TK Audio S-Blender User Manual

S-Blender

Mini Mastering Console

The S-Blender is a mini mastering console with two stereo inserts for parallel / serial
processing and it’s a perfect tool for mixing and mastering. The five-step mode control
changes the signal path and numerous combinations can be tested without reconnecting any
outboard.
The first insert has a semi-fixed position and the second insert can be positioned at four
different points in the signal path. At the push of a button the two inserts swap position
and by using the mute buttons previewing can be done without altering the level controls.
For easy integration The S-blender has a separate monitor section with a volume control and
a mono switch. It’s the optimal unit for two-stage compression combining parallel and serial
compression in a clean and simple way.

Mastering-grade circuits and a switch matrix with gold-plated relays guarantee maximum
performance.

Key Features

* Unique parallel and serial processing * Mastering grade performance
* Gold plated relays * Monitor section with volume control

With two outboard processors connected – for example two compressors, or a compressor
and an EQ – numerous combinations can be achieved at the twist of a knob. Interfaced with a

DAW and a monitoring system the S-blender can be used for both processing and monitor
control.

Function

Ch1 / Ch2 blend control

ins1

B

D

Ch3 level control

main level

+

C

monitor level

main output

monitor output

input

Ch1

A

S

Ch2

Ch3

A,B,C,D are insert points for insert2

The input signal is split into three separate channels:
Channel 1 is the unprocessed sound. Channel 2 has the Insert 1 inserted. Channel 3 is only
active in Mode 5, and otherwise muted. Insert 2 moves around in the signal path depending
on the mode setting. It’s also possible to swap the position of the two inserts by pressing the
swap button.

The three channels are followed by a mix point with a blend control between channel 1 and 2.
When Mode 5 is enabled Channel 3 can be mixed into the signal with a separate volume
control. The channel mute buttons cuts the signal without affecting the other channels making it
possible to preview channels without altering any level controls.

Insert 1 is always inserted into channel 2 for parallel processing. Insert 2 can be placed at
four different points in the signal-path.

Modes

Mode 1 - Insert 1 active on channel 2 for parallel processing.
Mode 2 - Insert 2 is placed before the split point.
Mode 3 - Insert 2 is placed in series with insert 1.
Mode 4 - Insert 2 is placed after the mix point.
Mode 5 - Insert 2 is sent to channel 3 for parallel processing.

A green LED shows the position of Insert 1 and a red LED shows position of Insert 2.

Swap

The swap switch change places of the two inserts.
Left picture shows insert 1 inserted into Ch2 and insert 2 inserted after the mix point as a
main output insert. Right picture shows the position of the two inserts after pushing the swap
switch. A sep arate page shows all 10 different modes.