5059 SATELLITE
16 x 2+2 Summing Mixer
OVERVIEW / MEDIA / FEATURES / REVIEWS / SPECS & RESOURCES
Flexible, feature-rich analog summing with classic Rupert Neve console sound.
Built around many of the topologies and custom transformers made famous with the 5088 large-format console, the 5059 is a 16 x 2+2 summing mixer designed to deliver the ultimate ‘out-of-the-box’ sonics and control in a 2U, rack-mountable chassis.
The 5059 features 16 channels with individual level, pan, inserts, stereo-2 sends, and master texture controls, providing easy integration with outboard equipment, complete control for two separate stem mixes, and the ability to dial in both flavors of our renowned SILK circuit simultaneously. With the same sonic heritage as classic mixing consoles used to create countless hit records, the 5059 Satellite imbues your tracks with the legendary warmth and presence of a Rupert Neve design.
“The difference in mixing in the box vs. through that summing mixer...it’s unbelievable the effect that it has.”
The Signature of Excellence
The most important element of the 5059 is its legendary sound, the keys to which are the +/-24V class-A topologies and custom transformers, carefully refined over several decades to provide exceptional sonic performance and to greatly minimize crossover distortion.
When combined with Mr. Rupert Neve’s transformer design and implementation, the 5059 achieves a remarkable purity, while also conveying the signature warmth and larger-than-life sound reminiscent of Rupert’s classic designs.
Making Connections
One drawback to mixing “in the box” is the inability to use high quality analog outboard equipment. Channel inserts are provided in the 5059 to streamline interconnections with analog outboard equipment and to allow for further expansions of the 5059’s capabilities.
By connecting a second 5059 to the insert outputs of a 5059, the dual stereo outputs can be used as a way to add 4 auxes to each of the 16 channels. And when used with other products from Rupert Neve Designs’ summing family, the 5059 becomes an integral part of a complete modular system for world-class analog mixing and monitoring.
The 5059 also offers a fantastic solution for keyboard or individual instrument mixing, with its 16 pannable inputs, inserts and returns for effects and pedals, and up to 10dB of gain. It also allows for recording a stacked mix of sounds while simultaneously recording each of them individually via the “always on” insert sends.
Silk + Texture = Classic Sounds on Demand
Every mix demands its own treatment. In addition to the choice of outputs, the continuously variable Texture control with Silk Red and Silk Blue modes gives you complete control over the harmonic density and tonality of your mix – or lets you keep it utterly pristine and uncolored.
The Silk Red mode accentuates transformer saturation in the high and high-mid frequencies to amplify the vibrant midrange harmonics associated with Rupert’s vintage equipment, while Silk Blue accentuates saturation of the lows and low-mids to add thickness and weight to any source – especially useful for “thin-sounding” mixes. Unlike EQ, these Silk & Texture controls saturate the output transformers, and add highly musical harmonics to the source material according to the amount of Texture applied.
Drive the mix bus hard, choose your Silk flavor, and crank the Texture knob for a rich, saturated, vintage vibe – or disengage Silk entirely for clear, wide-open sonic beauty. The choice is yours.
With 16 channels of Rupert Neve designed class-A magic and numerous tonal and routing options, the 5059 Satellite mixer will elevate your DAW-based studio’s sound and performance to new heights.
Silk / Texture
Continuously variable Texture control for Silk modes allows the engineer to fine tune the harmonic ratio and tonality of both stereo outputs. The SILK push button cycles between Red, Blue, and bypass.
New Class-A Topologies
With exceedingly low crossover distortion and unmatched purity, the 5059 sets the standard for rack-mountable summing mixers.
Custom Transformers
Beyond providing galvanic isolation, the custom transformers in the 5059 are a key ingredient to its larger than life sound.
Stereo 2 Send
Sends the channel’s signal to the Stereo 2 bus which allows for two stems to be mixed and processed simultaneously.
Channel Level
Individual continuously variable level controls are provided for each channel from -∞ to +10dB.
Channel Pan
Individual center-detent pan controls are provided on each channel of the 5059 with a 3dB pan law.
Channel Insert
Engages the Insert Return inputs on the rear panel. (Insert sends are always active.)
Master Output Level
Level controls are provided for each of the stereo outputs -∞ to 0dB.
REVIEWS
“The difference in mixing in the box vs. through that summing mixer...it’s unbelievable the effect that it has.”
Toby Francis
Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry
“Having 32 channels of Rupert Neve Designs summing is absolutely central to my set up…the headroom is spectacular and the detail is amazing.”
Tony Platt
AC/DC, Motörhead, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Bob Marley and the Wailers
“When I used to spend more time mixing on large-format analog boards, there was a certain sweet spot at which I could drive the mix bus to get just the right amount of saturation, and by using the Satellite's Silk modes, I could create that same sweet spot at almost any operating level.”
“There are many summing mixers, each sporting various features and routing options, but the Satellite 5059 is the only one deserving of the Rupert Neve name. The 5059 boasts not only the Neve sonic signature, but its flexibility is well suited for modern applications of processing. The 5059 is a unique summing mixer and would impart a variable sonic palette and novel routing options to any hybrid DAW setup. I look forward to each RND release, and the 5059 did not disappoint me in any way.”
“I am really at a loss of words to describe how good this product is. I purchased the unit and did a few mixes on it and my jaw dropped. It blew my [other brand] summing out of the water (which was still really good, just a more sterile feel). This box helps create a very three-dimensional mix and there are so many different ways to use it...”
“I'm only one album in and all I can say is, this thing kills it! It really does feel like mixing on a console without faders. Silk is like hitting the ‘sweet spot’ but without the balancing act. Pair this with a 5060 and you'll basically have yourself a mini 5088 for less than a 1/4 of the cost.”
“I have spent over a year working tirelessly to get the sound I needed out of my existing console and just never achieved it. With the 5059 I have not only reached my goal, but have blown it out of the water. This is the most amazing warm, punchy, filled with head-room for days mixer I have ever used.”
“Without the 5059 in the chain, the result is just not as....present....even with the above processing. Put the 5059 into the chain and the width and depth is unbelievable.”
“Welcome back analog feel...The first thing I noticed was extra space. You hear more into and around each sound. This is a little more apparent when you mix tracks independently, but it still should be there with stems. When I worked with the 5059 I find I don't have to fight and fiddle as much to get things to fit into a dense mix.”
“Within minutes of applying this device to my mixes, I heard more depth, width, and Neve color. One of the best purchases I've made in thirty years.”
“This box just shines. It IS a console as far as my ears are concerned. Combine this unit with UAD Neve EQ's and a rack mount Rupert Neve Designs MBP and good luck finding someone who can tell that your track wasn't actually mixed on the console itself. Absolutely BREATHTAKING results! 10 years ago you HAD to spend 6 digits to get this sound... Ive ALWAYS had a full console. I didn't downsize for comfort. This box was indistinguishable by final product. Oh... and it sounded better. Freaking genius. Just genius!”
“The best advice I can give re: Neve Designs gear is buy it. It does't disappoint. It is well built and makes music sound better, the best it can be…the thing I notice with the equipment is I feel better after using it. Thanks Rupert for making music ‘feel’ better.”
“The three biggest things I notice from running a mix through this unit is 1. The panning width is HUGE, 2. The silk transformers are really unique and colorful, and 3. mid and low mid frequencies seem to translate much clearer though the mixer. Coloring your sound with inserts is even more mind blowing.”
Customer Reviews via sweetwater.com
SPECIFICATIONS & DOWNLOADS
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
100K Ohm Load.
+/- 0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
-3 dB @ 3.5 Hz / 185 kHz
NOISE
IEC-A-weighted.
Buss Outputs: -106 dBV
Single Channel assigned @ -∞: -104 dBV
Single Channel assigned @ Unity: 103 dBV
NOISE
Un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz.
Single Channel assigned @ +10 dB - 100 dBV
BUSS OUTPUTS
Single Channel assigned @ -∞: -101 dBV
Single Channel assigned @ Unity: -100 dBV
Single Channel assigned @ +10 dB -97 dBV
SIGNAL TO NOISE
+20 dBu output un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22kHz: 116 dB
+20 dBu output, IEC A weighted: 119 dB
+4 dBu output unweighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz: 100 dB
+4 dBu output, IEC A weighted: 103dB
OUTPUT LEVEL
Summing Busses to XLR outputs, Maximum Output Level, 20 Hz to 40 kHz: +26 dBu
Single Channel to Buss, Maximum Output Level, 20 Hz to 40 kHz: +24.5 dBu
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
1 kHz @ +20 dBu output: Better than 0.003%
20 Hz @ +20 dBu output: Better than 0.005%
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION, SILK ENGAGED
BLUE SILK
100 Hz @ +20 dBu output, texture control 12 o’clock: 0.2% typical
100 Hz @ +20 dBu output, texture control fully CW: 0.65% typical
RED SILK
100 Hz @ +20 dBu output, texture control 12 o’clock: 0.1% typical
100 Hz @ +20 dBu output, texture control fully CW: 0.35% typical
SLEW RATE
4V/uS
CROSSTALK
From Buss 1 to Buss 2.
1 kHz: Better than -90 dB
10 kHz: Better than -70 dB
POWER CONSUMPTION
AC Mains, 100VAC to 240VAC, 50/60 Hz: 45 Watts
Fuses – not user accessible, internal on power supplies
DIMENSIONS
3.5”H (2U), 19”W, 8”D
WEIGHT
23lbs
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
22” x 17” x 8”
SHIPPING WEIGHT
25 lbs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The summing architecture is essentially the same between all three of our Summing Family mixers. They each have different feature sets to address different needs, but sonically they’re all nearly identical.
The main exception would be the secondary -6dB output on the 5057, which reduces the likelihood of clipping the next device in the chain when driving the unit very hard, and thus may allow for greater potential harmonic saturation.
No, you have to chose one output path per channel.
Generally people record the mix output into a stereo input in their DAW, but you can also record to an external tape machine or other “2-track” destination.
Remember: whatever you do, always have a way to monitor your recorded mix so you can reference the final print.
While there isn’t a dedicated mute control on the 5059, if you aren't using the inserts or Stereo 2 outputs, you could use either of those buttons on a channel to effectively mute the signal.
Not necessarily. We’ve been conditioned to see red peak lights as meaning “bad” – but remember, this is analog, not digital. Oftentimes, the ‘glue’ we’re looking for from an analog mix bus comes from overdriving the output stage, and this may mean some peaks here and there. Just like with a real analog mixing console, we encourage you to trust your ears to tell you when you’re hitting the mix too hard.
The following may also be of interest:
Master Bus Converter
5057 Orbit
5060 Centerpiece