Thermionic Culture Fat Bustard II (Black)

Fat Bustard Mk II - Elevate Your Mix with All-Valve Summing

Discover the sonic masterpiece that is the Fat Bustard Mk II, an all-valve passive input summing mixer designed to take your audio to new heights. With 14 inputs, including 4 stereo inputs, 4 mono pan-able inputs, and 2 'Aux' inputs with pan switches, this mixer redefines sound quality and control.

Key Features:

• Exceptional Valve Sound: The heart of the Fat Bustard lies in its choice of valves. Summing is accomplished using a pair of 5965 valves, and the output stage employs a pair of 6SN7 valves, offering vast headroom and a uniquely smooth response.

• Semi-Floating Inputs: The decision to use "semi-floating" inputs and unbalanced outputs was made to optimize sound quality and performance in all situations.

• Varislope Curves: Explore top and bass lift with unique "varislope" curves. As you turn the controls up, the peak frequency becomes more extreme, adding depth without the harshness of solid-state EQs. Bass and top cuts offer a myriad of sound-tailoring options, all independently adjustable.

• Attitude Control: Gradually introduce harmonic distortion to the stereo summing stage with the 'Attitude' control. From subtle to aggressive, it adds the perfect amount of 2nd harmonic content to your mix.

• Stereo Spread: Widen your stereo image with the stereo spread control, allowing continuous adjustment over a selectable frequency range.

• Bass to Centre: Sum bass frequencies to mono for two different low-frequency ranges, with an option for mono across all frequencies.

• Balance and Output Control: Fine-tune stereo balance with the 'Balance' control, and precisely control the output levels using the rotary 31-position ELMA switch.

• Monitor Output and Level Control: Connect and control monitors seamlessly with the 'Monitor level' control, int/ext switch, and extra outputs, ensuring precise monitoring when the Fat Bustard is your primary mixer.

• Handwired Excellence: Crafted with point-to-point wiring throughout, the Fat Bustard promises exceptional sound quality, low distortion, and massive headroom.

Technical Specifications:

• Input Impedance: 10kΩ (dependent upon channel and setting), unbalanced
• Output Impedance: 600Ω unbalanced
• Monitor: 5kΩ unbalanced
• Gain (ch. 1-8): 0 at Attitude 1, +11dB at max attitude
• Maximum Output Level: +25dBU
• Distortion (at Attitude 1): 0.015% +8dBm output
• Distortion (at Attitude 3): 0.25%
• Distortion (at max. attitude): ≥1% (dependent on valve drive)
• Signal to Noise: At least 100dB below MOL at Att.1 (IEC weighted)
• Frequency Response (±1dB): 16Hz to 40kHz (at Attitude 1)
• Max Bass Lift: +10dB @ 50Hz
• Max Top Lift: +12dB @ 12kHz
• Phase Shift (10kHz): (at Att.1) 7% (26°) with EQ flat / (at Att. 4) 10% (36°)
• Crosstalk: 59dB @ 1kHz, 44dB @ 10kHz (average at Att. 1 & 2)

Elevate your mixing experience with the Fat Bustard Mk II, where exceptional valve sound and precise control converge for sonic excellence.