Recording software companies often boast about their built-in mixers, but experienced engineers know that digital mixing alone cannot match the dimension, punch, and clarity that true analogue summing provides. The Phoenix Audio Nicerizer series was created to deliver that analogue warmth and definition, using carefully developed circuitry that has earned a strong reputation among professionals.
The Phoenix Audio Nicerizer is not just a summing amplifier but a fully featured summing mixer. This distinction is important, as it brings essential functions like panning and circuit overdrive back into the analogue domain, where they offer a clear advantage over digital equivalents. Each channel includes a detented pan control, allowing precise stereo placement and reliable recall. This is one of the elements responsible for the wide and detailed sound of the Phoenix Audio Nicerizer.
Phoenix Audio’s approach to Class A circuit design combines clarity with flexibility. The transformerless input stage delivers the full frequency spectrum with speed and accuracy, free from the slower response time of transformer-based inputs. For those seeking a more coloured, saturated tone, each of the 16 channels includes a drive switch that can be used to push the Class A discrete buffers, introducing harmonic richness and character.
Once signals are summed, they pass through Phoenix’s custom DB694 output transformers, powered by the discrete DSOP-2 output amplifier. Developed by designer David Rees as an upgrade to vintage Neve circuits, the DSOP-2 represents a refined and powerful take on Class A output stages. It delivers smooth, controlled output whether you’re after transparent sound or saturated analogue tone.
The Phoenix Audio Nicerizer includes a range of extra features designed for practical use in modern studios. The stereo width control applies Mid/Side processing to allow mix engineers to easily narrow or widen the stereo image. This simple tool can bring focus to a loose mix or reveal depth in more dense productions.
The 16 input channels of the Phoenix Audio Nicerizer can handle both balanced and unbalanced signals without any of the typical 6 dB level drop, making it ideal for incorporating guitar pedals, outboard synths, or other devices without compromise. Insert points on the stereo mix bus let users patch in compression or EQ, offering flexibility during mixdown or mastering sessions.
An independently controlled auxiliary output is available just before the output transformers, with its own level control on the front panel. This can be used to feed external monitor amplifiers or bypass the transformer stage entirely for a cleaner output path.
A 2-track return input allows external playback sources to be monitored via the built-in headphone amplifier, reinforcing the unit’s role as a full mixer rather than just a summing box. The Monitor Select Switch enables users to isolate any stereo channel pair or external source for focused listening, whether checking stems, reference mixes, or hardware units.
Once a source is selected, the Toggle switch allows you to monitor either the left or right channel in mono or both together in stereo through the headphone amp. This function is particularly useful for critical listening and analysis of mix details.
The front-panel LED meter array of the Phoenix Audio Nicerizer provides constant, clear visual feedback of levels based on the selected monitor source. It is an essential tool for managing gain structure throughout mixing and mastering workflows.
Features
- Discrete Class A input stage for each of the 16 channels
- DSOP-2 Class A output stage with transformer balancing
- Individual pan controls for all 16 input channels
- +8 dB boost switch on every channel
- Balanced XLR inputs that accept both balanced and unbalanced signals with no signal loss
- Stereo mix bus with independent left and right signal paths
- Insert points on left and right busses via 1⁄4 in TRS jacks
- Front-panel LED metering for visual level monitoring per channel and main output
- Headphone monitoring with stereo/mono selection per channel or full mix
- Monitor output on 1⁄4 in TRS jacks
- Main output on balanced XLR connectors
- Stereo width control with loss-less bass, pannable from mono to +25 % wider
- Bypass switch for width control for true A/B comparison
- Main mix level control for setting final output level
- High headroom throughout the signal path
- Modular, linkable design for expanding summing channels via stacking
