Heritage Audio Mix Buddy

Heritage Audio MIX BUDDY — a 19-input / 8-output desktop mixer built around instrument-level sources, using Toshiba 2SK JFET gain buffers, a dedicated mic preamp, and a transformer-based 73 DI on the main output.

The design breaks from the usual mic/line-first mixer layout where instruments are an afterthought. Eight HI GAIN inputs (4 stereo pairs) and six UNITY inputs (3 stereo pairs) handle low-output and high-output instrument sources on separate JFET-based paths, alongside a balanced stereo line input, a stereo FX return, and a dedicated mic channel offering up to 70 dB of gain with phantom power. Master Main Out runs through Heritage Audio's own 73 DI circuit with custom transformers, while a second master output stays transformerless and neutral.

Separate paths for passive and active instruments

Splitting inputs into HI GAIN and UNITY solves the problem anyone hits when plugging a passive bass, a modular synth, and a drum machine into a standard line mixer — something is always too quiet or clipping at the input. The HI GAIN channels, with their 12 dB JFET buffers, are voiced for passive sources such as passive basses and vintage electric pianos, rewarding harder input with creamy JFET saturation rather than noise. The UNITY channels stay neutral for higher-output sources. Every instrument channel switches between stereo and mono + THRU, where the THRU output preserves the source's original impedance — letting you send a signal into the mix and out to a stage amp or outboard processor at the same time, without extra DI boxes.

An AUX loop that replaces plugin effects with real pedals

Every channel has its own AUX send with pre/post-fader selection, and a global FX ON/OFF switch lets you A/B with and without effects instantly. Since the loop runs at instrument level, the mic channel's signal can be routed straight through guitar pedals — chorus, delay, reverb, distortion — and returned to the mix via the stereo FX return. This addresses a workflow producers and vocalists have wanted for a while: processing vocals through analog pedals in real time, without building a separate signal chain or adding extra hardware.

KEY FEATURES

• 19 inputs / 8 outputs in a compact desktop format
• 4 stereo pairs (8 channels) of HI GAIN inputs on Toshiba 2SK JFET buffers, 12 dB gain
• 3 stereo pairs (6 channels) of UNITY inputs on JFET buffers with no added coloration
• Balanced stereo line input
• Dedicated JFET mic preamp with up to 70 dB gain and phantom power
• Stereo / mono + THRU switching on every instrument channel
• Full per-channel AUX section with a global FX ON/OFF switch
• Two independent balanced master outputs
• Built-in headphone amp with dedicated level control

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Format: desktop mixer
• Inputs: 19, Outputs: 8
• HI GAIN channels: 2SK JFET buffers, 12 dB gain
• UNITY channels: 2SK JFET buffers, unity gain
• Mic preamp: JFET input stage, up to 70 dB gain
• Master Main Out: Heritage Audio 73 DI circuit, custom transformers, switchable line/mic level
• Main Out 2: transformerless output
• Headphone output with independent level control