TL;DR: Union Audio drops Area.6, a 6-channel CV-controllable performance mixer for Eurorack with built-in compression, tilt EQ per channel, and a resonant filter bus. Designed by Andy Rigby Jones, this 60HP beast aims to solve the “how do I mix all these semi-modular synths?” problem — but at around 1200€, it’s an investment that demands your modular setup be taken seriously.
- Six stereo input channels with individual level, tilt EQ, and assignable AUX — switchable between mono and stereo per channel.
- Full CV control over level, pan, and AUX send per channel, plus CV over the resonant highpass/lowpass filter bus with adjustable overdrive.
- Built-in compressor with ratio, threshold, gain, CV output, and external sidechain input — no need for a separate module.
- Master section includes mix output, separate headphone out, two stereo AUX sends with their own returns, and a master insert.
- Priced around 1200€, available July 2026 — not for the faint of wallet, but packed with performance-focused features.
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The Mixer Your Modular Deserves
Let’s be honest: the Eurorack mixer market is crowded. There are tiny 4HP mixers for submixing, massive 84HP boards for live sets, and everything in between. But most of them lack one thing — proper CV integration. That’s where Union Audio’s Area.6 steps in, and it does so with the confidence of a brand that knows its way around high-end mixers.
Designed by Andy Rigby Jones (a name that carries weight in the mixer world), Area.6 is a 60HP 6-channel performance mixer built specifically for Eurorack synths. It can be used standalone or racked in your modular case, but let’s be real — if you’re spending 1200€ on a mixer, it’s going in the case. The unit features six stereo input channels, each with a dedicated level control, a tilt EQ for quick tone shaping (because nobody has time for parametric EQ during a live set), and an assignable AUX control. A button lets you switch each channel between mono and stereo, which is a thoughtful touch for those who mix semi-modulars like Moog Grandmothers with stereo sources.
The back panel reveals 12 circuit cards, which is a level of design complexity that suggests this isn’t just another plastic mixer. We at Noxal appreciate when a company shows its work — and Union Audio clearly didn’t cut corners.
CV Control Meets Performance
The headline feature here is the CV control. On the left side of the mixer, you’ll find CV inputs for each channel’s level, pan, and AUX send. This isn’t just for show — it’s designed to integrate fully into your modular workflow. Want to automate panning with an LFO? Go for it. Need to duck a channel’s volume with an envelope? Done. This turns the mixer from a passive summing tool into an active performance instrument.
Then there’s the filter bus. It’s a resonant highpass/lowpass filter section with adjustable overdrive, and yes, it’s fully CV-controllable. But here’s the kicker: the filter isn’t applied to the entire mix. You can route individual channels to it separately, giving you surgical control over which sounds get the filter treatment. This is a godsend for live improvisation, where you might want to sweep a filter on just the bassline while leaving the pads untouched.
The built-in compressor is another highlight. It offers controls for ratio, threshold, and gain, plus a CV output and an external sidechain input. That means you can sidechain your kick to the entire mix without needing a separate module. It’s the kind of feature that makes you wonder why more mixers don’t include it. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wished for a compressor in my signal chain during a live set — this solves that elegantly.
Built Like a Battleship
Union Audio is a British high-end mixer manufacturer, and they don’t mess around with build quality. The Area.6 feels substantial in the hand, with chunky knobs and a solid faceplate that won’t flex under pressure. The master section includes a mix output and a separate headphone output with its own level control — essential for cueing in a live environment.
The two AUX sends each have their own stereo return, plus there’s a master insert for external processing. This means you can patch in a reverb pedal or a delay unit without repatching your entire setup. For a performance mixer, this level of connectivity is exactly right. It’s not trying to be a studio console; it’s trying to be the hub of your live modular rig, and it succeeds.
At 60HP, it’s not tiny, but it’s not a space hog either. You’ll need a case that can accommodate it, but for the features on offer, it’s a reasonable footprint.
Market Context and Who This Is For
The 1200€ price tag puts the Area.6 in a premium bracket. For context, that’s more than many full-sized Eurorack cases. But compare it to other high-end performance mixers like the WMD Performance Mixer (discontinued, sadly) or the Befaco HexMix, and the price starts to make sense. The CV control alone justifies a chunk of that cost — you’d need a stack of modules to replicate what this does in one unit.
Who is this for? It’s for the modular musician who plays live and wants to mix multiple voices without breaking the flow. It’s for the studio rat who wants to integrate semi-modular synths into a cohesive mix with CV automation. And it’s for the collector who appreciates well-designed hardware that feels like it will last a lifetime.
We at Noxal have a soft spot for mixers that do more than just sum signals. The Area.6 is a performance instrument in its own right, and while the price will make some wince, the feature set is genuinely compelling. If you’re in the market for a high-end Eurorack mixer and your wallet can handle the hit, this should be on your radar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Area.6 be used standalone without a Eurorack case?
Yes, it can be used standalone — it has its own power supply via the included cable. But it’s designed to fit in a Eurorack case, so you can rack it alongside your modules. The CV inputs are standard 3.5mm jacks, so you’ll need a way to power them if you go standalone, but it’s doable.
Does the compressor have sidechain capabilities?
Yes, the compressor includes an external sidechain input, so you can trigger compression from an external signal — perfect for ducking the mix with a kick drum or a rhythmic source. It also has a CV output for routing the envelope to other modules.
How does the filter bus work? Can I apply it to individual channels?
The filter bus has its own resonant highpass and lowpass filters with adjustable overdrive, and it’s fully CV-controllable. You can route individual channels to the filter bus separately, meaning you can filter just the sounds you want without affecting the entire mix. This is done via the routing section on the mixer.
I’m now going to pour a third cup of coffee and stare at my modular case, trying to justify the 1200€ price tag to my bank account. Area.6 might be the mixer I’ve been waiting for — or it might just be a very expensive way to make my studio look more professional.