In this new episode of the Beyond The Decks series, Simon (Product Manager DJ-SONO-LIGHT) welcomes Guillaume Combeuil, sound engineer, DJ, and founder of Combeuil Audio, a company specializing in sound services for electronic music events. Together, they explore the world of Union Audio, a British brand that has won over DJs with its handmade mixers, impeccable sound quality, and a decidedly audiophile approach.
On the agenda: discovering the brand’s three flagship mixers — ELARA 6, ORBIT4 LE FX, and FOUR VALVE — as well as the effects module LE FX. Tools designed for those seeking the perfection of analog sound, mixing precision, and the joy of artisanal craftsmanship.
— Simon: Hello everyone and welcome to this new episode of Beyond The Decks. Today, we have Guillaume Combeuil back for a second meeting! Hi Guillaume.
— Guillaume: Hi Simon! Thanks again for the invitation.
— Simon: For those who don’t know you yet, can you remind us who you are and what you do?
— Guillaume: Of course. I’m the founder of Combeuil Audio, a sound service company specializing in electronic music events. We work with DJs, live artists… and since I’m also a DJ myself, I get to test quite a few mixers and turntables.
— Simon: Perfect! Today, we’re diving into the world of Union Audio, a high-end English mixer brand. We’ll talk about their flagship models, their philosophy, and especially what makes them so special.
A Brand Born from a Passion for Sound
— Simon: Before we start, a brief history of Union Audio. It was founded by Andy Rigby Jones, a British engineer passionate about vinyl and analog sound. He’s the father of legendary mixers like the Xone 92 and the Xone V6, created in collaboration with Richie Hawtin. After twenty years at Allen & Heath, Andy launched Union Audio in 2014. From the start, he collaborated again with Richie Hawtin to create the Model One. At the same time, he developed a whole range of mixers for Master Sounds, always with the idea of audio fidelity and artisanal manufacturing, made in the UK.
All Union Audio products are hand-assembled in the UK with near-watchmaker precision.
ELARA 6: Precision and Flexibility
— Simon: Let’s start with the ELARA 6, which we have on hand. What makes it so special?
— Guillaume: The ELARA 6 is what you might call the precision mixer par excellence. It offers four channels, with line and RIAA phono inputs, and especially a 4-band EQ on each channel. That’s rare and super handy for sculpting the sound in detail.
— Simon: Yes, and the faders are incredibly smooth.
— Guillaume: They have a linear curve, so they’re ultra-precise for transitions. And there’s one thing I love: the two separate cue mixes. Back-to-back, each DJ can prepare their mix without disturbing the other. It’s a real comfort.
The dual cue makes two-DJ sets much more natural and dynamic, without losing flow.
— Simon: What about effects? What does it offer?
— Guillaume: There are two independent analog processors, AP1 and AP2, to add character. There’s a low-cut / high-cut filter, a stereo widener (which can even be inverted), and a drive to add slight saturation to the sound. Perfect to “dirty up” a track that’s a bit too clean.
— Simon: And for the more technical users, the connectivity is solid too.
— Guillaume: Yes, XLR and Jack outputs, two effects returns, and even the option to swap the faders for a rotary kit. Just two screws to remove, and it’s done!
ORBIT4 LE FX: The Charm of Rotary
— Simon: Moving on to the ORBIT4 LE FX. Here, we enter the world of rotary mixing.
— Guillaume: Yes, it’s a very streamlined four-channel mixer, without EQ per channel but with a high-pass filter on each channel. It’s a different mixing philosophy, more fluid, more organic.
— Simon: And the master isolator is quite impressive.
— Guillaume: Yes, it’s four-band: bass, low mids, mids, and highs. It’s ultra-precise. But if you want a more classic approach, you can bypass the sub to go back to three bands. It completely changes how you sculpt the mix depending on the musical style.
The ORBIT4 LE FX is ideal for minimal techno, house, or even disco. The control over the low end is exceptionally refined.
— Simon: And what exactly is the “LE FX”?
— Guillaume: It’s the integrated effects module. It offers seven analog effects, with depth and tempo controls. Compact, simple, but ultra-effective.
FOUR VALVE: The Warmth of Tubes
— Simon: And finally, the FOUR VALVE.
— Guillaume: Yes, here we step up the character. The FOUR VALVE features four tubes that add real analog warmth to the mix. It’s a four-channel rotary mixer, with 3-band EQ and high pass filter on each channel.
— Simon: So more oriented towards “analog sound design”?
— Guillaume: Exactly. And it also has a crossfader, which can be set to smooth or cut mode. Ideal if you want to switch from a smooth rotary mix to a faster style or even scratching.
The needle VU meters light up red when approaching saturation. Perfect for keeping the right level without distorting the signal.
LE FX: The Final Touch
— Simon: We also find this famous LE FX separately, right?
— Guillaume: Yes. It’s exactly the same as the one integrated in the ORBIT4 LE FX, but in a standalone version. It offers seven effects: delay, reverb, flanger, phaser, bit crusher, and two special high-pass filters.
— Simon: And always that Union Audio sound quality.
— Guillaume: Yes, it has a high-voltage external power supply, which guarantees an impressive dynamic range. And it offers balanced inputs/outputs — perfect for pro setups.
Conclusion: British Artisanal Excellence
— Simon: Thanks Guillaume for this very thorough presentation. It’s clear that Union Audio sits at the very high end.
— Guillaume: Yes, and above all, these are products made to last. Whether for precision, analog warmth, or ease of use, you can feel the touch of a passionate engineer.
— Simon: You can discover the entire Union Audio range on Woodbrass.com, or come try them directly in our DJ store in Paris. Thanks everyone for following this episode of Beyond The Decks!
— Guillaume: Thanks Simon, see you very soon!
