"The reaction when we introduced the FF-6000 early last year was tremendous," explains Formula Sound's Barry Penaligon. "That prompted us to look at other versions of the same concept and by listening again to what our customers wanted we arrived at the new FF-4000 mixer."
Customer feedback was an essential element in the creation of the original FF-6000 mixer which was designed in collaboration with both leading UK loudspeaker manufacturer Funktion - One, and with leading DJs. The features which the DJs specifically requested and which have proved so popular on the FF-6000 are included on the new FF-4000 mixer.
These include the usual Formula Sound hallmarks of rugged, reliable construction and outstanding sound quality, coupled with a flexible and accurate crossfader mounted beneath the channel strips for more precise control, says the company. An optional extra fader panelgives the opportunity to switch between linear and rotary channel faders, and large control knobs make the most frequently used functions easy to access. Similar access to external effects is also provided so that the FF-4000 can link with the very latest effects units and so provide the DJ with virtually unlimited potential for sonic variety.
Each FF-4000 channel features its own gain trim, fader and 3-band eq, and all are assignable to either the fully contour adjustable crossfader or direct to the master. There's an effects loop at either end of the crossfader with wet and dry controls, plus punch and latch-on switches, cue buttons, send and return gain trims, and a loop-swap button.
The master and zone outputs both feature stereo and mono outputs on balanced XLRs, and there's third effects loop plus a pair of 12-segment main output led meters. DJ outputs enable booth monitoring, recording and use of headphones.
The console mic input has on/off, volume and 2-band eq controls and routes direct to the main output. With all connections mounted on the end of the unit the FF-4000 can be rack-mounted or used in a free-standing position.
(Chris Henry)
