UK and Eire distributors, Sound Technology confirm that their premier dealers, SSE Audio Group and Adlib have already successfully conducted dedicated demo days, introducing the facilities of the desk to enthusiastic audiences of sound engineers and touring and venue personnel, while Kent-based Phonophobia's Mark Chant says he expects his new Vi3000 to be permanently out this summer.
On top of that, Adlib has also confirmed the first installation desk to the University of Liverpool's Guild of Students - one of a suite of Soundcraft consoles and racks supplied to the Students Union as part of an extensive refurbishment of its technical facilities.
With MADI and Dante fitted as standard, and swappable I/O ports available, the Vi3000 eliminates the need for venues such as Liverpool Uni to hire in additional outboard to meet the needs of touring engineers.
With the company's established reputation as a Vi User, SSE Audio Group wasted no time in securing one of the first Vi3000s - and sound engineer Chris Courtney immediately had it out at the Isle of Wight Festival where he mixed monitors for Travis.
SSE sales director, Alex Penn, confirms, "We saw the new console for the first time at Frankfurt Prolight+Sound; it sits neatly between the Vi1 and Vi4 and offers many new features which will secure the longevity of this series, which has always been popular with engineers."
He immediately highlighted the enhanced DSP, MADI/Dante interface - and the much requested access to Universal Audio's plug-ins and Soundcraft RealTime Rack plug-in engine. "The rack can also be used with our existing Vi6 inventory," he continued. "We have a pool of sound engineers who are existing Vi users and it will be useful to let these guys know about the new facilities on offer with RealTime rack.
"We also see a lot of potential in SSE Sales and Installations for the Vi3000 with its very competitive price point and new facilities, as this is the first time a large format Vi control surface has been available to the market at this level and it will integrate very neatly and cost effectively into venues with existing analogue infrastructure."
Another speaking of the Vi3000's installation merits is Adlib director, Dave Kay. He stated, "This is a really easy board to walk up to and with 96 inputs and 24 stereo busses, it can handle much more complex shows when required without the venue having to rent in a different console.
"Because the DSP core is integral to the surface, it is a more compact package plus there are a lot more options to increase the I/O count and types of interfaces compared to that of a Vi1."
And Phonophobia's Mark Chant added, "Having MADI and Dante built into this desk gives Soundcraft a massive advantage as does the additional functionality, with the local ins and outs on the board."
The first high profile appearance of his Vi3000 was at a University of Kent Summer Ball in Canterbury, attended by around 4,000 students and headlining Ella Eyre.
Ian Cullen, Sound Technology marketing director, concluded, "We couldn't have asked for a more positive start to this launch. Reaction within the first month - both to these regional open days as well as our own here in Letchworth - has been 100% positive."
(Jim Evans)
