the analog realm. Its detented pan-pots offer unmatched precision in stereo placement and ease of recall, contributing to its massive, open sound.
Driving a Versatile, Class-A Input Circuit
The Nicerizer’s unique, transformerless input stage delivers the full frequency spectrum with clarity and punch. Its electronically balanced input can be driven for ultra-clear hi-fi sound, or use the +8dB switch on each channel to drive the circuit for a more saturated, fatter sound.
Legendary Transformer-Balanced Output Stage
Once the stereo signal is mixed, it hits a pair of custom-wound DB694 output transformers coupled with Phoenix’s proprietary, fully discrete DSOP-2 output amplifier. The DSOP-2 offers smooth transitions from ultra-clean tones to beautifully saturated ones.
Extra Features That Quickly Become Essentials
- Width Control – Offers mid/side processing to widen or narrow the stereo image with a simple knob turn.
- Balanced & Unbalanced Compatibility – Accepts balanced and unbalanced signals with no gain loss, perfect for looping through guitar pedals or recording analog synths in real time.
- Stereo Bus Insert – Allows insertion of external gear, such as bus compressors or EQs, onto the main mix bus.
- Independently Controlled Aux Output – Provides an auxiliary output with its own level control, allowing you to bypass the output transformers if desired.
- 2T Return – Monitors an external output source through the onboard headphone amplifier.
- Monitor Select Switch – Monitors individual pairs of channels (1-2, 3-4, etc.), external inputs, or main mix outputs.
- Monitor Select Toggle – Lets you toggle between stereo, mono, left, or right channels for forensic audio analysis.
- LED Meters – Provides visual confirmation of operating levels, crucial for managing gain as you finalize your production.
Key Features
- 16 channels of Class A, discrete, transformerless input stage
- Proven Class A, transformer-balanced DSOP-2 output stage
- Custom Phoenix transformers on both outputs
- 16 individual detented pan controls for precise stereo placement
- +8dB boost switch on each channel
- Balanced inputs and outputs (XLR)
- Stereo bus insert for external processing
- Stereo width control from mono to +25% wider, with bypass switch
- Monitor select switch for individual channel or stereo bus monitoring
- Independently controlled auxiliary output
- LED stereo level monitoring
