![]() ![]() ![]() The reverb isn’t too impressive, but the other effects are certainly good enough for live use and basic recording tasks, although you’ll probably get more control and ultimately better sounds from plug-ins within your DAW if you’re connected to a computer. The K-Mix includes onboard DSP effects which are available in either standalone or computer modes – each channel has a three-band EQ, compressor/limiter, and gate, and there’s also a master reverb with sends per channel. I’m short sighted, and I couldn’t truthfully recommend the K-Mix for anybody who has vision problems without them checking those buttons first. I found the text on these buttons virtually impossible to read, no matter what the lighting conditions. Having said that, the initial ‘getting to know you’ phase of this review wasn’t helped by the K-Mix’s tiny blue-backlit buttons. Going LiveĪfter some initial fumbling around, or even, god forbid, reading the manual, the layout’s quite logical and reasonably intuitive. Subjectively, the K-Mix sounds flat and unhyped, and it’s clean and totally usable in the studio, as well as for the more obvious tabletop gig or jam activity. I had no problems getting clean loud signals into and out from the K-Mix, whether using synths or microphones, there’s plenty of headroom. The controls aren’t clinically precise, but they’re certainly good enough for the kind of applications you’d most likely use the K-Mix for. This is a real luxury after all the times I’ve spent calculating input-saving strategies with certain other small interfaces. I hooked up a few hardware noise-makers – Teenage Engineering PO-16, Novation Circuit and Bass Station, Elektron Monomachine, and still had two inputs left, meaning I could connect yet more hardware or a couple of microphones. First ImpressionsĪfter installing the K-Mix Editor software on a Mac, and installing the latest firmware update, I disconnected the K-Mix from the computer, and ran it standalone, connecting the mains power as mentioned previously. Yeah, it’s a lot of stuff in a box – you’re probably getting a clue already about whether this is going to be overkill, or an incredibly convenient centrepiece to your rig. The standalone value is enhanced by the ability to store up to 12 presets internally, and onboard digital effects. 12v and 48v phantom power are available, sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz are supported. This approach makes the K-Mix more streamlined and theoretically less ‘breakable’ than something with a bunch of protruding plastic knobs and faders. Instead, it uses what KMI calls ‘smart sensor fabric’ material under the controls, providing four rotary controls, eight 75mm channel faders, a master fader, and 31 buttons, all of these controls being backlit when appropriate. The K-Mix has no moving parts, which is not so surprising if you’ve seen or used other KMI gear. Using the Editor app to set up MIDI and channel-strip settings If you want MIDI in/out with hardware, you’ll have to use the optional Expander. The channels can be linked into pairs, and up to three stereo aux busses are available – send any track you like to these. There are an awful lot of connections for such a petite box – eight balanced inputs, two of them being XLR/jack combos with Hi-Z instrument input and mic preamps (the preamps are KMI’s proprietary µPre models), eight balanced 1/4” outputs, and a 3.5mm stereo headphone output, which can also function as another stereo output. ![]() Out of the box, the K-Mix impresses with a distinctive, kind-of cool design, measuring 235×167.5 x 40mm, and weighing 7.09kg. ![]() The K-Mix is bus-powered when connected to a computer, but a mains plug is required when standalone or connected to an iPad. The box contains the K-Mix, a USB micro cable for connection to computer or tablet, a USB mini cable for connection to a mains power supply or KMI’s Expander MIDI interface, and a USB-type power supply. True to form, some reinventing of the wheel has occurred this is no ordinary computer audio interface – it’s also a standalone mixer (with surround if you want it), and a MIDI control surface. Until now, it’s been all about controllers for KMI, but that’s changed with the release of the K-Mix. ![]()
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