The MFocusrite Mixmaster provides straightforward yet powerful processing options that address every element of the mix, giving you a quick path to achieving that elusive, polished sound of a hit record. In just a few minutes, you can add punch, width, and brilliance to your mix, all with the signature transparency and sonic integrity that have defined Focusrite’s reputation.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Focusrite Blue Mastering range, a favourite among professional mastering engineers worldwide, the Focusrite Mixmaster refines the final balance and dynamic energy of your mix, enhances stereo width, and restores essential elements that may have been lost during the mixing process.
Stereo Expander
The stereo expander acts as a soft noise gate, effectively reducing unwanted background noise without introducing harshness. With just two controls and an LED display for monitoring, managing the noise floor is straightforward and intuitive.
Stereo Spectral Compressor
The Stereo Spectral Compressor is a powerful multiband compressor with three adjustable bands: Low, Mid, and High. Each band is visually represented, providing essential control over different frequency ranges.
Unlike traditional broadband compressors that might cause undesirable pumping effects (e.g., when a loud kick drum triggers the compressor), the Focusrite Mixmaster allows for independent compression of each band.
This feature is invaluable for taming specific elements like a kick drum, vocals, or hi-hats by using the respective LF, MID, or HF bands. With just 5 knobs and 2 buttons, you can easily shape your sound, both audibly and visually.
The included “LF slope adjust” switch also lets you shift the LF/mid crossover point from 200 Hz to 100 Hz, instantly enhancing the bass response for dance mixes with a single flick.
Stereo EQ
The Focusrite Mixmaster includes a three-band stereo EQ with stepped frequency shelving for the high (HF) and low (LF) bands, and a stepped parametric mid band. The “tilt” function provides gentle emphasis or de-emphasis at the top or bottom of the spectrum, ideal for subtle EQ adjustments across the entire mix—an essential mastering tool.
This Focusrite EQ is designed to add clarity and musicality, subtly refining the tonal balance of your mix.
Analogue Spatial Enhancer
This feature widens the stereo image to create a more expansive and immersive mix. Slight adjustments can push the image beyond the usual stereo boundaries, adding depth and dimension to your sound. Conversely, narrowing the stereo field can create a tighter, more focused mix.
Unlike many other width enhancers, the Focusrite Mixmaster avoids phase coherence issues by allowing critical centrally-panned elements (e.g., lead vocals or kick drums) to be added to the mix after stereo enhancement, ensuring clarity and balance.
Output Control
The output section of the Focusrite Mixmaster provides precise control over stereo balance and trim before the A/D converter or analogue outputs. For additional protection, the stereo frequency-adaptive limiter can be engaged, complete with its own LED meter, to prevent digital ‘overs’ and ensure clean, undistorted output.
Digital Connectivity
The Focusrite Mixmaster is equipped with a high-quality built-in A/D converter, providing pristine conversion of stereo signals before they leave the unit. This eliminates the need for additional circuitry post-mastering when transferring to digital recording media.
The 24-bit converter offers 128x oversampling and supports sample rates up to 96kHz, with S/PDIF, AES/EBU outputs, and a BNC word clock connector. It also includes the option to dither down to 16 or 20 bits, if needed. An ADC lock LED indicates when the converter is successfully synchronised with your digital recording media.
