The Burl Audio B32 Vancouver is a 32-channel analog summing mixer with an all-discrete, Class-A signal path, 8 mono and 24 stereo inputs (12 stereo pairs), switchable output transformer with unique gain boost for “mix glue.”
The jury is pretty much in on analog summing; it makes it easier to place instruments in a mix, you get more dimensionality, and with mono channels, a stronger center image. However, if you’re still on the fence about mixing in the box vs. analog summing, just run a mix through the Burl B32 Vancouver and you’ll be convinced without struggling to hear a difference. The B32 makes it that obvious. It not only gives you the aforementioned dimensionality, it also gives you the fullness and glue you get running through a console to tape, thanks to its custom output transformer with a revolutionary gain boost that gives you the elusive mix glue that all-digital mixes often fail to achieve (unless you really work overtime to achieve it). If you’ve been struggling to achieve mixes with depth, warmth, and clarity, take a little trip to the Vancouver and
Burl Audio B32 Vancouver – Just the Facts:
- 32-channel summing; 8 mono inputs, 24 stereo inputs
- Two stereo mix outputs
- Discrete, class-A signal path
- Audiophile 0.1% stepped attenuators
- No capacitors in the signal path
- Switchable BX5 output transformer
- Summing amp gain boost
- Dual stereo outputs
Burl Audio B32 Vancouver – Under the Hood
The B32 Vancouver 32-channel mix bus is based on Burl Audio’s renowned discrete analog, class-A circuitry The B32 mix bus employs both the transparency of the B26 Orca, plus the switchable tonality of the new Burl Audio BX5 output transformer, which is a nickel-wound custom transformer*. In addition to the BX5, the B32 VANCOUVER introduces a new concept to the summing amplifier: Gain Boost. Adding gain boost with the BX5 will give your mixes that glue that you have been seeking ever since retiring your 2-track analog recorder. With 32 input channels and switchable tonality, the B32 Vancouver will allow your mixes to thrive in depth, warmth, and clarity.
*PAD Tech Note: The material used for transformer windings determines its tonal character. For example, the iron windings provide a low mid-range bump at around 100Hz, which is associated with the sound of vintage Neve consoles. Steel-wound transformers provide a clear and transparent top with a low-end growl, which is a sound associated with certain API consoles. Nickel transformers offer the most transparency along with a punchy sound, also found on API desks, such as the custom API desk Frank DiMedio built for Sunset sound
Burl B32 Vancouver – Outside the Box
Front panel controls:
- Left BX5 Switch: Engages proprietary Burl Audio BX5 Nickel core output transformer
- Left +6dB Gain Boost: Engages +6db gain boost through the summing amplifier
- Left Attenuator: 24 step audiophile resistor matched attenuator with .01% variance. Allows for proper imaging at all levels
- Gain LED: Tri-Color LED shows gain at the summing amplifier
- Right BX5 Switch: Engages proprietary Burl Audio BX5 Nickel core output transformer
- Right +6dB Gain Boost: Engages +6db gain boost through the summing amplifier
- Right Attenuator: 24 step audiophile resistor matched attenuator with .01% variance. Allows for proper imaging at all levels
- Gain LED: Tri-Color LED shows gain at the summing amplifier
- Power LED: Blue light indicated the unit is powered on
Rear Panel I/O:
- IEC Inlet: Contains an active fuse + 1 extra (Slow blow / 250VAC / 250mA / 5X20mm)
- Mix Out 2: Second pair of outputs, multed from Mix 1 on the PCB.
- Mix Out 1: Mix output, XLR connectivity
- Stereo Inputs 25-32: 4 stereo pairs
- Stereo Inputs 17-24: 4 stereo pairs
- Stereo Inputs 9-16: 4 stereo pairs
- Mono Inputs 1-8: 8 mono inputs, panned center
