Hey everybody, welcome back to the blog! Today, I’m thrilled to dive into another unboxing experience with you. We're all about gear here, and I've got something new for the studio that I'm sure you're going to find incredibly cool. It’s fresh on the market, and it hasn't been around for too long, so let's dive in!

What’s in the Box?

Can you guess what's in the box? I know, I know — I didn't reveal the surprise in the title like I did last time with the SSL Bus Plus video (note to self, that wasn’t the best move). But today, we're unboxing something exciting, and I'm here to show you what's new on the market. And hey, make sure to leave a comment with what you want to see in future videos!

Before we proceed, remember to like, share, and subscribe. Also, check out Mixing Music Analog for more updates on my projects. If you're eager to level up your mixing skills, I'll soon launch an advanced mixing membership site called Mixing Academy. Keep an eye out for that!

Welcome to the Mixing Academy

The Mixing Academy will be a place for a small group of like-minded people interested in mastering the hybrid workflow. Only 15 slots available, so head over to mixingacademy.net to get on the waiting list. It’s going to be about deep dives into mixes, sharing insights, and learning together. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

Let’s Get Unboxing!

Back to the main event. If you tuned into my recent live stream, you might already have a clue about what we're unboxing. A company sponsored this video and provided us with this gear, allowing us to explore it thoroughly over the next few videos. Expect a series of 3-4 videos diving deep into what this new gear can do.

Package unboxing essentials:

• A box within a box, ensuring safe delivery from the company. Good packaging is always a plus!

• Carefully covered labels to keep the mystery alive.

As I peeled away the layers, my excitement grew. What we have here is a sturdy piece of equipment, and oh man, is it hefty. The moment I laid my eyes on it, I knew it was built like a tank.

Introducing the TK Audio Transformer

What we’ve got is the new TK Audio Transformer, a stereo unit likely destined for the master bus and potentially other buses. It’s a harmonic generator and color box. This thing is going to be fun to work with!

The Transformer is brand new, released just a few months ago. Let’s examine what makes it special:

• Harmonic Generation: Adds those sweet, sonorous overtones we love.

• Changeable Stages: Includes even and odd harmonics with multiple saturation stages.

• Mid-Side Processing: Allows for more nuanced stereo manipulation.

Key Features Unveiled

Alright, time to break down the features that caught my eye. Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the equipment's weight and rugged construction. Here’s what the control panel includes:

• Drive, Gain, and Output Trim Knobs: High-quality, “chicken head” knobs designed for precision and easy recall.

• Saturation and Harmonic Controls: Button options for even/odd harmonics, class A stage control.

• Mid-Side Capabilities: Allows you to separate and individually process mid and side channels.

• High-Frequency Boost: Great for adding shimmer without overdoing it.

Quote of the Day

"We love harmonic generators and color boxes — they elevate the mixing experience immensely."

Ease of Use and Application

Whether you’re a studio novice or a seasoned pro, this gear is intuitive and easy to integrate with your existing setup. Here are a few ways we plan to use the TK Audio Transformer:

1. Master Bus Magic: The flexibility in saturation control makes it ideal for polishing your final mix.

2. Drum Bus Love: This could be a game-changer for adding depth and punch to your percussion.

Building Your Hardware Gear

For those venturing into the world of hardware, starting with quality master bus tools is essential. A trusty color box can transform your sound and bring your mixes to life. Consider making it your first piece if you’re looking to dip into the hybrid realm.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this first look, I'm genuinely excited to test the TK Audio Transformer in different scenarios and share my results. With its robust build and versatile capabilities, this piece of gear might become a staple in my studio.

Keep an eye out for the next video, where we’ll test this on a mix — dialing in settings and experimenting with different sonic combinations. Let me know in the comments below what you'd like to hear next.

Thank you to TK Audio for providing this outstanding gear. It's going to be fun exploring how it integrates into my setup. Until next time, keep mixing, and stay creative!

Links:

• Mixing Music Analog

• Mixing Academy

• Buy TK Audio Transformer (affiliate links)