The Thermionic Culture Purple Bustard follows the success of the Fat Bustard summing mixer, which featured Attitude, EQ, stereo width, and a big, fat sound, the Thermionic Culture Purple Bustard offers a similar warm-sounding summing mixer with more channels and a lower price, while retaining the unique Attitude control.
The Thermionic Culture Purple Bustard uses the same input circuit and Attitude section as the Fat Bustard, employing the same type of twin triode valves. Instead of including EQs and Stereo Spread, it features a single Air control, which works on the very high end. With no solid-state components in the audio path, the Air control enhances the sound with a velvety sheen typical of the best all-valve equipment, without the harshness sometimes found in solid-state units.
The output stage is similar to that of the Thermionic Culture Purple Bustard, although it uses smaller double triodes for reasons of space and heat. All valves are military specification NOS types. The maximum output level exceeds +20dBV, providing ample headroom for any DAW.
All inputs and outputs are on XLR connectors, with semi-floating inputs and unbalanced outputs. A separate balancing box with two Sowter transformers is available at additional cost.
On the front panel, there are eight toggle switches to switch in pairs of channels, and two more toggles to switch channels 13 to 16 to mono. Controls include a rotary Air control, a six-position Attitude switch, and a matched pair of output level pots. A mains power switch is included, and the Thermionic Culture Purple Bustard’s “eyes” light up and go bloodshot as the volume increases.
The frequency response extends well beyond the audio range until the Attitude is set to maximum, and the cross-talk, phase shift, and signal-to-noise specifications are slightly better than the Thermionic Culture Purple Bustard due to the absence of EQ.
Features
- All valve 16 input summing mixer;
- Each pair of inputs has its own on/off switch;
- Inputs 13 to 16 can be switched to centre;
- Attitude control adds musical 2nd harmonics;
- Air control increases high top end without solid state harshness;
- Frequency response extends well above and below audio range;
- Easily enough output to drive your DAW and very low noise;
- All inputs are “semi-floating” on XLRs;
- Outputs are unbalanced. A separate Balancing Box is an optional extra;
- Shares the same natural warmth as the Fat Bustard;
- Extremely low distortion (< 0.1%) before Attitude is added.
