HUM Audio N-Closure 6 (Empty Frame) is an 11U rackmount housing designed for up to six N-Strip modules from the N-TROPHY console — ordered separately from the channel strip modules, allowing studio expansion precisely as needed. The housing provides power, internal wiring, and rear-panel connectors for all six slots; empty slots are filled with blank panels. The N-Closure 6 rear panel carries a full complement of balanced XLR and combo sockets — identical to those on the N-TROPHY channel section — for each of the six slots: global line inputs for external sidechain compressor/limiter circuits, per-channel insert loop inputs and outputs, and channel line outputs with a selectable output tap point — after the preamp or after full channel processing. The built-in power supply handles up to six N-Strip modules, each with an ECC88 tube compressor.
Modular expansion without equipment replacement
The N-Closure 6 can be ordered with any number of installed modules — from zero to six — with additional N-Strip modules purchased and installed independently at any point. This distinguishes it from conventional channel strip racks with fixed configurations: the investment does not require purchasing a full build upfront, and the system grows with the studio. Every slot in the N-Closure 6 is electrically identical — modules can be installed and swapped without touching the housing's internal wiring. For engineers who want console ergonomics without a full console, the N-Closure 6 provides a console-style vertical module layout with each channel's full front panel visible simultaneously. For comparison: the N-Closure 2 (4U, 2 slots) targets stereo recording applications — drum overheads, piano, acoustic guitar — or as a compact two-channel preamp/processor pair; the N-Closure 6 addresses drum recording setups, multi-channel tracking, and full instrument sections.
Rear panel and power supply
The N-Closure 6 rear panel carries balanced XLR and combo sockets — identical to those on the N-TROPHY channel section — for each of the six slots. Per-slot connections: a global line input for the external sidechain circuit (all installed channels include a switch to select which KEY input they use); insert loop input and output; and a channel line output with a selectable output tap point — after the preamp or after all processing in the channel. An AC power socket on the rear panel feeds the built-in supply, which powers up to six N-Strip modules including their ECC88 tube compressors. Empty slots are covered with blank panels — no open bays in the housing regardless of how many modules are installed. Hand-built in Poland.
KEY FEATURES
- 11U rack housing for up to 6 N-Strip modules (modules sold separately)
- Modular expansion: 0 to 6 modules, purchased and installed independently at any time
- Rear panel with full XLR and combo socket complement per slot (identical to N-TROPHY channel section)
- Per-slot connections: global sidechain KEY input (XLR), insert in/out (XLR), channel line output (XLR)
- Selectable channel line output tap: after preamp or after full channel processing
- All channels with access to global AUX 7+8 sidechain buses
- Built-in AC power supply supporting up to 6 N-Strip modules with ECC88 tube compressors
- Empty slots covered with blank panels — clean, safe housing at any fill level
- Console-style vertical module layout — full front panel of each channel visible simultaneously
- Smaller version: N-Closure 2 (4U, 2 slots) for stereo applications
- Compatible exclusively with HUM Audio N-Strip modules
- Hand-built in Poland
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: empty rackmount housing for up to 6 N-Strip modules
- Housing size: 11U rack
- Module slots: 6 (N-Strip modules sold separately)
- Rear panel per slot: global KEY input (XLR), insert in XLR, insert out XLR, channel line output XLR/combo
- Channel line output tap: selectable — after preamp or after full channel processing
- Power: AC mains, built-in supply (supports up to 6 N-Strip modules with tube compressors)
- Empty slot coverage: blank panels included
- Compatible modules: HUM Audio N-Closure N-Strip modules only
- Production: hand-built, Poland
