Heritage Audio Mix Buddy

The Heritage Audio Mix Buddy is a 19-input, 8-output desktop instrument mixer with dedicated JFET instrument preamplification, a 70dB microphone preamp, dual balanced master outputs, transformer-balanced Heritage Audio 73 DI circuitry, flexible effects routing and a professional monitoring section designed specifically for electronic instruments, keyboards, synthesisers, drum machines and studio production.

A Desktop Mixer Designed for Instruments

Most compact mixers treat instrument-level signals as an afterthought, relying on microphone or line preamps that fail to preserve the character of vintage keyboards, synthesisers and passive instruments. The Heritage Audio Mix Buddy takes a different approach by placing dedicated JFET instrument amplification at the centre of its design.

Built around Toshiba 2SK JFET technology, every input stage optimises performance for musical instruments rather than general-purpose audio sources. The result delivers exceptionally low noise, wide bandwidth and the dynamic response expected from high-end analogue equipment while preserving the natural tone of each instrument.

With nineteen inputs and eight outputs, the Mix Buddy provides enough connectivity to become the central hub of both studio and live performance setups without requiring additional DI boxes or external submixers.

Dedicated JFET Input Architecture

Rather than sharing identical circuitry across every channel, the Mix Buddy uses dedicated input stages optimised for different source types.

Four stereo Hi Gain channels provide 12dB of gain through Toshiba 2SK JFET buffers. These inputs suit lower output instruments including passive bass guitars, vintage electric pianos, analogue synthesisers and classic keyboards. The additional gain enhances lower level sources while introducing subtle analogue harmonic character when driven harder.

Three stereo Unity Gain channels accommodate higher output equipment including drum machines, samplers, active basses and modern synthesisers. These channels maintain complete clarity without unnecessary colouration, allowing contemporary electronic instruments to retain their original tonal balance.

Each stereo channel includes individual level control, mute switching and stereo or mono operation with THRU functionality, allowing flexible routing for mono instruments while simultaneously feeding amplifiers or additional recording equipment.

Integrated Microphone Preamplifier

The Mix Buddy incorporates a dedicated JFET microphone preamp capable of delivering up to 70dB of gain with exceptionally low noise performance.

Separate gain and output level controls allow precise adjustment while switchable phantom power supports professional condenser microphones. Unlike conventional desktop mixers, the microphone channel integrates directly with the AUX effects system, allowing vocal signals to route through external guitar pedals and hardware processors without requiring additional routing equipment.

Balanced Line Inputs and Flexible Expansion

A dedicated stereo balanced line input accepts professional line-level sources such as audio interfaces, computers and playback systems while maintaining balanced signal integrity throughout the audio path.

The balanced line stage also simplifies connecting multiple Mix Buddy units together for significantly larger mixing systems without introducing unnecessary noise or signal degradation.

A stereo balanced FX Return shares the same high-quality circuitry while also functioning as an additional stereo input whenever external effects remain disconnected. Connecting only the left return automatically centres mono sources within the stereo mix.

Dual Master Outputs with Two Distinct Characters

The Mix Buddy provides two completely independent balanced master outputs, each serving different production requirements.

The primary Main Output passes through Heritage Audio's renowned 73 Class A output stage and custom transformer-balanced DI circuitry. Drawing directly from the company's acclaimed 73 DI products, this output delivers the familiar weight, depth and harmonic richness associated with transformer-coupled analogue equipment. Users can switch between microphone and line output levels, allowing direct connection to mixing consoles, recording interfaces or front-of-house systems without additional adapters or DI boxes.

The second Main Output follows a transformerless design that prioritises maximum transparency. This output preserves the original mix without adding transformer colouration, making it ideal when complete sonic accuracy takes priority.

Both outputs include dedicated ground lift switches for eliminating ground loop issues in studio and live environments.

Professional Monitoring and Effects Integration

A powerful independent headphone amplifier provides a dedicated monitoring path with its own volume control, allowing accurate cue monitoring or personal listening without affecting the main outputs.

The stereo AUX effects loop integrates external processors into the signal path while supporting both stereo and mono operation. Individual AUX send controls appear on every channel, accompanied by pre or post-fader switching for flexible effects routing.

A global FX bypass switch allows instant comparison between processed and unprocessed signals during recording, mixing or performance.

Built for Studio and Stage

The Heritage Audio Mix Buddy combines extensive routing flexibility with robust desktop construction suitable for demanding studio sessions and live performance environments.

Its instrument-focused signal path, transformer-balanced output options, comprehensive monitoring facilities and high-quality JFET circuitry provide a purpose-built alternative to conventional compact mixers for musicians, producers, keyboard players and electronic performers who require professional analogue sound without compromise.

Why Choose the Heritage Audio Mix Buddy

• Provides dedicated analogue circuitry specifically optimised for musical instruments rather than generic mixer inputs.
• Preserves the character of vintage synthesisers, keyboards, passive basses and electronic instruments.
• Eliminates the need for multiple external DI boxes in complex studio and live rigs.
• Offers both transformer-coloured and transparent balanced outputs to suit different recording and performance applications.
• Integrates microphones, instruments and external effects into one streamlined desktop workflow.
• Expands easily into larger systems through professional balanced connections.
• Delivers exceptionally low-noise performance suitable for professional recording environments.
• Simplifies monitoring with an independent headphone amplifier and flexible effects routing.

• 19-input, 8-output desktop instrument mixer
• Four stereo Hi Gain Toshiba 2SK JFET input channels with 12dB gain
• Three stereo Unity Gain Toshiba 2SK JFET input channels
• Dedicated ultra-low-noise JFET microphone preamp
• Up to 70dB microphone gain
• Switchable phantom power
• Separate microphone gain and output level controls
• Stereo balanced line-level input
• Stereo balanced FX Return that doubles as an additional stereo input
• Automatic mono-to-centre routing on single FX Return input
• Stereo or mono AUX effects loop
• Individual AUX send control for every channel
• Pre or post-fader AUX switching
• Global FX bypass switch
• Microphone channel compatible with guitar pedal processing through AUX loop
• Individual volume control for every input channel
• Stereo or mono with THRU switching per instrument channel
• Individual mute switch per channel
• Two independent balanced master outputs
• Heritage Audio 73 Class A transformer-balanced main output
• Custom Heritage Audio 73 DI transformers
• Switchable microphone or line-level main output
• Transformerless secondary balanced output
• Ground lift switches on both master outputs
• Independent headphone amplifier
• Dedicated headphone volume control
• Desktop format
• Heavy-duty metal construction

This item, like everything we supply, comes with the complete support of our expert team. Our excellent technicians have been specifying, building and supporting studios for over twenty years. If you have any problems with installation, setup or everyday use, they’re never more than a click away, and always happy to help.

You can contact them here.