Today’s featured piece of gear is a step away from our usual reviews, but this pedal is one that can really add a lot to any musical rig. The MixingLink from Eventide is labeled as a high-quality mic preamp with FX loop in a compact form, and while it is that, is can also do so much more. Plus, you can use it with instruments, microphones, as a mixer and a ton of other options – let’s check it out!

As far as vocals are concerned, the MixingLink does it all. It contains a quiet, high-quality mic-pre and 48V phantom power, for recording with your choice of D.A.W., with any condenser mic you can throw at it. The FX Loop allows you to add effects to your vocals as well, but can also be used for processing horns, strings, etc. The XLR output supports DI and line levels, while the inputs easily take on instrument and balanced line level choices. You can choose from Dry+FX, FX Only and Mix settings via a toggle switch, too, for more versatility.

Over on the instrument front, the MixingLink is just awesome for many guitar options, and is as useful on stage as it is at home or in a practice room. The Headphone jack makes it easy to hook up this box as a practice amp, and using pedals in this configuration is as simple as plugging them in with your guitar. Another awesome feature is that it will work as an Amp or Instrument Switcher, allowing you to either switch between 2 guitars going into one amp, or A/B a two-amp setup with your favorite axe. You can also use this little gem as a full-on mixer, and connect multiple sources to an amp or headphones.

You can run this box with your instrument or mic at 100% Dry, and blend in the FX from the loop to your specific taste, or run at 100% Wet/FX if you want. Hook up an iPod or mp3 player to play along with backing tracks, and even throw in a keyboard if you’re feeling crazy, and make a full band recording from this one piece of equipment. While not really an effects pedal, the MixingLink is a key ingredient to a successful recording, practice or live setting, allowing you to pick and choose how you use it, and boasting a powerful pre-amp for crystal clear signals. Separate knobs also control the Phones & Amp Level, FX Mix and Input Gain, to tweak your setup perfectly as well. Thanks as always to Eventide for their continued support – if you’re looking for a true All-In-One, Swiss Army Knife recording, practicing and on-stage tool, you should definitely check out the MixingLink Preamp.

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