Sharing two preamps to AD/DA with Radial Mix 2:1

[JackPiano]

Hi, Jack here, I'm a new member and after following some other threads I have a question of my own. I am working on my project studio. Right now I'm running several preamps (AEA RPQ Stereo preamp, Grace 101 preamp, UA LA-610 preamp, Warm Audio WA 273) into my DA converter. I have two channels left, but I have two stereo preamps I'd like to utilize, a Furman RNP and a Daking Mic Pre ll.

I'm thinking about purchasing some gear that allows me to plug both of those stereo preamps into two channels of my DA converter, and switch between them. After some consideration, I'm leaning toward getting two Radial Mix 2:1 units https://www.radialeng.com/product/mix-21 so that I would run the preamps into the 2:1 (left channels into one, right channels into the other) and then be able to switch between either preamp (only using one at a time of course) to send to my DA converter into my DAW. I know the Radial 2:1 is billed as a "summing unit" but I could just use the on/off switches to only receive only one channel at a time.

Does this seem like a good solution? I want to use the Furman and the Daking to record instruments like piano and vocals. Would the signal going into the Radial be the same as the signal coming out? I know it seems like it should but I thought I'd ask someone smarter than me to check my work. If anyone thinks this will work, or if you have a better solution, I'd really love to hear your thoughts. Thanks, Jack

 

[kemmler3D]

Hey Jack, welcome to ASR.

I think this seems like an alright solution, although my gut tells me there's got to be a cheaper way, I think this will work. It's a passive unit so I wouldn't expect any new distortion from the unit.

 

[JackPiano]

Thank you kemmler3D. I'm not gonna jump the gun or spend more than it makes sense, but I do have 2 Radial Gold Diggers and a Radial DI box that I've been using for years, and they're built like a tank and never had any noise or other issues with either, so if I buy these things I'll be using them forever for something in my studio. I really appreciate your 2¢, thanks for sharing.

 

[kemmler3D]

Thank you kemmler3D. I'm not gonna jump the gun or spend more than it makes sense, but I do have 2 Radial Gold Diggers and a Radial DI box that I've been using for years, and they're built like a tank and never had any noise or other issues with either, so if I buy these things I'll be using them forever for something in my studio. I really appreciate your 2¢, thanks for sharing.

Fair, good build and longevity is definitely worth a few bucks. Would not pay off to save $100 on this if it broke in the middle of a session, I guess.