Mercury Studio Soul SS242

The Mercury Studio Soul 242 delivers the core sonic performance of a discrete Class A analogue summing system, offering the depth, cohesion, and musicality associated with high-end consoles in a compact 24:2 format. Designed for seamless integration with DAW-based workflows, it provides a powerful bridge between digital precision and analogue warmth.

Built with a fully balanced signal path and a discrete Class A mix amplifier, the 242 ensures clean, punchy summing with excellent headroom. While it omits transformer-balanced inputs found in the Pro version, it retains transformer-balanced stereo outputs, preserving the character and weight of your final mix.

The onboard Baxandall-style stereo EQ enables musical tonal shaping directly on the mix bus, while stepped controls across key parameters allow for consistent recall. With full insert capability on all channels and dual stereo bus inserts, the Studio Soul 242 provides the flexibility required for modern hybrid mixing.

Expandable to a 48:2 system, it offers a scalable solution for studios looking to grow without compromising on sound quality.

What Makes It Different

Unlike typical summing mixers, the Studio Soul 242 range is designed to replicate the behaviour and tone of a full analogue console signal path. The Pro version goes further with transformer-balanced inputs on every channel, delivering enhanced separation, harmonic richness, and stereo imaging that is difficult to achieve in purely digital environments.

Upgrade Path

The Studio Soul 242 can be upgraded toward Pro specifications with optional transformer modules, allowing you to scale your system over time without replacing your core unit.

Key Selling Points

• Discrete Class A analogue summing for professional results
• Fully balanced architecture with transformer-balanced outputs
• Seamless integration with modern DAWs
• Flexible insert routing for outboard gear
• Recallable controls for consistent mixes
• Expandable system architecture

Sound Character

• Wide stereo image with clear instrument placement
• Enhanced depth and front-to-back separation
• Subtle harmonic saturation from Class A circuitry
• Transformer warmth and glue (Pro version)
• Smooth, musical EQ shaping on the mix bus

Integration & Workflow

• Connect directly to your interface via DB25
• Route stems from your DAW into 24 analogue channels
• Insert outboard gear per channel or on the stereo bus
• Print final mixes back into your DAW with improved analogue character
• Easily recall settings thanks to stepped controls

• Fully discrete Class A mix amplifier delivering analog console-style summing
• Fully balanced 24-channel input architecture
• Transformer-balanced stereo bus outputs
• Identical Baxandall-style stereo EQ as Pro version
• Same dual-frequency EQ behaviour with stepped recallable controls
• 41-position detented controls for gain, level, and EQ
• Independent level, output, and EQ control for tonal shaping
• 24-channel insert points for external analog processing
• Insert sends usable as direct outputs for recording
• Insert return mult for parallel DAW routing
• Selectable panning (channels 1–8) and fixed stereo routing (9–24)
• Dual stereo bus inserts (pre/post EQ) for flexible mix bus processing
• Output gain switch (0dB / +6dB)
• Balanced monitor output
• Balanced headphone outputs (XLR + combo jack)
• DB25 connectivity for full studio integration
• Grounding lug for noise control
• Expandable to 48:2 with SS2548
• External power supply included
• 2U aluminium rack chassis
• Handbuilt in California, USA

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.