Dangerous Music has announced the introduction of the 2-BUS-XT, a 16-channel, next-generation mastering-grade analog summing mixer that incorporates new transformer-driven circuitry that is designed to offer unique custom coloration capabilities.
The new 2-BUS-XT leverages the six-layer board summing circuitry of the 2-BUS+ designed by company co-founder Chris Muth to produce wide stereo imaging and high-resolution depth of field with ample headroom. The 2-BUS-XT allows users to dial in as little or as much complexity and excitement to their tracks as they wish via two custom color circuits, also designed by Muth.
The transformers in the new color circuits were chosen following extensive listening trials and are designed to subtly introduce 2nd-order harmonics to produce lower mid-range warmth while preserving top-end articulation. A variable Coherence control creates dimensional asymmetry by progressively elevating the harmonic content by bringing up the detail as the levels are reduced then blending the result with the source mix, in a similar manner to parallel compression. The color circuitry can be assigned to one or both of channels 15 and 16 or to the mix bus or assigned to an aux send from the DAW. The associated switches offer a true hard-wire bypass of the color circuitry.
Two mono buttons across input pairs 1-2 and 9-10 enable sources such as vocals or kick drum to be solidly anchored to the center of the stereo mix. A sum level output trim enables users to manually fade a mix in real time or set the level before A-to-D conversion and final mix buss processing.
Multiple 16-channel 2-BUS-XT units may be stacked to accommodate higher channel counts through the external input. The unit may additionally be paired with the Dangerous 2-BUS+ to give users a total of five different analog color circuit options or with the D-BOX+ to add comprehensive monitor control and 24 channels of summing.
Previewed at the recent NAMM Show and scheduled to begin shipping in Q4 2022, the new 2-BUS-XT can be pre-ordered from any Dangerous Music dealer. MSRP is $1,999.
