Steel Mixer

Mark Dunn · Post by **Mark Dunn** » 15 Jun 2010 6:32 am

In the later part of last year and early part of this year there were one or two posts on the Forum about the Steel Mixer. It was my intention to be in production by mid April. Best made plans and all that... I had a component supplier let me down! Instead of delivering in early March they delivered in early June. But we're now up and running, I've been keeping my nose to the grindstone assembling up units and we now have a few in stock. I promised to let some folks know when I was up and running, hence the post.

If you would like to find out some further details please visit our website:http://www.steelmixer.com/

The picture below shows a typical rig. The Steel Mixer, Floor Plate, volume pedal and leads can all be supplied.

The picture below shows a typical rig fitted to a guitar. Note the lead that goes off vertically goes to the Steel Mixer PSU. The lead that goes off to the right goes to your amp.

Mark Dunn

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 15 Jun 2010 7:13 am

Mark has put a lot of time and effort into this unit and it works great, anyone around that wants to try one out I have one setup for you to try out. So call for a time for a Demo and it is in Dresden TN.

I will be selling these in the States for Mark and I feel honored to assist him in this effort.

Mark thanks for making a super product it adds to the Steel Guitar Industry.
Bill

Mark Dunn · Post by **Mark Dunn** » 16 Jun 2010 5:36 am

Thanks Bill. I must say I'm really pleased that Bill has offered to demo and sell the Steel Mixer in the US for me. Bill is the only official dealer in the US and has a Steel Mixer rig wired up ready to go.

I didn't mention this in my original post because I know he's busy with other things for the next couple of weeks. We're also figuring out ways to keep the US price down and working out the best deal we can do for US customers. Once we have it all sorted I'm sure Bill will be more than willing to let folks try out the demo rig.

If anyone has sent me an email over the last 24 hours I've just discovered my email box was full! The problem should be resolved now(a bigger mailbox!).

For UK and European Customers: Dave Beaty (Mr Telonics) has very kindly allowed us to include the amazing Telonics FP-100 Volume Pedal on our price list. The Steel Mixer generates an isolated 24VDC supply for powering up volume pedals. This supply has been thoroughly tested with the FP-100.

Mark

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 17 Jun 2010 11:03 am

David Hartley · Post by **David Hartley** » 19 Jun 2010 6:12 am

I would be lost without my Steel Mixer now, after using one for the last few months.

Great stuff Mark, I am glad you are up and running with these units now. I will do a recording soon, maybe even this week, using just effects from this fabulous unit.

Hi to you Bill. Sorry I havn't been in touch lately but you know what I have been up to ! Its almost completed now..

Regards to you both,

David Hartley

Dave Beaty · Post by **Dave Beaty** » 19 Jun 2010 8:50 am

It requires SO much work to complete a project like this, and Mark did it right!

I am impressed with the over-all quality of this unit. I have had the pleasure of using one of the initial units for the last three months - each time I handle and use it, I am reminded of Mark's well thought-out design criteria, choice of materials and processes, his relation to detail and the ease of use of this product - it is sure to be a winner.

The use of EFX pedals can be a nightmare for some players and their performance is often less than optimal because of mismatches in hardware and less than optimal cabling. Mark's unit not only solves these common problems, but adds additional routing and functional capabilites with the simple flick of a switch right at the player's finger tip. Mark is a seasoned design engineer who has designed a professional-grade product for us all.

Thank you Mark.
Dave

Bill Harp · Post by **Bill Harp** » 19 Jun 2010 10:21 pm

So would there be any benefit or detriment of having a Sarno Black Box, or perhaps a Matchbox Sustain between the guitar and the Steel Mixer....Just wondering? Got to say visually I sure like the set up of this rig
Thanks
Bill

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 20 Jun 2010 11:43 am

Mark I'm telling you when you do something it is done right even down to the drawings you sent me on the cords to be made up for each item being used, very detailed and done in a professional manner.
Mark you've got a winner here, once guys start using them you will be busy.
Maybe next week or so when I get to feeling better, I'll have my first demo, looking forward to it.
Bill

Mark Dunn · Post by **Mark Dunn** » 20 Jun 2010 4:46 pm

David, Dave and Bill(S),

Thank you for your nice comments chaps.

Designing something is the easy bit, putting it into production isn't so easy! This is when the support of people like you guys really makes a difference. I'd also like to thank my good buddy's Phil Campling and John Davis for their support too

Bill(H), I'd say a Black Box placed before the Steel Mixer would be a killer combination. I've never used a Black Box, but I've heard so many good reports about this unit. The Black Box and Steel Mixer are performing totally different functions, so yes I could see a benefit. The Matchbox Sustain is a compressor device I believe (I might be wrong here!). Again I must admit I've never used one, so my opinion could differ if I tried one. My opinion regarding compressors is you have to be careful not to kill your dynamics with these devices. You should also remember your volume pedal is effectively acting as a compressor.

I'm still playing around with using the Steel Mixer in different ways. As a bit of a mess about I tried recording the Steel Mixer direct. But I did add in the volume pedal loop a Valve Vocal EQ unit I have. What I haven't done is added any EQ or compression after it was recorded. I've just put it on YouTube this evening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdGKKK-01t4 Watch it in HD if you can the sound is higher quality.

The pedal reverb unit I've used is a Digiverb. I must admit I'm amazed how good this unit is when used with the Steel Mixer, keeping in mind it only costs about £60.

Another discovery, first suggested by David(H), the Telonics FP-100 taper setting #2. I kept the volume up high and really used the volume pedal to level out the volume. This taper really is good.

Mark

Bill Harp · Post by **Bill Harp** » 20 Jun 2010 7:38 pm

Mark I appreciate the information, but please get off the forum and get back to the salt mine and get those mixers made

Seriously, I think you have a real winner and what will become a popular item. I have already sent Bill Stroud a message to let me know when he has some for sale. I really appreciate this interaction we can all have here with you and your feedback is really great. David Hartley's endorsement is gonna be a real plus for you on these things also. Take care....Oh glad to know a Black Box is a good match with the Steel Mixer
Thanks
Bill Harp

Derek Evans · Post by **Derek Evans** » 26 Jun 2010 8:22 am

IHave just taken delivery of my Steelmixer,and ihave to say what an amazing tool it is for the steel guitar. Anynone who gets one ,will not be dissapointed check it out.

Mark Dunn · Post by **Mark Dunn** » 28 Jun 2010 9:23 am

Thank you Derek, I hope enjoy using your Steel Mixer for many years. I appreciate your support.

Thanks Bill(H). Yes Bill Stroud will get you sorted out with a Steel Mixer. I know he's a little tied up with other business at the moment, so give him a little time.

Mark

Dean Parks · Post by **Dean Parks** » 30 Jun 2010 2:44 pm

Mark, I couldn't find an explanation of the 1 and 2 setting on the remote... I could only find N, P and Double. Could you direct me to that info, or explain?

Thx
dean

Mark Dunn · Post by **Mark Dunn** » 1 Jul 2010 12:22 am

Dean - When I designed the Steel Mixer I had in mind that I would like to add some steel guitar specific additional features, for example a dobro simulator and distortion effect to simulate an old lap steel sound. What I didn't want to do was sell a bunch of units and then bring out a new unit with the features added, I thought that would be unfair to people who had supported me in buying the first units. So all the production Steel Mixers have the controls and expansion connectors on the motherboard that could be used to add an additional board to obtain extra features.

At this point in time I haven't completed the design for any additional features boards. I'm currently tied up with assembling and testing the main units. Once I get ahead with my current work (and recover some of the outlay I've already made) I'll get to work designing a good dobro simulator.

Just for information; a dummy connector is currently fitted in the expansion connector that makes position 1 the same as Normal mode and position 2 the same as Predelay mode.

Mark

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 6 Jul 2010 6:55 pm

Go to Steel on the Web and see David's demo of the Steel Mixer.
Bill

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 8 Jul 2010 7:18 pm

Well Bill Harp you should have your new Steel Mixer Saturday, have fun.
Bill

Mark Dunn · Post by **Mark Dunn** » 10 Jul 2010 12:34 am

Bill Harp - I know, I'm out of the salt mine, but it is the weekend! I hope you enjoy using your Steel Mixer. The website "Owners" page has all the contact information should you have any problems. If you need the password, ask Bill Stroud or email me.

Thank you Bill(s)

Mark

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 13 Jul 2010 5:39 am

Bill Harp got his new Steel Mixer and he really likes it, thanks Bill for the email I'm glad you like your Steel Mixer and I'm looking forward in meeting you at the St Louis Steel Guitar Convention this year.
Bill

Bill Harp · Post by **Bill Harp** » 15 Jul 2010 9:42 pm

I did get my Steel Mixer....its a great addition, and makes the sound sweet. The set up/assembly was straight forward and easy. I am very well pleased both with Bill Stroud and Mark. It is clearly a well thought out product. I recommend it to all, give Bill a shout and get one of these things. Also if your a little OCD...the neatness will give you comfort lol
Bill

Bill Harp · Post by **Bill Harp** » 15 Jul 2010 9:52 pm

This is kind of a Tangent on this one but I discovered this and it may have been discussed elsewhere, but the Peterson Tuner can be mounted nicely on a camera tripod,, and set out anywhere you want it, especially with the Steel Mixer controller on the right rear leg..real estate starts getting tight. I like the tripod..its light and can be aimed and positioned any way that's desirable. My two cents

Mark Dunn · Post by **Mark Dunn** » 16 Jul 2010 12:05 pm

Bill, I'm very pleased to hear you're happy with your Steel Mixer. OCD lol, my wife will like that one, I can hear her saying... I wish

Here's a pic of how I arrange my set up. At a gig I use the 3rd 9VDC output from the Steel Mixer to power my guitar pedal board.

That's why I like the Fender Twin, one channel for steel, the other for guitar.

Mark

Bill Harp · Post by **Bill Harp** » 19 Jul 2010 5:48 pm

Kevin Mincke · Post by **Kevin Mincke** » 19 Jul 2010 7:12 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWe09RwY9rk
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=Ndg3biYgI ... re=related

Bill Harp · Post by **Bill Harp** » 19 Jul 2010 8:54 pm

Here is mine set up

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 20 Jul 2010 12:28 pm

Bill that's a beautiful Jackson Steel you've got, I like your setup, looks good.
I'll be in St Louis at Scotty's come by my booth and lets meet.
Bill

The Steel Guitar Forum

Steel Mixer - Now Available!

Steel Mixer - Now Available!

Hi

Congratulations Mark!

Black Box ??

Professional

Thanks Mark

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See Demo

Steel Mixer

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Bill Harp