MasterSounds launches latest Radius range
- Details
Originally launched in 2016, the two-channel Radius 2 rotary DJ mixer became an instant hit with the high-end DJ and club installation community, and was followed by the introduction of the four-channel Radius 4 mixer, two valve-based versions (the Radius Two and Four Valve), an FX unit and dedicated LinearPOWER supply accessory.
"Four years on, and the brand has seen remarkable growth but the higher production costs of a premium rotary mixer rule them out for DJs on a tighter budget,” explains MasterSounds’ founder, Ryan Shaw. “Designer, Andy Rigby-Jones, and I decided to do something about it, by redesigning the compact Radius 2 and Radius 4 to make them more affordable but without compromising any of the features, the feel, or the audio fidelity of the original model.”
The new generation Radius 2 and 4 offer “clean, open, and dynamic sonic quality on both LINE and RIAA inputs”, as well as improved usability. Both mixers feature easy-reading analogue VU meters, a responsive Master EQ/Isolator, a smooth natural sounding hi-pass filter on each channel, and an AUX send/Return system with insert button for easy integration of external effects, including MasterSounds own FX unit. Radius 4 also includes two mic inputs, selectable via the rear panel.
“The redesign challenge meant going back to the drawing board to see where we could simplify the circuitry without impairing performance. For instance, the Split Composite Passive RIAA stage remains identical to the previous generation but we have simplified the post-fader circuitry. The biggest change was to the internal construction and PCB board shapes, where we have optimised them for maximum efficiency through our in-house fabrication plant which has made them a lot easier to manufacture.”
“What we haven’t compromised on is the quality of the components used, and the third generation mixers all feature Alps pots/switches, close tolerance resistors/capacitors, and Panasonic electrolytics. I am very happy with the result of the engineering changes, and these compact mixers offer exceptional value for money,” explains Union Audio’s Andy Rigby-Jones.
Union Audio has undergone radical changes since Radius 2’s inception four years ago, which has enabled the team to implement the new design changes. Moving into a new unit in 2017, Rigby-Jones has developed a sophisticated design and production facility, coupling traditional analogue engineering with ultra-high specification manufacturing.
“The Radius 2 and 4 hold a special place in my heart, it’s the mixer Andy and I began our audio journey with, and one that gives the user a really unique way of blending records. Both Radius 2 and 4 are desktop products, with a small footprint, which makes them perfect for home, touring, and club use, or all three! It was the right time to re-engineer Radius, giving more DJs the opportunity to experience our wonderful product, at a price unseen given each mixer's quality of build and fidelity of sound,” concludes Shaw.
(Jim Evans)
