The SISME ME 81 is an 8-channel analog mixer produced in Italy during the late 1970s or early 1980s. Each channel strip features five rotary controls arranged vertically: Echo, Monitor, Treble, Bass, and Pre-gain, along with a long-throw Volume fader. On the right side, a dedicated built-in effects section includes a multi-band graphic equalizer (63 Hz, 250 Hz, 4 kHz, 16 kHz), an analog-style echo/delay, and a Tone control linked to the effect return. The main section provides sliders for Line, Monitor, and Echo return, allowing precise blending of inputs and effects. The mixer’s layout and circuitry reflect classic 70s/80s analog design, likely employing discrete components or early ICs for its echo and EQ.
My unit's chorus needs repair, but I truly love the delay and echo function. The master EQ is incredibly effective, where just a small adjustment can drastically improve the sound. Channel preamps are excellent, delivering sweet overdrive past 5. It’s only mono, but it’s fantastic for layering instruments and driving multiple outputs from drum machines, especially 909s and 808s.
Direct capture through my tube preamp equipped with the NOS Brimar 12AU7 / ECC82 WA highlights the ME 81’s rich analog warmth, with slightly saturated mids and a smooth, rounded low end. The final tonal character is warm, slightly colored, and delightfully vintage, retaining the tactile charm of the original Italian analog design.
