DAP-Audio IMIX-7.3

The DAP IMIX is a matrix mixer with 5 channel inputs (each switchable between two inputs), plus two front inputs mics, plus a 3.5 aux input. Each of these inputs can be routed, using a single volume slider, to one or more or three outputs, plus the auxiliary headphone channel. Each output has tone and general volume sperate controls.

There is a lot of buttons for the matrix switching on the front panel. All is well marked, so it is very easy to operate. The question is why you need this unit? I bought it to route the outputs from different mixing devices to three sets of monitors plus the headphone. It works, and since it is a standalone unit, there is no need to power up a computer, so it is quite handy.

Quality is good but not optimal. Inserting the unit in the output routing adds some noise. Not much, but there is a difference anyway. Be careful also where you put the unit. It is better to leave a space above and below the unit in a rack. If you put the unit just above a scarlet interface it picks up some digital noise.

Another thing I do not like is the external transformer for the power supply. I would have preferred a mains plug. Anyway there is a on/off switch, if in the back. This is another reason you need an empty 1U space above the unit if you want to switch it off manually.

In conclusion, there are a lot of routing options, so if you need these features and you can live with a low, but noticeable increased noise, go for it.

Dopo quasi due anni di lavoro h24, si avete letto bene, 24 ore su 24 è ancora li, imperterrito, funzionante e acceso. Installato in un bar per gestire 3 finali di potenza per tre zone differenti fa il suo lavoro egregiamente. La versatilità e la gestione di vari in e out possono essere consultati sulle caratteristiche, io dal mio canto dico che il suo rapporto qualità prezzo è indiscutibilmente eccellente.

As an installer, I am frequently required to generate a feed for a hearing assist induction loop as well as speakers circuits. I have now purchased two of these units and a third may be on the way. The format usually ends up by being something like Zone1: front speakers, Zone2: rear speakers (if a large hall) or lobby, or separate room and Zone3 : The loop.

For this purpose, this unit is absolutely ideal. I would say a couple of things though.

The two mic channels which have parallel inputs on front and rear (nice touch, if you've got a rack mounted radio receiver to plug in with balanced O/P) should be the channels with faders and the music inputs, the ones with rotaries. In this vein, the three Outputs would be better with faders for Volume, or at least a bigger knob to differentiate from the tone controls. (In an installed situation, music sources tend to be "static". Its the mics that are more likely to vary and benefit from a fader.)

To my mind the fact that you can have 10 inputs for the 5 phono input channels is way too many for this device, the A/B input choice is unnecessarily complicated , something I cant see many people using (Who has that many phono terminated devices to plug in. A tablet, a phone, a laptop, a CD player and a spare?. Most folk would probably use the same dangling 3.5mm jack lead for the first three anyway)

The push button, illuminated zone selectors are great, particularly for choosing exactly what gets fed into the hearing loop, but the rubbery buttons, not so. The machine tolerances seem a little tight and on one unit I bought, I had to (very carefully!!) file the paint off the inner edges of the hole so the rubber wouldn't bind. It was a small fix, but annoying and I didn't want to have to send it back just for that. Solid switches could still have LED illumination, or use transparent perspex.
The rubber buttons just dont feel nice!
There could be an improvement in headroom (gain) as when used with a tablet and a phone, with the source volume flat out, the gains had to be turned up full to get a reasonable output (and bargraph signal) out of the the three "Masters"

All this being said, its a tidy and useful unit, fits nicely into a wall mounted rack frame that can then have its door locked and if they got rid of the unnecessary alternate inputs and switches etc they could probably shave a few pounds off the price and make it even more attractive.

It sounds like I have a down on this unit but I dont. For the price it is very good, but with a little extra attention to detail, it could be outstanding!