Volume, EQ, effects and now space too. Ambrio Spatial Performance Mixer is a new DJ mixer with spatial controls built into each track. Spatial effects too!
All About Ambrio Spatial Performance Mixer
Ambrio Spatial Performance Mixer
“Game changer” is a term that gets thrown around a lot. And yet sometimes a new product arrives on the scene that really does deserve the moniker. Spatial Performance Mixer from newcomer Ambrio is one of them. It may look like a normal DJ mixer but it actually lets you mix in spatial audio, putting up to 8.1 sound into the hands of the performer.
And you don’t even need a special setup. As long as you have at least four speakers, you can use Spatial Performance Mixer spatially. According to Ambrio, it can connect to any speakers from any brand without the need for external hardware or software. It uses a custom algorithm to convert stereo material to whatever speaker array is in the room. “No complex routing, no preparation,” says Ambrio. “The artist plugs in and plays.”
Ambrio Spatial Performance Mixer: Five-Channel Mixer
At its heart, Spatial Performance Mixer is a five-channel DJ mixer. It’s got the features that you expect from a high-end DJ mixer, including four-band EQ, highpass/lowpass filter, trim and cues – all on every channel. On top of that, however, are the spatial controls, which let you perform with them just like any other feature.
Interestingly, it also offers a one-touch reset function. See that big orange button? Hit that and everything turns on or off. Ambrio suggests using it for transitions and climaxes.
Ambrio Spatial Performance Mixer: Spatial Performance
Now for the spatial features, the star of the show. Spatial Performance Mixer allows you independent 360-degree positioning per channel. That includes reverb and spatial delay “traveling through space instead of sitting on top of the mix.” There’s also a display with performance and setup views.
The mixer also offers spatial monitoring so you can hear what’s happening from the booth, with four-point monitoring and adjustable delay.
Ambrio points out that Spatial Performance Mixer manages output energy with a spatial algorithm so perceived loudness stays constant whether it’s playing through stereo speakers or six.
“Spatial control is the innovation,” says Nicolas Geysens, co-founder of Ambrio, “but first and foremost, the Ambrio SPM is a top-of-the-line mixer to express music intuitively. You work the faders, you throw a delay, you sweep a filter, and now you can also make the sound move. It’s one more thing you can do, not the whole point. We look at a mixer the same way dub culture always has: as an instrument.”
Ambrio Spatial Performance Mixer: Connectivity
The new SPM mixer includes a sound card for streaming from a DAW via USB-C, four RCA line in pairs, two RCA phono ins with custom-built preamps, two mic and instrument XLR/TRS combo inputs, and send and return for external effects.
Going the other direction, you’ve got up to 8.1 analog main outputs on balanced XLR, four balanced booth outputs, headphone cue and a stereo record out. There’s also audio over Ethernet going both directions.
Additionally, you can control everything with MIDI and OSC. There are also CV sync and expression pedal inputs.
Ambrio Spatial Performance Mixer: Price and Availability
Ambrio’s Spatial Performance Mixer looks very cool indeed, especially for hybrid setups. As an ambient musician, I’m already thinking of how to use this in a sound bath. Hook it up to a sequencer or Eurorack rig and use CV to control sound spatially. Super exciting stuff.
Now the caveat. It’s not available to buy yet. Or even pre-order. Ambrio plans to start shipping in 2027 but before then, they want to send some out into the world and let DJs and performers experience spatial mixing themselves. Accordingly, they’ve created something called the Ambrio Incubator Program. Starting this month, Ambrio SPM units will go on loan to clubs, festivals, collectives and academic institutions in around Europe, North America and Australia.
The first stop is Amsterdam Dance Event, where you can hear it in action on Friday 23 October at Currents – Futures of Listening, FIBER’s spatial sound program at ADE. On Saturday 24 October, two masterclasses are planned at Loods6, where you can try the mixer for yourself.
For more information and to get on the priority list, visit the Ambrio homepage.
More Information
- Ambrio homepage
- More about DJing
- Buy DJ mixers at Thomann*
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