MasterSounds unveil three unique new high-end boutique DJ tools
In discerning DJ circles, the name Andy Rigby-Jones is synonymous with high-end products, from Allen & Heath, PLAYdifferently and now MasterSounds.
Andy is a key player in the DJ tech industry, he was at the forefront of the design and implementation of Allen & Heath’s legendary Xone series of DJ mixers, then moving on to co-design the PLAYdifferently Model 1 with Richie Hawtin. Now he’s stepping into the high-end boutique market, hand-building DJ mixers for the UK-Based manufacturer, MasterSounds.
MasterSounds first made a name for themselves building re-imagined SL1210mk2 turntables, each hand-built with precision and care in the UK. Their attention to detail and obsession with audio quality has been echoed throughout their range of DJ mixers, and now their three new releases.
First up on the new line-up are two new DJ mixers, the Linear 4V and the Rotary 4V. They’re both designed around a similar architecture, with the key differences being the linear and rotary controllers for the line channels. At the heart of MasterSounds 4V mixers are four matched dual-triode valves making up part of the input stage, offering high-gain with minimal noise and distortion.
No built-in effects?
The new 4V series of DJ mixers don’t feature an effects section, however they have launched a new standalone effects unit designed to integrate seamlessly with any mixer in MasterSounds’ catalogue. The MasterSounds FX comes in either black or silver to match your mixer, and the circuit is designed around an analog filter, an analog distortion and an analog modelled effects section, which feature 4 delays, 3 reverbs and a “gated noise” effect.
Keep in mind, MasterSounds builds gear for the high-end, discerning users. That means they’re not cheap, however you’re not getting some mass-made loveless digital circuitry, you’re getting a piece of handmade art. The Radius 4V and Linear 4V retail for GBP £1985 (Around R35k excl. duties) and the MasterSounds FX units retail for GBP £495 (Around R9000 excl. duties).
Check out their website for more details.
