Review: MODEL 1 Mixer

Richie Hawtin's MODEL 1 mixer was released in 2016 and I was curious to learn more about this unique mixer from the onset. MODEL 1 is a fully analog eight channel mixer featuring an inspiring design that's truly different from other mixers on the market. MODEL 1 is a DJ's performance instrument that offers artists the opportunity to unlock their creative potential and play differently.  

Overview

MODEL 1 was engineered by Andy Rigby-Jones, co-designed by Richie Hawtin and is manufactured by Allen & Heath with PLAYdifferently branding. It features six full stereo input channels and on each channel are individual Low Q Low-Pass Filters and High-Pass Filters, a Sculpt EQ that allows for cutting/boosting, and a Drive control that allows DJs to use harmonic distortion as an effect. There's also a Master Filter section, two stereo Send and Returns and two Cues. The Master section on the MODEL 1 features two independent Master outputs, and a Master EQ. The Booth Output features a two-band EQ and lastly there's two Cues that allow two DJs to use the mixer at once. Overall the features of this mixer are very unique and it's apparent that a lot of creative thought was put into its design. 

Inputs and Outputs

Like the rest of the mixer, the MODEL 1 offers unique Input and Output options. There's XLR and 1/4” Master Outputs, a 1/4” Booth Output, two pairs of 1/4” Return Inputs, two pairs of 1/4″ Aux Outputs and six RCA Inputs, three of which can be switched from Line to Phono. There's also two serial DSUB IN/Out ports that conform to the TASCAM DB25 connector standard and allow multiple channels to be sent fully balanced down a single connector. There are two MODEL 1 mixer linking ports which link together multiple MODEL 1 mixers. This lets two or more performers to play together using two MODEL 1 mixers, or can expand the number of channels a single DJ uses.

Channel Strip

The MODEL 1 has six identical channel strips that are each equipped with two Auxiliary sends, a Trim knob, a Phono/Line/DSUB switch, Drive, a unique EQ and Filter section, Two Cues and a 60 mm fader.

Here's a breakdown on each feature:

• AUX Sends: Sends the Channel Signal to the Auxiliary Mix Output (and DB25 Out) jack sockets for external effect processing.
• Line/Phono/DSUB:  Selects whether the Channel receives its input from the Line, Phono or the DSUB input. Only Channels Three, Four and Five can be configured for use with turntables, and there's a red button on the back of the corresponding mixer channel that needs to be pressed in order to receive Phono Input. 
• Drive: A control that allows DJs to use distortion as an effect. It varies the signal level the channel input pre-amplifier can pass before its driven into clipping. As the drive control is rotated clockwise input headroom will reduce, and at maximum rotation the pre-amplifier will start to clip at signal levels above –4dBu. One way to use the Drive would be to add it to older tracks or tracks that have not been mastered that need a little extra thickness and power.   
• Filter – This switches seamlessly and without any audible artefacts due to the zero crossing detection circuitry. It also routes the channel audio through the Master Filter. 
• Cue A and B – Selects whether the Cue will be sent to Cue A or B, so two DJs can use the mixer simultaneously.

Contour and Sculpt 

Instead of a traditional three band EQ, MODEL 1 uses a combination of Low Pass and High Filters plus a Sculpt EQ with an asymmetric cut and boost. The two Sculpt Filters are Low Q, High-Pass and Low-Pass filters that only cut and are designed to not colour the sound as they are swept across the frequency spectrum. The Filters are incredibly fluid to mix with and can be used to remove parts of the frequency spectrum to highlight and isolate parts of a track. The Sculpt EQ has a wide Q and a frequency range that covers almost seven octaves and can be used to selectively cut or boost frequencies.

Master Filter Section 

One of my favourite parts of this mixer is the Master Filter section because of the way it allows DJs to artistically use Filters to shape their sound. It features a High-Pass Filter and a Low-Pass Filter with Resonance control (RES) to adjust the Q of the High-Pass Filter. To use the Master Filter, the Master Filter switch must be set to On, and then the Filter button on the Channel the Filter is to be applied to needs to be engaged. The Master Filter can be used as a performance effect, or can be preset and used to instantly cut the frequencies of any channel routed to the Filter. All of the filter assign buttons, including the master filter on/off switch, as well as the EQ on/off switch incorporate zero crossing detection, meaning there won't be any audible artefacts when the filters are engaged or disengaged. 

Return Section 

The Return section consists of two basic stereo channels for use as return inputs from external effects processors. Each Return section features a Trim, Cue, Return Meter and Level, which adjusts the amount of the Return Signal fed into the Master Section and a Return Low-Cut Filter that's set to 320 Hz. The Return Section is great for DJs who use effects processors, but not all DJs will use this section.  

Master and Booth Sections

The master section features two Mix level controls, the Master EQ, metering, a 1/8” Record Output and the Booth Monitor Section. I like the fact that there are two different Master Output controls and a three band EQ that allows DJs to shape their overall sound. The Booth Section features a Level Output for the Booth Monitor and a two-band equalizer that gives the user the ability to adjust the frequency response of the Booth monitor mix. 

Headphone Cue System 

The MODEL 1 features two independent Cue systems, A and B which make it easier for two DJs to perform together on the mixer. Each Cue is equipped with 1/4” and 3.5 mm TRS jack sockets. Cue A has an auto-cancel function, which means selecting a channel on Cue A will automatically turn off the previous selection. Cue A also features a rotary knob to mix the Cue/Master Mix balance and a Level control, while Cue B only has a Level control. The dual Cue system on the MODEL 1 is an innovative  feature that will benefit DJ duos and perhaps encourage more DJs to perform together.

Overview 

After playing with the MODEL 1 at a few of my DJ gigs, I found that this mixer inspired me to play in a way that's highly creative using the many filters. The sound of the mixer is phenomenal; I love the warmth it gives to my WAV files and vinyl records. The list of features on this mixer is extensive and DJs who are interested in the art of mixing will enjoy using the Filters and EQs on both the Channel and the Master sections.

This is a great mixer for DJs who want to mix multiple tracks, perform live sets or play together with another DJ. The mixer has a high price tag but this is indicative of the mixer's quality and the care it's been designed with. MODEL 1 is a stunning mixer that's truly a pleasure to play on. I highly recommend this mixer for professional and touring DJs who are looking for a performance instrument that will help to evolve their DJing style and sound.