Euphonia Review: Merging Tradition with Innovation in Rotary Mixing

At Crossfader, our mission is to push the boundaries of DJing through in-depth tutorials, gear reviews, and our firsthand experiences with the latest equipment. While rotary mixers have historically been a niche area for us, the release of Euphonia by AlphaTheta has undeniably piqued our interest and earned our admiration. To appreciate the innovation that Euphonia represents, let’s briefly delve into the history of rotary mixers and then explore the technical marvels that set Euphonia apart.

A Brief History of Rotary DJ Mixers

Rotary DJ mixers have been celebrated for their superior sound quality and fluid mixing capabilities, making them a mainstay in audio engineering since the disco era. Known for their warmth and musicality, these mixers favour potentiometers (rotary knobs) for volume control, offering DJs finer adjustments and smoother transitions between tracks. Euphonia pays homage to this rich legacy by merging more than 30 years of audio technology with the unique attributes that have made rotary mixers a cherished tool among DJs.

Euphonia Video Review

If you prefer to watch a review, then check it below. If not, keep reading…

The Technical Brilliance of Euphonia

Euphonia stands out not just for its nod to tradition but for the groundbreaking features it brings to the table. Here’s a closer look at the technical elements that make the Euphonia a modern marvel in the world of DJ mixers:

Sound Quality Engineered with Precision

• Collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs: This partnership ensures unmatched audio fidelity, blending analog warmth with digital clarity.
• Analog Transformer Circuit: Enhances the output with harmonic complexity for a dynamic listening experience.

Build Quality and Design Aesthetics

• Chassis: Durable and ready for the rigors of both studio and live performances.
• Knobs and Controls: High-grade materials ensure responsiveness and durability.
• Aesthetic Choices: While the rose gold accents have divided opinions within our team, the overall build quality is undeniably premium.

Advanced Send FX Capabilities

• Range of Effects: From High-Pass Filters to Shimmer, Euphonia offers DJs a suite of effects for creative soundscapes.
• User Control: Intuitive controls allow for precise effect adjustments, integrating seamlessly with the mix.

Master Isolators for Precision Sound Sculpting

• 3-Band Isolation: Enables DJs to finely control bass, mid, and treble frequencies.
• Boost Send Feature: A unique addition allowing for targeted application of effects to specific frequency bands.

Expanding Creative Horizons

Before we delve deeper into the Send FX capabilities and Master Isolators, it’s important to understand how Euphonia represents a leap forward in mixer technology. The inclusion of such advanced features not only pays homage to the traditional aspects of rotary mixing but also embraces the possibilities afforded by digital innovation. This blend of old and new elevates the DJing experience, offering unparalleled creative freedom.

Send FX Capabilities: A New Realm of Creativity

Euphonia’s built-in Send FX elevates the creative potential for DJs, combining the warmth of analogue sound with the precision and versatility of digital effects. This fusion allows for a broad spectrum of soundscapes, from subtle texture enhancements to dramatic sonic transformations. The mixer features an array of built-in effects:

• High-Pass Filter (HPF): Purifies the sound by cutting lower frequencies, adding clarity.
• Delay: Introduces a clear, echo-like effect, perfect for adding rhythmical complexity.
• Tape Echo: Offers a vintage echo effect with fluctuation and saturation, invoking a nostalgic feel.
• Echo Verb: Combines delay and reverb for a spacious sound.
• Reverb: Envelopes the sound in aural space, perfect for transitions or highlighting specific tracks.
• Shimmer: Adds a sparkling high-end reverb, ideal for creating ethereal moments in a mix.

These effects can be easily manipulated through intuitive controls, allowing DJs to adjust the Send level, effect Time, and Parameter settings to achieve the desired impact. The Return knob lets DJs seamlessly blend the affected sound with the mix, ensuring a smooth integration.

Master Isolators: Sculpting the Sound

The 3Band Master Isolator on Euphonia stands as a pinnacle feature for DJs who wish to craft their sound meticulously. This component allows DJs to isolate and control the bass, mid, and treble frequencies of their music, transitioning smoothly between tracks or creating dynamic, choppy effects that can energize the dance floor. The Isolator’s unique characteristics include:

• Selectable Boost Send: An innovative feature that enables DJs to apply effects to specific frequency bands. This capability, combined with the built-in Send FX, opens up new avenues for expressive sound manipulation not seen in traditional rotary mixers.
• Customizable Isolation Range: Offers DJs the flexibility to choose how much they want to boost or cut frequencies, tailoring the sound to fit the mood of their set.

Euphonia is the first mixer to offer Boost Send capabilities directly from the Isolator pots. This groundbreaking feature empowers DJs to send a specific frequency to the Send FX section, providing a dynamic and expressive use of effects that enhances the musical journey.

The Alpha Theta Euphonia mixer uses high-quality AD/DA converters to achieve its exceptional sound quality. Specifically, it employs 32-bit AD/DA converters manufactured by ESS Technology for key sections of the mixer, which are known for their high resolution and wide dynamic range. Here’s a closer look at the significance of these components:

AD/DA Converters in Euphonia:

• 32-bit A/D Converter: Utilized for the Master, Booth, and Send sections. This high bit depth allows for an incredibly precise digital representation of the analog input signals, ensuring that every subtle nuance of the music is captured.
• 32-bit D/A Converter: Used for converting digital signals back into analog with the highest fidelity, ensuring that the output sound is as close to the original source as possible, with minimal distortion or loss of quality.
• 24-bit Converters: Employed for other various sections, supporting high-quality sound processing throughout the mixer.

Why ESS Technology Converters Represent High Sound Quality:

ESS Technology converters are renowned for their exceptional performance in audio reproduction. They offer several benefits that contribute to their reputation for high sound quality:

• High Resolution: The 32-bit resolution provides a vast dynamic range, capturing the faintest nuances and the loudest peaks of music without distortion or noise. This is crucial for professional audio equipment, where clarity and detail are paramount.
• Low Distortion and Noise: ESS Technology’s converters are designed to have extremely low Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) levels. This means that the audio output is a true and clean representation of the original sound, without unwanted artifacts.
• Patented Technologies: ESS converters often incorporate proprietary technologies such as HyperStream® and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, which further enhance audio clarity, reduce jitter, and improve the overall listening experience.

Example of High Sound Quality:

Consider a DJ mixing tracks in a live performance with the Euphonia mixer. The high-quality AD/DA converters ensure that every detail of the music, from the deep bass of electronic beats to the high notes of vocal tracks, is faithfully reproduced. When transitioning between tracks, the mixer maintains the integrity of the sound, ensuring a seamless blend without any loss in quality. The audience experiences a dynamic, engaging, and crystal-clear sound, elevating the overall performance.

In summary, the use of high-quality AD/DA converters, specifically from ESS Technology, in the Alpha Theta Euphonia mixer plays a crucial role in delivering unmatched audio fidelity, ensuring that DJs can deliver the best possible sound experience to their audience.

Tech Specs of the Euphonia

For those who are interested in the data behind the unit, here is a comprehensive list to dive into!

Inputs:

• PHONO Input Terminal: 4 sets (RCA pin jacks)
• LINE Input Terminal: 4 sets (RCA pin jack)
• MIC Input Terminal: 1 set
• RETURN Input Terminal: 2 sets (1/4” TS jack)
• DIGITAL IN Coaxial Input Terminal: 4 sets (RCA pin jacks)

Outputs:

• MASTER Output Terminal: 1 set (XLR connector)
• BOOTH Output Terminal: 1 set (1/4” TRS jack)
• REC OUT Output Terminal: 1 set (RCA pin jacks)
• SEND Output Terminals: 2 sets (1/4” TS jack)
• PHONES Output Terminal: 1 set each (1/4” stereo jack & 3.5 mm stereo mini jack)

USB Terminals:

• USB Terminal: 1 set (USB Type-C)

Pricing and Value

• RRP:
  €3,799, including VAT
  $3,799 excluding tax
  £3,2499, including VAT

Euphonia is positioned as a premium product, reflecting its advanced features and build quality. While the price tag may be steep, it targets a specific audience that values exceptional sound quality and innovative features. Is it justified? For those in search of unparalleled audio fidelity and creative potential, Euphonia represents a worthwhile investment.

In Conclusion

Though rotary mixers are a new territory for many of us at Crossfader, Euphonia has thoroughly impressed us with its sound quality, build, and innovative features. Its ability to bridge the tactile feel of rotary mixing with digital advancements has inspired us to explore this segment further. Despite differing opinions on design elements like rose gold accents, the consensus on Euphonia’s technical excellence is unanimous. For DJs who prioritize sound quality and creative freedom, Euphonia offers an exciting new frontier to explore.

See it in action!

Watch as our tutor, Jamie Hartley digs through some vinyl and puts together an electronic-infused mix showcasing some of the quality of this mixer’s features.