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MASTERSOUNDS LAUNCHES THE RADIUS TWO VALVE COMPACT DJ MIXER
Building on the success of its flagship Radius 4V DJ mixer, boutique mixer brand, MasterSounds, has added the compact Radius TWO VALVE to its range. The new 2 channel DJ mixer is manufactured using the highest quality components, and comprises a similar feature set as its award-winning 4 channel sibling, in a smaller footprint.
At the heart of TWO VALVE and its unique sound quality are two dual triode valves, which form part of the input buffer stage to the VCAs.

“The valves’ high input impedance minimises loading on the preceding stages but provides low output impedance to drive the VCAs, whilst natural compression smooths and warms harsh transients. Careful circuit design around the valves minimises noise and distortion,” explains leading DJ mixer designer, Andy Rigby-Jones, from MasterSounds’ technology partner, Union Audio.

TWO VALVE comprises 2 fully-featured channel strips with Aux send (switchable pre or post fader), input level trim, illuminated input select switch, a super smooth 3-band asymmetric EQ, large illuminated Cue switch and high quality ALPS rotary faders.
To the right of the channel strip features a 3-band Master EQ/Isolator, Master and Booth level controls, and headphone monitor with split and Cue/add mix control. Below the master section is a high-quality Penny & Giles crossfader, with contour control to adjust the curve from smooth mix to fast cut.

Two 36mm illuminated analogue VU meters provide accurate signal level monitoring of the mix buss, which automatically switch to monitoring the Cue level when a channel Cue is activated. If the signal level is excessive, the VU meter illumination will change from warm white to bright red.

A new split composite/passive RIAA stage featuring Vishay 2% Polypropylene capacitors, close tolerance thin film resistors and JFET pre-amplifiers provide outstanding fidelity from the turntable inputs.  All circuit coupling is through bypassed Panasonic electrolytics to preserve this fidelity throughout the entire signal chain. The icing on the cake is a pair of MUSES operational amplifiers providing world class summing for the fully balanced main mix buss.
Finally, MasterSounds mixers are hand built at Union Audio in Cornwall, UK, ensuring the finest build quality.

“TWO VALVE has been designed for clubs and DJs requiring a conventional DJ toolkit with ‘no compromise’ audio fidelity. It is the ideal companion for DJ purists who only require 2 audio channels in a premium package. The open, dynamic and transparent sound stage, portable size for carrying between venues, and intuitive feature set gives users an optimal DJ experience, be it at home or in the club,” concludes MasterSounds founder, Ryan Shaw.

Priced at £1495 including VAT.
 

 
 
The Radius Two Valve is available to purchase from the MasterSounds website and in-store and online at Phonica Records
 

It's a shame the weather has been rubbish the last couple of months, but even had the sun shone continuously we wouldn't have been able to get out and enjoy it as there has been so much work to get through!
One interesting job that's been on the back burner for a while, and one I have been itching to make a start on, is a "spare no expense" rebuild on a customers already immaculate Xone:V6, and as we have a few days before the components for the next batch of MasterSounds Radii drop, a window of opportunity has arisen!
The first job after a total strip down, has been to remove all the capacitors in the signal path as they are going to be replaced with higher specification audio grade types. The channel high-pass filters are also benefiting from some revised values to extend the low frequency range, and all the op-amps on the booth and headphone boards are being replaced with socketed JRC MUSES01s!  Needless to say, any worn pots are being replaced as a matter of course.
There are some other very special upgrades in the pipeline which will I will post in the next installment...

After what seemed like an interminable winter, spring has finally sprung so time to get the E out of the garage where she's sat since last October!  Running quite rough at first, but after a fresh tank of Shell Optimax she's purring like a kitten.  Here's to summer!

A fresh start to the New Year has seen Union Audio relocating to Rosemanowes quarry, the site of the world famous "Hot Rocks" project. The new offices provide considerably more space and a more efficient working environment, with plenty of room for future expansion.  Here's to 2017!