Soundcraft has taken the platform to another, more affordable level with the release of the Vi1, which inherits many of the key features of its larger siblings, including Soundcraft FaderGlow, four stereo Lexicon effects engines, BSS Audio graphic EQs on all output busses, and integral dynamics on all channels. The desk is also compatible with Vi2, Vi4 and Vi6 show files.
The Vi1 is Soundcraft's response to market demand for a lower-priced desk with these facilities, but still built around the Vistonics interface.
"It's a small-format desk with big format functionality," summarises Eddie Thomas of ETASound, currently in the midst of a major inventory overhaul. "A desk that gives a Vi6 performance in a chassis half the size certainly fills a gap in the market.
"For us it will be equally at home on bigger acts as with smaller club shows so it gives us more flexibility. Aside from the price, for the immediate functionality it ticks all the boxes - and since it's in the same format as the other Vi series desks anyone can walk onto it."
ETA has purchased two systems, complete with the optical fibre MADI cards. "This means we can run our existing Vi6 fibre multi to the Vi6 stage box to expand the Vi1's channel count from the 32 on-board to 64." Adds Thomas..
SSE Audio Group director John Penn comments, "The key attributes are the sound quality, data compatibility with the Vi6 - and a proven interface that's user friendly."
SSE Audio Group have started a series of training days at their West Midlands facilities, with 25 people attendingr the first event on 14 July.
Adlib Audio director Dave Kay commemnts, "We love the sound quality and ease of use of the Vi products - and it's great to have something with the same heritage and feature set available to users on a tighter budget.
"Shows can be easily transferred around the Vi range of consoles and we think this will become a widely accepted console in a multitude of applications - from music venues, both large and small, to theatres, conference centres, churches and local venues."
Adlib Audio has already placed an initial order for two Vi1's, with a loan Vi1 having already seen real-world action at Glastonbury. Dave Kay himself continues to assist Soundcraft and Sound Technology at Vi training events with a Vi1 training/demo day at Adlib's HQ in Liverpool to be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, sales company AC Entertainment Technologies are another early adopter Says sales manager, Peter Butler, "I think the Vi1 is set to become a big seller; it's already stimulated a lot of interest in the market and with its feature set and price point it will prove very popular for venues and rental companies alike." They too are setting up a training day - on 11 August at their premises in Leeds.
Says Sound Technology marketing director, Ian Cullen, "The Vi1 is undoubtedly a very special product. Soundcraft has taken everything the Vi Series has become renowned for in terms of user interface and sound quality and put it in a perfectly-sized package at the right price. It's one of those rare products that ticks all the boxes for a lot of people and the take-up has been phenomenal."
(Jim Evans)
