[sdiy] Voltage Controlled Mixer

[J. Larry Hendry]

I love the little Simmons mixer.  I used one for live gigs for many years to
automate the keyboard mix sent to the PA.  But, as Peter pointed out, they
are noisy, and the power supply is inside the unit without proper
ventilation.  I had to take a drill to my case and add a small muffin fan to
keep it cool.  IMO, the noise level makes them unsuitable for recording, but
fine for live.

If you are considering this route, I would like to point out two other
mixers to consider. Both of these can remember mix programs and they can be
called up from MIDI like the Simmons.  And, like the Simmons, both are
available only used. A big one is the Akai MPX820 which is a fairly typical
implementation of a 8 in 2 out mixer with EQ and aux sends.  But, the very
interesting one that is smaller and quieter (no eq) is the Akai MB76.  This
is a 7 in 6 out matrix mixer housed completely in a 1U rack space.  It could
be used to automate 6 separate levels to the input of a house mixer still
keeping them separate because of the 6 outs.  It is limited to only 32
programs though IIRC.  Oops, looks like I own one each of these too.  Maybe
I need to have a sale. LOL....

Larry H

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Peter Snow <psnow at magma.ca>
To: Synth-DIY <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Have you considered some of the older MIDI controlled mixers such as the
"Simmons 8:2"?  The MIDI stream is converted to analog levels which are used
to control muktiplexers, S/H's and VCA's. Mine is a little noisy at very low
levels but you cannot hear that when you're rockin'!