First to be re-launched is an updated version, the limited edition Urei 1620LE. Tempting though it was to totally re-engineer it, Soundcraft has kept the original circuits and components while engineering it for enhanced reliability. Slight modifications to the circuit layout have been made to minimize noise. With all the sonic qualities retained, users will experience the authentic rotary feel of the 1620, while the panel layout remains as intuitive today as it did in the 1970s.
Features of the 1620LE include six input channels - two phono, and four aux matrix inputs, - three line and one mic, available with optional phono, line or mic plug in options - headphone monitoring of any input, balanced house and booth master output volume controls, and two-band EQ on the master output.
With gold-plated connectors on the rear for quality of connection, the new 1601 and 1601S are two-channel Digital mixers - perhaps the ultimate scratch mixers for tablists. Designed with the Hip Hop DJ in mind with a clear battle area around the faders, the 1601 features selectable line or phono inputs and three-band EQ on each channel, high-pass filters for removing turntable rumble or stage noise, an FX send and return loop with selectable signal feed locations and an independent mic/line input with two-band EQ. Each input fader has selectable response curves, as does the cross-fader. The headphone outputs (both ΒΌ" and mini-jack connectors are provided) have an EQ control that allows the DJ to tune the phones to his own ears. Two independent sets of dual 10-segment LED meters show the input and output levels. Outputs are on both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA-Phono connectors.
A specially-designed Exciter section has a variable frequency control, and a mix control to allow the excited programme to be added to the main mix. The 1601 is powered by an integral universal voltage power supply.The 1601S is a multi genre mixer, covering House, Techno, Breaks, Drum and Bass and R&B etc. Identical to the 1601 with the added feature of a high-performance two-bank 32 beat 96kHz/24-bit auto looping sampler with one-shot and reverse functions. The playback from either sample bank is assignable to channel 1 and/or channel 2. A BPM lock indicator shows that the BPM engine is ready to sample, and a footswitch connector allows control while the DJ's hands remain focussed on creating the mix. To aid in field servicing, the input faders, cross fader, CF monitor fader, sampler controls, input select switches and EQ pots on the 1601 Series are all user-replaceable.
Further mixers in the Urei Series are planned for 2005.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
