A dirty mixer is a video mixer that has been circuit-bent or modified to produce glitch effects beyond its original design. The modifications introduce signal interference, voltage fluctuations, and other disruptions that create unique visual artifacts.

Why “Dirty”?

The term refers to the “impure” or modified signal path. A stock mixer produces clean video transitions and effects. A dirty mixer introduces intentional imperfections — color bleeds, sync disruptions, image tearing, and other artifacts that are prized in glitch art.

Common Modifications

Circuit bending a mixer typically involves adding switches and potentiometers that allow the artist to control the type and intensity of glitch effects in real-time during performance.