The Liquid Mix 16 from Focusrite delivers virtual dynamics and EQ processing for DAW applications, based on an unequalled variety of classic signal processor emulations. Housed in a desktop control surface with its own DSP, the system is connected to a computer via FireWire. The proprietary DSP allows the intensive "Dynamic Convolution" processing that is at the core of the product, to have very little impact on the host computer's CPU.

Focusrite first utilized "Dynamic Convolution" in their Liquid Channel, whereby actual hardware compressors and equalizers were sampled at multiple settings, with each sample being linked to the various hardware control settings. This process provides a true representation of the actual analog circuitry while still allowing for absolute repeatability, something often impossible to achieve in the analog domain.

Liquid Mix 16 takes the very same compressors and equalizers found in the earlier product and provides 16 channels of dynamics and EQ. Each one of the 16 mono plug-ins can be a different compressor and hybrid EQ, chosen from a list of forty compressors and twenty EQs, representing both vintage and modern "classic" analog processors.

The main difference between the Liquid Mix 16 and the Liquid Mix is the number of channels each provides at various sample rates. Additionally, the Liquid Mix 16 processes audio at up to a maximum sampling rate of 96kHz, while the Liquid Mix will function up to 192kHz. The Liquid Mix 16 does not have a LCD display and because of this, plug-ins cannot be instantiated from the hardware. Instead, the hardware follows the software selected plug-in.

The Liquid Mix 16 appears and functions as a VST, Audio Units, or RTAS compatible plug-in under Mac OS X, and as a VST or RTAS plug-in host software running under Windows XP and Vista.

  - FireWire control surface with dedicated DSP

  - The physical metering, rotary controls and buttons on the hardware help to provide a tactile experience

  - Each channel appears as, and acts exactly like a plug-in with the controls of each compressor and EQ identical to those of the originals. However, if  

    the "FREE" button is active then the compressor emulation will have all possible available controls with full ranges accessible for use

  - The users can build their own EQs using all of the available seven slots on a single Liquid Mix channel. For example, the high-pass filter can be taken    

  - Powered from the FireWire bus. The included external power supply can be utilized in the event that the computer has only a four-pin FireWire      

    connector

  - An optional DSP expansion card is available to increase the maximum channel count at higher sample rates