Mercury SS242 Class A Discrete Mixing System

The Mercury Recording Equipment ‘Studio Soul 242’ & ‘Studio Soul 242 Pro’ is more than a summing mixer — it’s the missing tool in your studio to achieve the sound, isolation, and separation of mixing through a 24-channel Class A, Discrete Mixing Console… without the console.

This innovative system integrates seamlessly with your DAW, acting as the hub of your analog interface while delivering unparalleled sonic depth and character. The Mercury Studio Soul 242 Mixing Systems are a powerhouse crafted for professional mixing engineers striving for unmatched sonic excellence. Featuring a fully discrete Class A, transformer-balanced mix amplifier. This system seamlessly merges analog warmth with the precision of modern DAW workflows.

The ‘Studio Soul 242 Pro’ features the addition of 24 transformers—one per input channel. Providing more channel isolation to widen your mix and add a touch of transformer warm or glue.

Rediscover the expansive, full-bodied sound of a discrete console while maintaining a seamless connection to your digital environment. The Studio Soul 242 Mixing Systems bridge the gap between the legendary sound of large-format consoles and the efficiency of contemporary production.

• Both feature a Fully Discrete Class A Mix Amplifier: Ensures pristine audio quality and warmth.

• Both the SS242 & SS242 ‘PRO’ are fully balanced in, All 24 Ins and Monitor and Headphone Outs as well both are Transformer balanced on Two Bus outputs.

• The ‘SS242 PRO’ features 24 Transformer-Balanced Inputs: Provides unparalleled channel isolation / separation and audio clarity.

• Both have the Stereo EQ: Baxandall-style EQ for subtle tone shaping of Stereo Bus, adjust 2 low and 2 high frequencies with two controls .
- This is a two band, Baxandall EQ with a Low (Bass) and High (Treble). The EQ has Low (Bass) Control is +/- 10dB @ 10Hz and +/- 5dB @ 175Hz simultaneously. The Treble (High) Control is +/- 6dB @ 20K and +/- 3dB @ 2K5 simultaneously. Both HIgh and Low Controls have 41 position detected controls for easy recall.

• Custom Controls: The GAIN, LEVEL and EQ Controls, feature custom, 41 detent potentiometer controls for great feel and Easy Recall!

• Flexibility: Use independent level control, output control, and Stereo EQ for endless tone-shaping possibilities.

• Analog Insert Capability: Dedicated inserts for all 24 input channels for flexible analog processing on SS242 and SS242 PRO (as well as SS2548 Expansion).

• Selectable Panning: Channels 1-8 can be set to Left, Right, or Center for creative routing, including Mono. 9-24 are ODDS (left) and EVENS (right).

• Transformer-Balanced Stereo Output: No Gimmicks! Just Classic tone with adjustable level control and fader attenuation.

• Dual Stereo Bus Inserts:
- Insert A (Pre Stereo EQ): Ideal for external stereo EQs like the Mercury EQP2.
- Insert B (Post Stereo EQ): Perfect for stereo compressors such as Mercury 666 Limiters.
- Listen independently or combine analog processing chains for creative mixing options.
- Use a Tube EQ & Limiter on Insert A and a Discrete EQ and Limiter chain on Insert B.

• Expandable: The ‘Studio Soul 242 Pro’ and ‘Studio Soul 242’ are 24:2 mixing systems expandable to 48:2 with the SS2548 24 Channel Expansion unit (coming soon).

• Ground Lug: Ensures proper grounding when needed.

• Power Input: Compatible with STUDIO SOUL SS242 external power supply.

• Output Gain Switch: 0 dB or +6 dB gain for the output stage. We recommend setting to +6dB

• Transformer-Balanced ‘Stereo Bus’ Outputs: High-quality left and right outputs for main mix delivery. The O/P are Improved, Custom Mercury

• Monitor Out: Balanced output for alternative monitoring.

• ‘2548’ Linking Capability: Expand to 48 channels with the Studio Soul 2548 Mixing Expander (Coming Soon).

• Headphone Amp Out: Two Gold pin XLRs for Balanced Output (L/R) to send to your favorite headphone amplifier.

• Dedicated Headphone Jack: Combination XLR / ¼” Jack for direct monitoring.

• DB25 Connections: 4x DB25 connectors for 1-24 Insert Sends, Line Inputs, Insert Returns, Insert Return Mult..

• ROW 1 (Top) of DB25s: 1-24 for the INSERT SENDS. Send to your favorite outboard gear to easily process on each channel. Balanced.
NOTE: If you process with an EQ or Limiter BEFORE going into the SS242 this is also a DIRECT OUT, Giving you the ability to record back to your DAW.

• ROW 2 of DB25s: 1-24 for the INPUTS. This is to send your tracks / stems from your DAW. Balanced.

• ROW 3 of DB25s: 1-24 for the INSERT RETURNS. Return from your favorite outboard gear to easily process on each channel. Balanced.

• ROW 4 (Bottom) of DB25s: 1-24 for the INSERT RETURNS MULT. Balanced.
NOTE: If you process with an EQ or Limiter through the SS242 INSERTS this allows you to have a DIRECT OUT back to your DAW.

• XLR Connections: 8x gold pin XLRs for Insert A and Insert B sends and returns (left and right).

• Chassis: 2U, Aluminum Chassis construction with an aluminum front panel featuring a custom, metallic gray powder coat.

• Power Supply: 25W External power supply and cable included.

• Weight: Approximately 10 lbs.

• Handcrafted by Marquette Audio Labs in California, USA.