Many musicians dealing with electronic music or start making music, use often KORG Volcas. They sound good, affordable to buy, small and convenient to take with you. There has been a big problem with the devices for a long time. It’s missing a Volca mixer with which one can mix several Volca devices perfectly. Many musicians have already asked KORG if they can bring out a Volca mixer but until today there is no official release planed.
A small developer with the name KVgear from the US has presented at this year’s Knobcon the VIXEN mixer and since today it’s available for pre-order from Kickstarter. Not the perfect name to sell a device in the German language area but very good decision to develop such a mixer.
The VIXEN is a volca-sized mixer with 8 audio channels, panning, mutes, 2 aux send/returns, and an onboard power for 8 Volcas. It can be powered by batteries or with an included AC power adapter. Excellent here is that the entire device is designed in the same size as the beloved KORG Volcas. The Vixen has 3.5 mm (1/8″) mini jacks on each audio channel for easy connection to small synths without the need for adapters. Your adapter-less existence continues as you connect to/from external effects boxes and monitors through standard 6.35 mm (1/4″) jacks.
Visibility is important, whether you’re in a dimly lit studio or outdoors in the sun. All knobs on the Vixen have painted indicator lines. Graphics on the control panel are crisp, clear and as large as possible. The translucent top panel allows LEDs to be visible for Mute, Power, and VU meters. The Vixen has the same footprint as a Volca, allowing it to fit into most Volca stands and racks. KVgear stands such as the Lobe V3 and V4, Volc 45-2, -3, and -4, and Ramp Racks (3 sizes) are perfect matches for the Vixen.
The Vixen can be powered by any of three sources: external AC mains power supply (included), internal AA batteries (batteries not included), or an external mega battery that you provide. All synths connected to the power hub (using optional power cables) can draw power directly from the Vixen, eliminating piles of batteries or wall warts.
Features:
Audio
Channels 1-6
- Mono 3.5 mm input jack (accepts TR or TRS plug)
- Mute button w/ LED indicator
- Gain knob
- Pan knob
- Aux Send 1 knob
- Aux Send 2 knob
Channel 7
- Stereo 3.5 mm input jack
- Mute button w/ LED indicator
- Gain knob
Channel 8
- Stereo 3.5 mm input jack
- Mute button w/ LED indicator
- Gain knob
Aux Send 1 and 2
- 6.35 mm (1/4″) mono jacks
Aux Return 1 and 2
- 6.35 mm (1/4″) jacks for L/mono and R
- Stereo gain knob
Main Out (stereo)
- Stereo gain knob
- 6.35 mm (1/4″) jacks for L/mono and R
Phones Out (stereo)
- Stereo gain knob
- 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo jack
Power Input
The Vixen mixer can be powered from any of three sources:
- External AC-DC power supply included with each mixer. Depending on your shipping address, you’ll receive a mains power cord for USA, UK, or EU wall sockets. Customers with other wall outlet types can purchase their own IEC 320-C7 power cord.
- Internal battery compartment for 6 AA batteries that you provide.
- High capacity, rechargeable external 9 VDC battery attached to the power input jack on the Vixen. You will need an adapter plug with a 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel plug. Depending upon demand, KVgear might produce an adapter plug.
Another important feature is that you can power also other products with this mixer. The power hub and cables will be compatible with the following:
- ARP Odyessey
- CLIPHIT
- electribe, electribe sampler
- KAOSS PAD KP3+
- KAOSSILATOR PRO+
- KR mini
- KROSS
- microKORG XL, microKORG XL+
- microSTATION
- minilogue
- monologue
- monotribe
- MS-20 mini
- Pitchblack Pro
- RK-100S
- tinyPIANO
- Volca bass, beats, fm, keys, sample, sample OK GO edition, kick
- WAVEDRUM Global Edition, WAVEDRUM Mini
The VIXEN mixer will be available in December for a price of $219 USD (black design), $245 USD (blue limited edition) and $199 USD in a DIY version. An AC adapter is included in the package.
More information here: KVgear VIXEN
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