Model 1.4 First Impression / More of an instrument than a mixer

[@LiamKillen]

Distribute your music with DistroKid ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST / PRODUCER 7% Discount Link ►distrokid.com/vip/liamkillen

[@simondanielssonmusic]

I've noticed that you're one of the rare gear review youtube channels that don't create shitty throwaway compositions for your demos. It's good stuff you're cooking each time

[@LiamKillen]

Hey thanks Simon, I appreciate that :-)

[@cyberspacer]

Yeah I agree, you make a lot of good stuff, that has emotion and vibes

[@whoadog8725]

You don’t need dsub out on a particular audio interface to use an dsub input on the Model 1.4 or any other piece of gear. You can buy an xlr/trs to dsub snake. I use the dsub in and out on the SSL Six with my rack mount UA Apollo interface which has standard trs outs.

[@LiamKillen]

I had no idea there was an adaptor for this- thank you!

[@InnerVisions68]

Beat me to it

[@InnerVisions68]

@@LiamKillen Yes. DB-25 plugs are just high-density, more compact multi-in/out, breakouts/ports (space savers), and not an interface standard unto themselves. Go to Sweetwater’s “cable finder”, select “snakes”, DB25, and check out your options (DB25 to DB25, DB25 to TRS 1/4”, DB25 to XLR male, and DB25 to XLR female) …

[@YouriHL]

@@LiamKillen You'll be amazed. There are even DisplayPort to S-Video cables out there lol

[@isotoxin]

Because I don't wanted to spend another 200€ on 3 units of DSUB cables, I have all 3 DSUB cables made all by myself with custom 6.3 and xlr jacks. 3 cables cost me 30€ for parts and half Sunday at the soldering station. 😅Those 75 cables will not solder all by themselves! The pinout of cables are in the playdifferently manual.

[@Manmademadman]

I appreciate this review... I got the MODEL1 about a month ago now and its definitely inspired my live show (live techno) and changed my thought on performing. Before I was "mixing" through a line level Mackie or some such and it was set and forget. Now, I am almost always hands on the MODEL1This allows the user to filter out things such as a kick drum almost completely for transitions. A couple notes: make sure you try the gain/trim knob for drive, which sounds a LOT better than simply overloading the channel. I need to do a video about this. Second: NO mono inputs mean you get to buy special 1/4" to dual RCA cables. Synths like a Norand Mono, Abstrakt Avalon, SH-101 etc. will require this. The CUE system is invaluable for auditioning new synth lines before the audience hears it. Also has a "booth monitor" and and and... Expensive but worth every penny if you're doing live electronic music!

[@LiamKillen]

I just did a mini set with it which I’ll be posting soon 😊

[@JulioAvalos3000]

I just realized I need one of those air blowers In my life. Thanks for the link.

[@LiamKillen]

Pleasure

[@josevillegas9046]

I have the same mixer, it’s my first mixer ever and even after a year of owning it, I’m still learning different techniques. I love the design as well and how it’s built like a Tank. I would definitely like to see what different effects pedals would go great with it. Thanks for the video!

[@LiamKillen]

You’re welcome! It’s the best right!?

[@erwindouwes7043]

I just hooked up a strymon Zelzah and Bluesky v2 and i've got the feeling i'm set for quite some sets now.

[@kathleencoveny3860]

The tones of sound are in celestial alignment with the hues of colour in your studio set up .. a match made in Heaven .. cheers to you with your always on point videos .. .

[@LiamKillen]

Cheers to you! 😂

[@raytbrown2]

Wow. That sounds really nice - might be the best you have sounded, Thank you for sharing!

[@LiamKillen]

Hey I appreciate it! I got jam with this set up coming out soon 😏

[@tubeMonger]

I liked watching and listening to the latest iterations of your setups with 1.4 👍

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you!

[@ac12484]

I had my Model 1.4 for two years now, enjoying it so much. Love my friends getting confused with the low cut knob, making them sound bad, but my mix is always good ;)

[@LiamKillen]

I just eel like you can't go wrong with it.

[@ac12484]

@@LiamKillen well, people who come from the regular mixers are always confused about the low frequency cut knob that cuts from the left, not from the right, sometimes for the whole evening :) Anyway, the best thing I like is the sound quality!

[@krazywabbit]

Nice job. Before I got into this space, I taught myself how to bedroom DJ and eventually upgraded to the Roland DJ707m. I got into iOS and gear and the 707m found itself in the closet and on Reveb. No one bit and I took it as a sign. After a big move takes place next month, the 707 will find its way back on the desk as I'm trying to find a way to incorporate it with gear, DAW and iOS. Thank you for the inspiration. Nice colorful background btw!

[@SonicVibe]

been really enjoying ios music production

[@LiamKillen]

My stuff is becoming more and more DJ influenced but I don’t think I’ll ever become like a classic DJ. I mean anything can happen at this point lol but I’d rather stay more in the “original” producer realm

[@LiamKillen]

Something I keep hearing great things about!!

[@cougarman8]

Just got the Allen Heath DB4, talk about a mixer as instrument! It's absolutely incredible for jamming, worth every cent, and I'm convinced you'd be blown away by it Liam! Also got the rmx-1000 after seeing your video. You HAVE to check out the DB4!! The built in effects are top notch (and I have TONS of high end guitar pedals so I’m an fx snob:)) and the built in looper is magical.

[@LiamKillen]

Woahhh big purchase!! 🍻 glad you’re into it!

[@avjaz]

I also own a A&H DB4 and what you say is 100% correct :)

[@cougarman8]

@@avjaz someone told me about recently cause I’m such a fan of playable mixers like the mx-1. I really think the DB4 deserves to be rediscovered (not that it was obscure and unknown!) but I don’t know if people realise how awesome sounding and playable and powerful it is!

[@avjaz]

@@cougarman8 It does have a cult following... but it would be great if A&H gave it a reboot... some more FX and an audio interface that supported M1/2 macs.

[@patamuslo69]

i had DB4 too for 4 years, its the centerpiece instrument of my setup, now i see impossible to live w/out 4 sync'ed loopers (paired with k2 for mixing beetween loop and live) thers no going back, i hope, one day (because its discontinued) A&H or another brand , make a DB:6 or something like that!

[@Noise-Conductor]

That Jam you had with the "weird synthy" thing was really dope!

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you! Planning on releasing that 😊

[@WotanSkyFather]

I just recently got a Yamaha AM802 from 1987. Small footprint, fully analog, lightweight, 8 channel with 2 stereo channels on 7 and 8, 3 - yes you heard that right THREE aux send/return busses, tape in and out, hi/lo 15ddB EQ on both channels, but no master EQ. Best of all, I got it for $50. Clean, no hum/hiss, as it's all balanced in/out (no RCAs).

[@LiamKillen]

50 fkn dollars!?

[@alipaulstagram]

I see a lot of people hating on this mixer for not having a soundcard, but you just need to see the resale value of the Xone 4D vs the 92 to understand why. They are basically the same mixer apart from the 4D has a soundcard and midi functionality yet goes for half the price of the 92 as it no longer gets driver updates. Interfaces have a finite life dependant on drivers. Analog gear will live forever.

[@LiamKillen]

Exactly - and also, you don't see anyone selling this. I will never sell this mixer - unless maybe I wanted to upgrade to the same thing with 6 channels.

[@alipaulstagram]

@@LiamKillen You're telling me! I've been waiting a couple of months for a reasonably priced 2nd hand one to show up. They don't get sold often!

[@waveFunction25]

​@@LiamKillen bro didn't you switch mixers? What happened

[@BrandonZeeb]

Nice setup there, I like how you put it to double use for tracking and mixing. Interesting to see this mixer put to use in a production context, seems like with the routing and various filters it could be a big player for creative (re)sampling and sound design as well.

[@LiamKillen]

I’ve been experimenting with exactly that as well!

[@haslo_]

That's really the thing I'm missing with the Model 12: FX returns. It has two AUX outs, but returns from FX have to come into regular inputs. There is the possibility to use internal FX, which I often do only because it uses less channels (as the return from that can go directly into the master).

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that’s a big plus with the model 1 / model 1.4

[@martinsouthall]

I've definitely missed having returns on my Model 12, coming from a series of Mackie mixers that typically had dedicated return jacks. It almost makes me wish that I'd sprung for the Model 16.

[@peterbakker9531]

Hi, a real affordable audiointerface I use with the model 1.4 is the Cymatic Audio uTrack24 with d-sub connectors!

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks for letting us know!

[@earlsfield]

+1 for aesthetics, I also love gear that looks mighty and good, especially when you fork out a lot for it. Now, This is not a regular mixer. It lacks everything studio mixer should have, and if you are into that, go and check Mackie, Soundcraft, Yamaha, there are zillion options now. However, if you are very much into the analogue mixer, try Allen&Heath ZED series. It is an older family of A&H, and mostly built for live sound and PA. However, there is enough auxes for effects, sub mixes and all other usual suspects you might want on a mixer, plus, it has a KILLER eq and a beautiful, 2 level gain stage that gives nice, crisp analogue warmth. Back to Model 1.4, I use Model 1 and I got totally obsesssed with it when I got it. It IS an instrument (provided you use hardware instruments, or at least combo of two computers, so you actually need to sum something together.

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you for this addition!

[@TerryZhong]

I am a logic user and looking for ways to build a live set, your video is super inspiring!

[@LiamKillen]

Awesome! I'm actually working on a video on that exact topic- should be out Thursday.

[@potsandjacks]

I recomend lowering your trim and using the drive to get your levels up if your looking for more flavor.

[@LiamKillen]

I’ve discovered this 😏

[@tonybucks5709]

Purchased one a while back, stickers started to peel off after 3 months of use, sold it right away. It's a beautiful mixer but comes from the Allen Heath school, so i went back to my Allen Heath Xone 96 which is insane for live performance (that's what Richie Hawtin used before making his own mixer, well, very expensive mixer). It's great, sounds great, but top notch quality it's not there yet.

[@LiamKillen]

Really!? It’s been great for me so far 🤔 I guess time will tell but this is really worrying!

[@tonybucks5709]

@@LiamKillen check on Google, that's the number one (and only) issue with this mixer. It's a fantastic analog unit, but with time stickers start to peel off. Should not happen with such high qualty and expensive gear.

[@oscarjmg]

Liam, I just have an opinion but is just to discuss. If you already have a good audio interface. Why no, a midi controller (Novation Launchcontrol XL) and use the software mixer, sends and returns can be put through the audio interface, like on Ableton, less cumbersome isn't it?

[@LiamKillen]

I get that- there’s something about having a mixer that feels amazing though. Also I’m not opposed to your workflow either it’s just a different thing!

[@sixdonuts]

Yea! No TX-6! Very similar to my 4 channel Korg KM-402 which has a Kaoss Pad with 100 FX. Sounds great!

[@LiamKillen]

TX-6 is dope for other reasons 😏

[@nickloss2377]

you are a dj. I've come to that determination. I thought it was weird that you were reviewing the rmx-1000, but I let that slide.. but now you've got Richie Hawtin love child he had with Allen & Heath's engineer Andy Rigby-Jones.. not only that, I've been thinking about grabbing one of those Microcosm effects pedals to try out as an effects loop with a traditional DJ setup.. (cuz the rmx-1000 is just so cookie cutter sounding). You're literally the only KZbinr that's even considered using a radically different efx unit with a DJ mixer. thanks for that. You've got a new sub. BTW, if you ever get curious, there is another effects unit that I've been curious to try out.. it's made by Master Sounds from the UK. it is designed to integrate with their Master sounds valve DJ mixers and traditional DJs have complained that it is very difficult to understand... so that's definitely something I want to look into. DJ's aren't known for being the most adventurous when it comes to things like effects units.. if the DJs at the nightclub i do sound for all tell me that they have never heard of the master sounds effects unit, I take that as a good sign..

[@LiamKillen]

Microcosm is dope!!! And so is the model 1.4 . I’ve incorporated some DJ gear into my set up but I’m not sure I’d call myself a DJ

[@nickloss2377]

@@LiamKillen well maybe not an actual DJ.. but you think like a DJ, have similar creative sensibilities and share a very similar workflow. And when I say "DJ", I don't mean like DJ Khaled or Jazzy Jeff, Fatboy Slim who mix prerecorded music and remixes... more like Richie Hawtin, Dubfire, Shaded, Mad Professor.. these guys may have started their career as traditional djs.. but over the years, they've slowly incorporated samplers drum machines, effects units, midi controllers, production software, outboard effects etc in their sets to the point where today their performances are closer to being called a live performance than a dj set.

[@andystandys]

Nice video. I'd been wondering what the features of a mixer like this were. Thanks for sharing!

[@LiamKillen]

It’s a pleasure

[@fragmatic1964]

Everyone needs a 'sucker', too. 😉 A small vacuum is actually better for your equipment since you're removing particulates instead of blowing them into it.

[@LiamKillen]

You might be right.

[@asynchronicity]

I love products like this that help one to break out of entrenched patterns, psilocybin style 🫠👍

[@LiamKillen]

It’s thrown a wrench in my entire concept of making and performing music lol

[@b.low...101]

geat video! I'm finding it very inspiring to create some music...thank you

[@LiamKillen]

Love hearing this - and it's a pleasure. Thanks for being here :-)

[@s100flo3]

Hey man! Love your work. What sound card are you using with Model 1.4? Thanks

[@BassAnywhere]

Great content Liam ! I bought the TX-6 from Moogaudio and then returned it after, it’s a cool portable mixer but way too much expensive for what it is. They’re quite different, but I’d rather pay the big bucks for something like the Model 1.4 😍

[@LiamKillen]

Oh awesome thanks for watching!

[@LiamKillen]

The Model 1.4 is the best mixer I’ve payed my hands on (imo)

[@lokologico]

really cool mixer for performance, certainly a game changer. I see this best for dawless performance of sorts. The Dsub is a nice integration, but if you do work on computer, you are prob better off just getting a mixer/controller and let the DAW do all the magic. However, if you do jam with hardware, then its nice this can do both worlds happy !

[@LiamKillen]

I’m gonna be using it like all the time haha

[@yeshayahu8358]

Hey Liam. I really like your music a lot. It reminds of La Gaffle Tales. Keep it up!

[@LiamKillen]

Oh awesome! I’ll check it out! 🍻

[@everybodyhasoul5438]

Awesome sounding music! Would love to hear this A/B’d with a digital option like Softube Console 1.

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you for listening! 😊

[@fotomaton7852]

I can't find the part where you explain how you're connecting the mixer to your audio interface via D-Sub? This is the most confusing aspect of this mixer, would have been great to see a break down. I'm assuming you're using an Antelope interface, if so which one?

[@LiamKillen]

My audio interface has D sub out, so i go from that to d sub in on the mixer. From there, I make sure that my corresponding tracks in my DAW are set to the correct outputs / channel and voila! I'm actually dropping a video this Thursday that will explain this routing set up in more depth. More soon.

[@fotomaton7852]

@@LiamKillen Cool that’s what I figured, very few interfaces have D-Sub though so I’m assuming you’re using Antelope or Apollo16? Looking forward to the video, thanks!

[@marioguberac929]

You dont need audio interface with dsub. You can use for example traktor audio 10 or 8 or 6 or 2

[@LiamKillen]

Oh cool! Does that give you individual outs?

[@marioguberac929]

@@LiamKillen Dude I expleane to you( sorry for my bad Englisch, i am for crotia and live in Germany) I have model 1.4 , best saunding mixer I ewer herd. Sound Top , build quality Top. I use 1.4. with my traktor audio 8 , 3 chaneles traktor and 1 chanel ableton(drum machinr), and send return boss delay dd7 and boss rv 5 as my return chanels

[@phuturemusic]

Stereo imagery would be lovely

[@LiamKillen]

Yes

[@tanczene3824]

It's certanly in a whole other category, but I'd recommend anyone wanting something similar functionality wise to check out the Roland MX-1. Yes, it's digital, but it has nice built in effects that are step sequenceable, it's also a USB audio interface, and supposedly plays nice with Ableton (I don't really use any DAWs, so I can't comment on that. I think JK Flesh uses one to perform with a laptop). I've had it for around a year, and it's a piece of gear I can't see myself ever parting with. I also have a hard time seeing myself ever spending as much on a mixer as this chunky boy you've got costs, but it sure looks very cool and a lot of fun.

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks for the rec!

[@MBArkestra]

Regarding studio use: I more or less have this same setup with my Korg Nanokontrol - mapped it to a LP/HP filter for my drum and synth busses and mapped the volume to some sliders. I also have my FX sends on there. Tape saturation and compression sit on the master. Would the Model 1.4 be "better"? Would I "play differently"? Maybe, maybe not. It would make a killer DJ mixer though.

[@LiamKillen]

I can tell you with certainty that it would sound better

[@boogway]

very tight. been eyeing this mixer for years and might finally give in. where did you get the coiled cable though?

[@LiamKillen]

Highly recommended. MyVolts is where I get pretty much all my cables

[@kiqidj]

Hi Liam how do you connect the RMX-1000 to the MODEL 1.4? Thanks!

[@LiamKillen]

I'm going audio out from the 1.4 into RMX-1000 and then into speakers :-) Hope this helps ! If you have any other music tech questions my Discord is always resourceful as well - here's an invite: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

[@TravelingwithKristin]

@@LiamKillen thanks! I will join :)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Absolutely bonkers video brother❤️ the GAS is real😅

[@LiamKillen]

Full throttle on that fkn GAS 😂

[@maarzt]

😂

[@cryptout]

Nice this might replace my xone:92 some day...

[@LiamKillen]

Let’s GOOOO

[@winstonsmith9424]

very good and helpful review

[@LiamKillen]

Glad to help 😊

[@domingoleija3436]

Robust sounding. Tough choice between zone Px5 or the simple 1.5?

[@LiamKillen]

Not super familiar with those ones.

[@thomasblondet]

Dope set up! Doing a similar set up but with the PioneerDj DJM-V10.

[@LiamKillen]

Love to hear it!

[@thomasblondet]

@@LiamKillen as soon as the V10 comes in I will. Been dealing with supply chain issues.

[@McEnroe911]

perfect circuit sells the play differently mixers.

[@LiamKillen]

Son of a

[@TouchSonic4]

Thank You

[@LiamKillen]

My pleasure

[@sj454]

I love this mixer it sounds amazing... can you tell me if your line/dsub select buttons on ch 3&4 the 2 inside channels are a bit darker when lit than ch 1&4. Im not sure if its just my mixer or if its just a characteristic of the design. Cheers :-)

[@LiamKillen]

Hmm...try twisting the lil red ridged knob on the top right of the mixer, you'll notice that the filter colours will brighten / darken- could have something to do with that.

[@SameMan020]

The best Mixer ever Made

[@LiamKillen]

It's top notch that's for sure.

[@SameMan020]

@@LiamKillen Great Video btw. Check my Channel how I play with Model 1.4

[@jaimerodriguez1550]

Ahhh the model 1. Richie hawtins love child.

[@LiamKillen]

He did well

[@filth888]

Great content, thought provoking. I was actually thinking about getting a digital mixer with more inputs because my setup includes a few live mics for vocals, guitars, percussion instruments etc. this video may have changed my thinking oh. Two things I have been pondering for live setup- Side chain compression for the bass ( maybe a few other things) for the kick drum. And mastering effects - like, how to add some multi and compression & a touch of stereo imaging on the final mix. Have you given these two any thought?

[@LiamKillen]

If you can afford it- there’s nothing else quite like it

[@romi2910001]

Check out the db4 🔥

[@JohnDoe-yr5tg]

I thought I’d ask your advice being an advocate of the model 1.4 mine is new had it 2 weeks and I’m still smelling an electrical smell did yours do that I know when some items are new there might be a period till it breaks in or should I be sending mine back

[@LiamKillen]

hmmmm that doesn't sound very fun - mine didn't have that issue.

[@bader3879]

Thats awsome man. Could you link up those split connectors? When i connect a mono synth directly to the model 1 i get only one speaker playing. I think i need a splitter. Cheers

[@LiamKillen]

I got it from MyVolts!

[@djmikio]

When you say that "when it comes to audio quality, it doesn't really go up from here" and then imediatley after say that your line ins are limited to RCA jacks that's a major contradiction.

[@LiamKillen]

That doesn’t change the quality of the audio lol

[@djmikio]

@@LiamKillen So, the buzzes or hums one picks up usung unbalanced connections is not considered a difference in audio quality?

[@Two-Eyed_Boy]

🤣 the Tascam Model 12 reference that "people" keep mentioning

[@LiamKillen]

😂

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Did you sell thé Octatrack?

[@LiamKillen]

Hell no!

[@toffchunks]

congrats!!! top!!!

[@LiamKillen]

🍻 🍻

[@Luap-ls3ix]

I just wish it was smaller which is probably an impossible ask 😂

[@LiamKillen]

This is as small as it’s gonna get lol

[@liantrosretrospectiva4134]

I need a Model 1.2

[@LiamKillen]

5 channels? 😂

[@liantrosretrospectiva4134]

@@LiamKillen just 2

[@Judasz696]

you have dsub cable connected to what?

[@LiamKillen]

Apogee ensemble

[@micindir4213]

It’s a mixer by Richie hawtin innit? He knows stuff.

[@LiamKillen]

He killed it with this one

[@micindir4213]

@@LiamKillen gotta remember he’s been on the scene since late 80ies, when it transitioned from skinny puppy to Detroit stuff. And having so much experience he knows what musicians really need. You cannot say that for engineers from big brands.

[@phuturemusic]

Wow

[@LiamKillen]

So good

[@devvvvvvvvvvvv]

uh poh gee

[@LiamKillen]

Dee-veen chau-veez

[@DjNikGnashers]

I genuinely do not understand this mixer. It costs £2400. If you are a DJ, you wouldn't buy it. It's too limited for DJ's Aside from the D-Sub connection, what advantage has this got, over a small studio mixer, such as the Mackie 802-VLZ4 8 ? That costs £203, and has more channels, XLR connections, more features, and just as good if not better pre amps.

[@LiamKillen]

FX sends returns // Fully Analog + the analog drive sounds amazing // the design is very much geared towards performance and the quality / aesthetic is top notch. If you’re just looking for a mixer that sort of just sits there in your set up- this isn’t it

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@LiamKillen The mixer I mentioned has FX sends/returns too, is fully analogue, and the pre amps are top quality. Mackie is a very well respected company and the build quality is up there with anything else. The only difference I can see, is that this model 1.4 has sliders, and the small studio mixers have rotary controls for channel levels. It seems an awful amount of money for something which isn't really any better than a small studio mixer to me, and I have been both a DJ and producer for decades (albeit not a professional one). I just don't get it. If it was £500, then yes, I would see the point, but at £2400 fuck me, I genuinely think they are taking the piss mate.

[@Judasz696]

@@DjNikGnashers its because dj mixers like xone 96, model 1 and Formula FF 6.2 L are great summing and sounding mixers but also they are performance mixers. You could buy a behringer Xwing for the price of formula mixers tho.

[@ZenMountain]

Why on earth would you need a DSUB audio interface??? Just buy a snake...

[@LiamKillen]

I have no idea how I didn't think of that lol- my bad. I'm gonna try and edit that part out of the video.

[@astrodruid.darkarunez.8850]

2 and half grand you having a laugh, What a Rip Off!..

[@LiamKillen]

Everyone’s entitled to their opinion but…I (heavily) beg to differ

[@astrodruid.darkarunez.8850]

@@LiamKillen Thats fine if you wanna waste money, there really isnt anything special about this piece of gear.

[@McEnroe911]

@@astrodruid.darkarunez.8850 Gotta love strong opinions from people who have clearly never used the gear in question.

[@astrodruid.darkarunez.8850]

@@McEnroe911 Ok so i have not a clue?, is that what you are saying or i have absolutely no experience in audio hardware? , why comment then ??, if you know me oh so well haha, u wanna find your nearest canal and jump in.

[@McEnroe911]

@@astrodruid.darkarunez.8850 So you've used one of the PLAYdifferently mixers?

[@cooksoni.a]

a lot of money for 4 channels and one filter, and only 3 phono preamps. i like the sound and the concept of the parametric eq instead of multiband, but ill stick with my xone96

[@LiamKillen]

Fair considering zone 96 is more expensive than the model 1.4

[@cooksoni.a]

@@LiamKillen oh damn i forgot how much they are new. i got mine used for $1900. yeah i guess that is a pretty normal price, i was thinking they are unusually expensive