2: Overview
Originally launched in 2016, the Radius 2 two-channel rotary DJ mixer
became an instant hit with the high-end DJ and club installation
community, followed by the introduction of the Radius 4 four-channel
version, two valve-based versions (Radius Two and Four Valve), an FX
unit and dedicated LinearPOWER supply accessory.
“Four years on, the brand has seen remarkable growth, but the higher
production costs of a premium rotary mixer rules them out for DJs on a
tighter budget. “Designer, Andy Rigby-Jones, and I decided to do something
about it, and the challenge was to redesign the compact Radius 2 and
Radius 4 to make them more affordable but without compromising any of the
features, the feel, or the audio fidelity of the original model,”
explains MasterSounds’ founder, Ryan Shaw.
The new generation Radius 2 and 4 offers clean, open, and dynamic sonic
quality on both LINE and RIAA inputs, as well as improved usability.
Both mixers feature easy-reading analogue VU meters, a responsive Master
EQ/Isolator, a smooth natural sounding hi-pass filter on each channel,
and an AUX send/Return system with insert button for easy integration
of external effects, including MasterSounds own FX unit. Radius 4 also
includes 2 mic inputs, selectable via the rear panel.
“The redesign challenge meant going back to the drawing board to see
where we could simplify the circuitry without impairing performance. For
instance, the Split Composite Passive RIAA stage remains identical to the
previous generation but we have simplified the post-fader circuitry. The
biggest change was to the internal construction and PCB board shapes,
where we have optimised them for maximum efficiency through our in-house
fabrication plant which has made them a lot easier to manufacture. What
we haven’t compromised on is the quality of the components used, and the
third-generation mixers all feature Alps pots/switches, close tolerance
resistors/capacitors, and Panasonic electrolytics. I am very happy with
the result of the engineering changes, and these compact mixers offer
exceptional value for money,” explains Union Audio’s Andy Rigby-Jones.
Union Audio has evolved and experienced some radical changes since
Radius 2’s inception four years ago, which has equipped the team to
implement the design changed. Moving into a new unit in 2017, Rigby-
Jones has developed a sophisticated design and production facility,
coupling traditional analogue engineering with ultra-high specification
manufacturing.
“The Radius 2 and 4 hold a special place in my heart, it’s the mixer Andy
and I began our audio journey with, and one that gives the user a really
unique way of blending records. Both Radius 2 and 4 are desktop products,
with a small footprint, which makes them perfect for home, touring, and
club use, or all three! It was the right time to re-engineer Radius,
giving more DJs the opportunity to experience our wonderful product, at a
price unseen given each mixer’s quality of build and fidelity of sound,”
concludes Shaw.
Radius 2
Operation Manual Overview 4
