The t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB – Best Budget Analog Mixer

The analog mixing console, the t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB, is far from being an extinct species. While digital mixers have advantages in many areas, for quickly blending a few analog signals into a stereo bus, analog mixers are unrivaled in terms of handling. Thomann has established its own brand, the t.mix, offering an excellent price-performance ratio.

Overview of the t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB Analog Mixer

The t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB is a 12-channel mixer, with channels 1 to 6 being classic mono channels, followed by two stereo channels and an RCA stereo input, totaling 12 channels. The t.mix series is part of Thomann’s T-Series of mixers and consoles.

These OEM-manufactured products are mostly made in China and are known for their very affordable price-performance ratio. Given Thomann’s distribution structure, which bypasses the wholesale margin, it’s easy to see how they can offer a 12-channel mixer for just €195 while still making economic sense.

In this article, we’ll examine the specific features of the t.mix series and see if there are any compromises due to the incredibly low price.

Construction of the t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB

A small slider in the master section allows the first six channels to provide 48V phantom power to the XLR input sockets. Additionally, each of the first six channels has a TRS socket that can handle both balanced and unbalanced signals.

A switchable high-pass filter, engaging at 80 Hz, is available to filter out low-frequency noises, such as footfall, which can be particularly disruptive in vocal recordings.

A continuous rotary knob allows for the adjustment of XLR signals between -16 dB and -60 dB, and line signals from +10 dB to -34 dB. The first six channels also feature a 3-band equalizer with midrange detents.

Interestingly, while the high-frequency range is set at 12 kHz and the low-frequency range at 80 Hz, the midrange is set at 1 kHz, which is significantly lower than the typical 2.5 kHz found in most mixers of this type. This can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the signal.

To visually differentiate between sections, the t.mix uses three colors: blue for the equalizer section, red for the aux and effect path section, and white for the panorama/balance function. Moving on to the aux and FX section, the analog mixer has an aux control that can be switched pre-fader or post-fader with a push-button.

Below it is the FX control for accessing the internal multi-FX unit, followed by a panorama control for stereo image distribution.

Unfortunately, the knobs are not countered on the housing surface and therefore have considerable lateral play, giving a somewhat indirect feel to the controls. The lack of countering, however, is understandable given the economic constraints and would otherwise increase production costs significantly.

The channel strip concludes with a PFL switch with an associated LED, a peak LED, and a 70 mm fader. The faders are somewhat stiff, which might feel less smooth but reduces the chance of accidental adjustments.

The Stereo Channels

Channels 7 and 8, as well as 9 and 10, lack a midrange or gain control. However, channel pair 7 and 8 has a pad switch to attenuate particularly strong line signals. Channels 9 and 10 include a switch to select between analog input signals and the digital signal from the USB port.

The Master Section

The master section is primarily dominated by the built-in effects unit and its associated controls for mix ratio. Additionally, there are two master volume controls. Interestingly, these faders are spaced far apart, making it difficult to operate them with one finger, which might be a slight inconvenience for studio use.

The effects unit offers 16 programs, including a small selection of modulation effects like chorus, flanger, and phaser. The majority of the presets are reverb programs, with a few delay programs as well. Two 12-segment LED chains display the master level, and three additional LEDs indicate the mixer’s operating status, FX device status, and phantom power.

The Digital Player

A unique feature of this analog mixer is the digital player located in the upper right section, which can receive signals via USB, an SD card slot, or Bluetooth. Six small buttons control the player, allowing you to play background music or backing tracks during live performances.

Tip: If you use your mobile phone for this task, be sure to enable airplane mode to avoid interruptions from incoming calls during performances.

The mixer also includes two stereo outputs for the main mix (XLR and TRS sockets) and a control room output for studio use, with its own volume control. There’s also a headphone jack and a footswitch connection for bypassing effects.

Conclusion

The t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB is an excellent option for music producers and sound engineers, especially those on a budget or in need of a secondary, portable mixer. It strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, offering essential features like USB connectivity, built-in effects, and sufficient channel inputs.

For those just starting or needing a reliable, versatile mixer for smaller projects, live performances, or as a backup unit, the t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB is definitely worth considering. However, for more demanding, high-end studio work, professionals might find themselves looking for mixers with more advanced features and higher build quality.

Ultimately, its value for money, combined with a practical feature set, makes it a compelling choice for various audio mixing needs. If you’re a music producer or sound engineer looking for a cost-effective yet functional mixing console, the t.mix xmix 1202 FXMP USB is certainly worth a try.