Rodec

(Originally written by warazor/translated from Audiofanzine FR) 100% analog mixer with a huge headroom. You can fully turn up the gain, EQ and master controls and still no distortion, you have endless headroom... XLR master output (the famous 3.3-volt Rodec) and RCA Master output 2 on RCA connectors (you have no XLR on master 2). 5 channels: 3 phono + 1 line/line + 1 line/mic also used as return for external effects (I never used it). UTILIZATION Very simple, very clear. High-quality fader and sloped design (I mention it because it's not everybody's taste!) Crossfader: forget about scratching (anyway it would make no sense with only 25%), but it does what it's supposed to do very well. Accurate VU-meters (except in the overload area, but that shouldn't happen if you boost with the master fader instead of the channel gain controls). Faders curve: linear SOUNDS Regarding what has been written below, I believe Rodec has the best EQs (except maybe for the Technics SHMZ1200). They are musical but don't cut (and it's good so because I'm fed up with those mixers that have nasty kill EQs). Although the Rodec master output is excellent (you need a big P.A. system to actually feel it), I do agree that Xones models sound better. But concerning reliability, Rodec is better! The EQ knobs are a bit too tight... OVERALL OPINION I give it 10/10: indestructible mixer with huge headroom and exceptional EQ. Rodec mixers are top-of-the-line and once you've seen one you'll forget their dull pictures on the web... It's a mixer for vinyl and analog sound fans, for big sound lovers (although it should also match perfectly with a pair of CDJs or a Serato). It's not cheap but if you know what you want, you'll keep it for life...