PLASA 2017: Soundcraft debuts the Vi1000 digital mixing console
- Details
Representing the culmination of the groundbreaking achievements and rich feature sets offered by Soundcraft’s acclaimed Vi Series, the new Vi1000 offers 96 input channels with 24 mono/stereo mix busses, plus LRC master busses, and support for Dante audio networking - all in a compact form factor that makes it ideal for smaller touring projects, rental companies, corporate AV applications, as well as music venue, theatre, and HOW installations in search of a versatile digital mixer, says Soundcraft.
Key among its many features, the Vi1000 incorporates Vistonics II ‘knobs-on-glass’ functionality, making it easy to see and access the power and versatility of the mixing environment; along with Soundcraft Faderglow colour coding, which illuminates the fader slots according to function using clearly defined colours. With Vistonics II, each control is always clearly labelled as to its function, despite the assignable nature of the various controls. The functions are colour coded and use icons to clearly indicate the type of parameter being adjusted - whether it’s a signal level, filter frequency, or attack/release time. A simple touch of the screen is all it takes to access all the parameters associated with a particular channel strip processing function.
With Faderglow technology, colour coding of the Vi1000’s faders help audio engineers avoid costly mistakes caused by adjusting the wrong parameter after changing layers. Fader tracks are illuminated in colours that integrate with the Vistonics screens to provide quick, at-a-glance information. Regardless of whether a fader is assigned to Matrix outputs, sends on faders, VCA groups, or graphic EQ, Faderglow makes it quick and easy to identify what function is being controlled by what fader at any given time.
The Vi1000’s DSP functionality is equally impressive and includes Studer’s SpiderCore DSP engine, built-in Lexicon reverb, delay, and pitch effects, plus onboard BSS DPR901ii dynamic EQ digitally modelled after the original, industry-standard BSS analog unit. The SpiderCore DSP utilizes 40-bit floating point audio processing as used on Studer’s high-end broadcast consoles—ensuring pristine audio quality while the console’s reverb and delay effects come from the unparalleled Lexicon PCM81 Multi-Effects Processor, known for its smooth, natural sounding reverb. “For years, the BSS DPR901ii dynamic equalizer has been known for its superior performance. While this classic analogue audio problem solver has been imitated by all BSS’ competitors, users will find the only officially-approved digitally modelled version of the original onboard the Vi1000 - further contributing to this console’s superior audio performance,” says Soundcraft.
“Users will also appreciate the Vi1000’s integrated microphone monitoring for AKG, Shure, and Sennheiser wireless systems along with the included vMIX Automatic Microphone Mixing capability. The Vi1000’s built-in monitoring support for AKG, Shure, and Sennheiser wireless microphone systems makes it easy to check battery power, RF levels, plus the mute and clipping status of the attached wireless microphones - right on the channel strip that controls each mic. Similarly, with the console’s vMIX Automatic Microphone Mixing capability, engineers can automatically mix up two separate groups of to 16 microphones in conference or theatrical applications to free up hands or reduce the number of snapshots needed to control ambience in multi-mic speech applications.”
The new Vi1000 is flexible and offers expandable I/O capability. Linked directly to the SpiderCore DSP engine, the Vi1000’s comprehensive I/O system provides a total of 212 x 212 simultaneous inputs and and outputs. These comprise 16 channels of on-board HQ mic preamps, 16 on-board line outs, 2 pairs of AES/EBU inputs and outputs, in addition to two 64 channel expansion slots for connection of remote stageboxes or optional I/O cards, plus an additional 64 channel MADI and Dante recording interface. Optional I/O expansion cards can be chosen from the extensive ViSi Connect range, which include MADI, Dante, Aviom, Rocknet, Blulink, SDI, TDIF, ADAT and other industry-standard formats.
Andy Brown, Soundcraft Product Manager - Vi Series, commented on the company’s new Vi1000: “The Vi1000 represents all that we’ve learned over the years with our Vi Series line and channels that knowledge and experience into a new desk that delivers superior audio performance and a world-class feature set—all in a compact form factor with intuitive operation that enables engineers to quickly and easily grasp its layout and functionality. From cutting edge attributes including Vistonics II and Faderglow technology, integrated Dante support, and class leading DSP capability that only HARMAN can deliver, every aspect of the Soundcraft Vi1000 exudes painstaking attention to detail—ensuring a mixing environment that streamlines workflow and inspires one’s best efforts.”
See the Soundcraft Vi1000 at PLASA, exhibited by UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd, Stand S71.
