The Oscillator Devices SIREN8X is a 4-channel MIDI-controlled stereo mixer featuring four fully analog stereo channels. Each channel provides independent level control from -100 dB (mute) up to +10 dB of gain, while a dedicated master volume control adjusts the overall output level. For maximum flexibility, the Tip and Ring levels of every channel, including the master output, can be adjusted independently. The SIREN8X is designed to handle both instrument level and line level signals.
Each channel offers independent phase inversion and mono summing. This allows the SIREN8X to operate not only as a stereo mixer but also as a mono mixer with up to eight channels. Mono and stereo signal paths can be used simultaneously, making the SIREN8X well suited for complex routing setups, wet/dry rigs, and multi-amplifier systems.
Every channel includes two independent LFOs for volume modulation. Multiple waveforms, including sine, square, and forward or reverse ramp, are available. The LFOs can run freely with periods ranging from 100 ms to 1.2 s or be synchronized to MIDI clock for tempo-based modulation effects.
All parameters can be controlled via MIDI, and 32 onboard presets allow complete setups to be stored and recalled instantly.
Features:
- Up to 4 stereo channels, 8 mono channels, or any combination in between
- Smooth volume control via MIDI
- Fully analog signal path
- High quality, low noise buffers
- From -100 dB attenuation (Mute) to +10 dB gain
- Designed for instrument and line level
- TRS and TS compatible outputs
- 4×2 independent LFOs with 4 waveforms
- LFO tempo set by MIDI clock or free running
- 32 user presets
- Compatible with all MIDI 1.0 compliant controllers
- High-quality Neutrik connectors
- Developed and built by Oscillator Devices in Germany
Overview
An overview of a single channel is shown below. The volume controls are located directly after the input buffer. The optional mono sum either leaves the stereo signals unchanged or sums them and routes the resulting mono signal to both Tip and Ring. After optional phase inversion, the signals enter the main mixers, where they are summed with the signals from the other three identical channels. After passing through an additional master volume stage, the signals are routed to the output buffer.
Applications
The SIREN8X was designed with two applications in mind. Mixing of different audio sources and parallel FX routing.
Mixing of different audio sources
The SIREN8X can handle both instrument and line level signals. The input impedance of 1MΩ is perfect as an instrument input and is perfectly fine for line level signals as long as there is sufficient headroom. The SIREN8X uses internal voltage boost circuits to achieve a headroom of +14.8 dBu or 12Vpp.
When mixing different sources it’s important to support stereo inputs on TRS connectors and mono inputs on TS connectors. For the latter the SIREN8X features a mono summing cicruit that, among others, distributes a mono signal to both stereo channels. With a TRS splitter cable one channel can even be used for two mono signals.
Parallel FX
The SIREN8X is for all who are serious about parallel FX routing. With mono signals you can have up to 8 parallel FX paths. The only thing you need is a signal splitter before the SIREN8X and you can run all your signals into the SIREN8X. Check out the Oscillator Devices SPLIT, an active signal splitter.
Controlling the Channels
For controlling the volume, the SIREN8X has a knob for every channel. With it you can either control Tip and Ring at the same time, or you can easily switch with the channel button to controlling Tip and Ring independently or switch off the knob entirely.
Switching to mono summing, as well as flipping the phase also can be done easily with the channels button.
Presets
The SIREN8X features 32 user presets that can be easily setup through a learning function. Just set up the SIREN8X how you like it and hold the master button to enter preset saving mode. Send a PC message and you’re done! That PC messages then recalls the settings.
But it gets better. You can exclude channels and even Tip or Ring from the presets. When activating the preset learning mode by holding the master button, you can select and deselct the channels that will be part of the preset. That way you can, for example, exclude the master volume so that can be set up to different amps or different rooms and still use presets for the channels.
LFO
The SIREN8X offers eight fully configurable LFOs that can run independently or in perfect sync. With separate Tip and Ring signal paths for each of its four stereo channels, every channel has its own pair of LFOs
The SIREN8X uses its existing controls for intuitive LFO configuration. To enter LFO setup mode, hold the Master button while pressing the desired channel button. Use the channel button to select the waveform and the knobs to adjust volume, depth, speed, and phase. The LED of the channel button shows how the LFO is set at any time.
The phase parameter defines the relationship between the LFOs and allows them to be shifted precisely relative to one another.
LFO settings are not retained when the SIREN8X is powered off. However, they can be stored in any of the 32 user presets.