The emphasis with the Soundcraft EPM is very firmly on quality build and audio performance, with an easy to understand control surface uncluttered by unnecessary facilities, and Soundcraft have brought new technologies and ideas to this very cost-effective range. Surface mount technology is used throughout, using close-tolerance components for high accuracy and repeatable settings for EQ and gain controls. The highly-transparent GB30 Mic amp (designed by Graham Blyth for the company's 30th anniversary, and also used on the larger LX7ii and GB Series consoles) features high-resolution adjustment over a wide gain range of 55dB, and provides a stunning +22dB headroom through the console. True professional 48-volt phantom power caters for condenser microphones of all types.
A unique feature of the signal monitoring is the PEAK led. This uses multipoint signal take-offs to watch for overload in several parts of the channel strip, and the led lights more brightly as the signal approaches the peak point. For smooth and accurate channel control, the EPM has 60mm high quality faders as used on other Soundcraft desks.
EPM is available in three standard models with six, eight and 12 mono inputs, each model featuring two stereo inputs.
EPM has 2 auxiliary buses, configurable to work the way you do, and all main connectors are professional XLR-type and metal jack sockets for reliability. RCA phono connectors are provided for disc and stereo playback inputs and record outputs. EQ on the standard mono input is 3-band with a swept mid, while the standard stereo input has two band EQ. All mono input channels have TRS insert sockets and inserts are also provided on the mix output. Ten-segment LED output metering, intuitive and comprehensive solo system and a headphone output are also part of the EPM feature set.
The monitor output and headphone output work in parallel so that performers can still listen on phones while an engineer is listening on studio monitors.
The AC mains inlet for the integral universal switched-mode power supply is recessed underneath the console, allowing the mixer to be placed against a wall with the ac cable routed under the sides or mounted in a rack without the AC cable protruding on the top. All models can be easily and quickly converted for rack mounting by adding optional rack rails.
(Chris Henry)
