Samson Mixpad 9

The construction might be solid steel, but you don't need the strength of Samson to lift this little mixer, as Paul White discovers.

Samson's 9‑channel MixPad 9 is so small, it makes Mackie's 1202 VLZ look like a full‑scale recording console. Measuring a diminutive 239 x 228 x 58mm, the MixPad 9 scores hugely on cuteness, and if you count the two stereo returns, you'll find you can mix up to 13 different signals, which is impressive for a mixer that's no bigger than a mouse mat. There's also a stereo phono tape/CD input, but this is paralleled with the last pair of line inputs, so it can't be counted as independent.

The MixPad 9 is divided into mono mic/line channels and stereo line only channels — in this case, three of each. All three mic/line inputs are electronically balanced with gain trim controls and permanent phantom power, while the three stereo line channels are unbalanced, with separate jacks for the left and right inputs. Using the left input only configures the channel for mono use.

A smooth‑sounding, twin‑band high/low EQ (+/‑ 15dB @ 100Hz and 10kHz) is fitted to all channels, along with one pre‑ and one post‑fade aux send, and a pan/balance control. There are no aux send master controls, though there are level controls for the two stereo returns. Rotary controls are used for the master output and all the channel gains, while the phones level is controlled by the main level pot.

All the line ins and outs work at a nominal +4dBu level, though they will of course handle ‑10dBV signals too, and for convenience, all the audio connectors, with the exception of the mic and tape inputs, are quarter‑inch jacks. The external PSU input is on the rear panel, and the power is switched on from a small button on the front.

Cosmetically, the MixPad 9 combines functionality with the required dash of panache — the steel case has contoured plastic end‑cheeks and a even a mini armrest (for engineers with mini arms?), but perhaps its best design point is the very clear, uncramped control surface. Conventional metering has been forsaken for a couple of peak LEDs, and in spite of slightly wobbly pots, the overall build quality inspires confidence.

Usability

Technically, the MixPad 9 has a respectable ‑128dB (weighted?) equivalent mic input noise, and an audio frequency response extending from 5Hz to in excess of 50kHz, within +/‑ 3dB. The distortion figures are low, the crosstalk figures are typical for this size of mixer and the maximum input level of +22dBu provides adequate headroom. Used with a capacitor mic, the performance was as clean and quiet as I could have wished, with no trace of hiss.

Because there are no unnecessary frills, this is a very simple mixer to use. It simply combines the various inputs to a single stereo output, with the option to apply basic EQ and feed a couple of aux sends. The compromises necessary for a sub‑£200 RRP seem to have been made in features rather than sound quality, so providing you don't need a 4‑buss mixer with insert points or solo buttons, and you can live with the lack of metering, the MixPad 9 is a bargain buy.

Obvious applications include live performance where stereo keyboards need to be mixed with a small number of microphones, or direct‑to‑DAT stereo recording. But the MixPad 9 could also be used to expand a cassette multitrack system that has run out of input channels, or to provide phantom powered mic inputs in a system not normally equipped with them. At a pinch, you could even do multitrack recording if you used the pre‑fade send to provide the to‑tape signal, though this would obviously restrict you to recording one track at a time.

As mixers go, the MixPad 9 is about as simple as you can get, yet it doesn't seem to lack anything in performance. If you need quality without the quantity, this is an inexpensive way to get it.