Wednesday, August 30, 2023

NoInputMixer (iOS/Mac/Audio unit) - Some details

No-Input Mixing is an experimental technique for creating a wide range of amazing, otherworldly electronic sounds by feeding the mixer output back to the input, thereby making a feedback loop. NoInputMixer models an analog mixing console and effects rack in detail, providing the ability to make a huge number of feedback configurations with additional effects.

How does it work?

This text is taken from the descriptions of working with real mixers, but it is fully consistent with how this application works. In working with this application, you can rely on tutorials and demo videos that show real devices. The principles of operation and the result will be very similar, with the addition that this application offers much more options for creating patches and using effects.

There are two elements which allow no-input mixing to work. Firstly, we rely on noise, which is inherent in all audio equipment, to create feedback loops. Any audio equipment will generate noise due to the nature of its internal circuits and components, and that is what we need. We are taking advantage of the noise to make sounds which can be used creatively!

Secondly, we take advantage of mixer amplifiers. These amplifiers are designed to make weak signals stronger.

By taking this noise from the output of the mixer and feeding it back to the input and through amplifiers inside the mixer, we can amplify the noise, which is then output back into itself, amplified again, and so on.

While a single output into an input brings instant results, it is when multiple outputs and inputs are connected that the fun really begins. By adding effects to the signal chain between output and input, we can change the tones that are amplified and looped. This opens up endless possibilities for creating different sounds and experiment for as long as you wish to.






NoInputMixer consists of a seven-channel mixer and an effects rack with eight slots. Each effect slot can be configured as an insert effect for a mixer channel or used with two send/return buses. Effects has an option for hi-res or lo-fi sound processing. Each mixer channel has its own algorithmic generator of different types of noise, which can be added to the feedback signal or used separately. The input selector switches between multiple points in the signal path to create different types of feedback loops or can be switched to an external input for any channel to use it as an effect processor.

Also this application provides several additional options not found in usual mixers, such as preamp tube type and mode selection, op-amp type selection, adjustment of overload protection circuit, and other features that greatly expand the possibilities for experimenting with sound. The user interface can be presented in the form of a classic mixer, or in the form of complete control of a single channel.

This diagram shows all application modules and their connection. With this diagram, you can better understand the purpose of each control and how they can affect the signal.


The diagram shows one channel. All channels are identical. Signal flow in the channel passes from left to right, to the internal mixer buses (blue vertical lines). The feedback path is shown as red lines at the top. Using the group feedback path, you can build complex structures where several channels interact together in one feedback loop. The main element that defines the type of feedback loop is the input selector.



Need space ambient in your mix? Try this:

SpaceFields - Space Ambient Machine >> App Store

SpaceFields (iOS, macOS, AUv3) is a mangler effect for creating slowly changing rhythmic sound structures in a deep reverb space from any external signal. Great for experimenting and designing ambient and noise backgrounds with rhythmic elements. >>> More about this app

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