The A-Designs MIX FACTORY is a new approach to out-of-the-box summing for engineers and producers demanding more from their sound and workflow. The A-Designs MIX FACTORY is far more than a simple summing unit. It delivers the analogue warmth, depth and stereo imaging needed to make a mix stand apart.
The A-Designs MIX FACTORY was conceived by Tony Shepperd, known for his work in Gospel, R&B and Rock, designed by respected audio engineer Paul Wolff, and built by A-Designs Audio, the company behind the Pacifica, Ventura, REDDI, Hammer 2 and Nail. Initially a strong believer in mixing entirely in the digital domain, Shepperd discovered the sonic benefits of combining digital precision with analogue tone. By blending the two, he arrived at a hybrid workflow that elevated the quality of his mixes, drawing interest from other engineers eager to learn his techniques.
After extensive research and development, the result was the A-Designs MIX FACTORY. It offers 16 channels across two D-sub inputs, summed to a stereo XLR output. Each channel features a continuously variable gain knob, a centre-detented pan control, and a mute switch with an integrated LED signal indicator. The LED glows green when signal is present and turns red when muted, with brightness reflecting signal strength.
Channels are grouped into two banks, 1–8 and 9–16, each with its own insert point for adding external EQ or compression. A master insert path allows processing across all 16 channels, with mute switches available for each insert.
A pushbutton switch lets users choose between a clean signal path or a more coloured, tonal option by engaging custom Cinemag output transformers. This feature gives users the ability to apply analogue character when desired, or retain maximum transparency when not.
The A-Designs MIX FACTORY can also be linked, enabling summing of 64 channels or more. This modularity creates a console-like experience within a rackmount format. It is powered by a robust external supply that supports both 120V and 230V operation. This ensures stable and consistent performance in any studio environment.
While many summing boxes exist, none offer the tonal flexibility, workflow integration and sonic detail of the A-Designs MIX FACTORY. It brings a distinctive character and image to your mixes that simply stands out.
Features
- Solid state design
- Custom milled aluminium knobs
- Custom output transformers
- 2RU rack space
- External power supply
- Balanced XLR output
- 16 gain controls
- 2 master gain controls for channels 1–8 and 9–16
- 1 grand master gain control
- 16 pan controls
- Master insert
- Insert for channels 1–8
- Insert for channels 9–16
- 16 mute switches
- Transformer in/out switch
- 22 colour changing switches
- LED array
- Linking XLRs for more channels
