the Mixerblocks series is a modular and expandable analog audio mixing console. A variable number of channel strips can be connected like building blocks between themselves and to a main I/O docking-block. Each channel-block can have one or more extra-blocks connected to it, adding supplementary effect sends, returns or submix groups to the configuration.
Musicians, producers and sound-engineers can customize the configuration of their console according to their needs. They can also extend the functionalities of any audio channel with additional features such as FX send/returns, subgroups, etc. Mixerblocks adapts to various music production environments, from home studios to rehearsal rooms to live concerts, and it is compatible to the lifestyle of groups on the go and to the collaborative workflow of music making.
All that’s left to assemble are the controls and a few through-hole parts, making this an easy beginner’s build. Different types of channel strips and extra effects and submixes attach to a Main Docking Block with durable connectors and are fixed into place like the pieces of a puzzle, thanks to the clever design of the MDF enclosure. A basic input channel is available for now, while other types of channels, such as tube preamps and passive equalizers, are currently the subject of design and development.
Inside each channel, the preamp and EQ boards are separate, allowing for various groupings. The current input channel is also designed to be compatible with the Colour format from DiYRE. The project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, to encourage others to design their own compatible blocks and develop the Mixerblocks palette.
The central block for any Mixerblocks console, it powers the channels, it sums up the signals, and sends them to the (balanced) outside world. The signals routed by the Main Docking Block are: the stereo master mix, the stereo submix, two FX sends, their two-respective effect returns, a solo bus (for the phones output), the incoming signals from the extra-blocks.
The master and the submix buses also have FX inserts and balanced outputs. A stereo 10 segment LED vuMeter helps visualizing the output signal while strategically placed clipping LEDs indicate if any signal saturates.
This block contains all the features/modules for a complete channel strip: balanced XLR/jack input, input amp, padding, phase invert, phantom power, EQ, pan, FX sends, master bus and submix bus routing, mute, solo, 60 mm fader, DIYRE Colour insert slot, insert jack). A signal intensity and a clipping LED give visual feedback of the channel’s audio signal. It is powered by, and it sends its signals to the Main Docking Block.
- The extra-blocks connect to the back of a channel or to the back of any other extra-block, as well as between themselves and between channels — right to left — to form a row. A row of extra-blocks is connected to a corresponding Extra-Docking- Block which routes the “extra” signals into the Main Docking-Block, thus adding them to the main mix bus.The Basic Channel Block is available now for 90€ (+20€ for the MDF case). Shipping in February 2018.
- The Main Docking Block is available now for 180€ (+30€ for the MDF case). Shipping in February 2018.
- The Extra Blocks series will follow shortly in March 2018.