Touring Consoles
Mixing it up for the Live stage
This is Part I of PALM technology’s focus on Live Consoles, with the second line-up being scheduled for the
May-June “Live Sound” issue. We chose some FOH consoles in the market which exhibit great technology and
are deployed on many a stage show acts across the world. The product focus section is intended only as a
guide and does not endorse any product.
Allen & Heath SQ-6
SQ-6 is a next generation digital mixer, powered by Allen & Heath’s revolutionary XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine.
Created to excel in demanding scenarios such as AV, corporate events, live productions and houses of
worship, SQ-6 offers class-leading high-resolution audio fidelity and an ultra-low latency of <0.7ms. The
console features 24 exceptional onboard mic preamps, plus 8 stereo FX engines with dedicated return channels
and access to the renowned RackExtra FX library.
Main features include:
• 48 Input Channels
• DEEP Processing ready
• 25 Faders / 6 Layers
• 12 Stereo mixes + LR
• 3 Stereo Matrix
• 8 Stereo FX Engines + dedicated returns
• 7” capacitive touchscreen
• SLink port for remote audio / expansion
• 64ch I/O Port for audio networking
• 32×32 USB audio interface
• SQ-Drive direct recording to USB
• AES output
• Chromatic channel metering
• Integrated LED illumination
• Dedicated physical controls
• 16 Assignable SoftKeys
• 4 Assignable Soft Rotaries
• Channel LCD displays
Avid Venue SC48
VENUE SC48 combines all I/O and digital signal processing into a single console package, making it one of the most
affordable and portable Avid live systems. It re-creates the studio-quality sound live with full plug-in support
and record shows directly to Pro Tools through the built-in audio interface.
Main features include:
• Have everything all in one: As all I/O, digital signal processing, and mix control are packed into a single
compact console allows to mix big and travel light. Gives the power and performance to handle up to 64 processing
channels.
• Achieve amazing sound – live: SC48 is a powerful performer, enabling the user to create multifaceted mixes
in stunning sound quality. Get incredible audio fidelity and sound transparency through studio-grade mic preamps.
And with direct support for the same plug-ins used in top recording studios, user can easily re-create an artist’s
signature studio sound live.
• Boost mix efficiency: Provide immediate access to and control over any channel strip function, from inputs to
Aux sends, using the Channel Control encoders. Control all software functions remotely over a wired or wireless
Ethernet device. And maximize user’s efficiency by triggering macros to perform complex functions with a simple button
press, footswitch stomp, or fader move.
• Mix anywhere: When it comes to mixing live sound, being able to present the highest quality audio possible is
critical. VENUE software makes it easy. As the common platform across all VENUE systems, it speeds up all aspects of
live mixing and recording, eliminating complexity.
• Record straight into Pro Tools: Provides the most powerful live recording and playback capabilities in the
industry. Just connect a laptop. Create a Pro Tools session automatically from the current VENUE show file in seconds.
Record and play back up to 32 tracks through the built-in FireWire interface. And control live mixing and recording rigs
as one.
• Boost your efficiency: With Snapshots, user can store and recall console and plug-in settings instantly. Set
multiple snapshots to handle changes for every song in a set list. Or quickly switch settings for different performers
or scenes. User can also trigger time-consuming but frequently performed actions using Events. And get immediate access
to all channels in a VCA or group across the console with VCA spill.
DiGico SD12
The SD12 is a compact, affordable, multi- application digital console with dual 15-inch touch screens,
which is never seen on a console in this price bracket. It is the first console in the entire SD Range
with built-in recording interfaces; which makes Virtual Soundchecking very straightforward indeed.
Furthermore, the SD12 now includes a DVI output, for an overview of the console. New LED meters
allow for a brighter, faster operation, and the SD12 Lightbar is identical to that of the SD5 and
flagship SD7 consoles.
Main Features include:
• 24 channels in 1 view
• Dual operator mode
• Advanced surface connectivity with optional DMI cards
• Latest generation Super FPGA
• Familiar work flow and control in a more compact frame
• Live Touring, Corporate, Install, House of Worship, Theatre & Broadcast
• Connectivity
8 local mic/line inputs
8 local line outputs
8 mono AES/EBU in/out
Dual MADI in/out
Dual DMI card slots
Optional dual Optocore loops
UB MADI 24 channel USB interface
16 GPI/GPO, MIDI, Wordclock in/out
Overview monitor output, USB, Network
• HTL (HIDDEN TIL LIT) TECHNOLOGY
2 x 24 encoders with RGB HTL ring
SD7 style channel strip with HTL EQ encoders
New Dynamics metering on channel strip
New high intensity meters by faders
MIDAS M32R
After establishing its name in the industry with some of the classic analogue console, Midas introduced the M32R
Digital Console for both the studio and stage. It features 40-input channel, 16 award-winning MIDAS PRO microphone
preamplifiers, 25 time-aligned and phase-coherent mix buses. The mixer is divided into different sections to
select a channel, and then to have all the physical controls at fingertips; including full channel strip controls,
preamp controls, equalization and more.
Main Features include:
• AES50 networking allows up to 96 inputs and 96 outputs
• Open architecture allows for future 96 kHz operation
• 192 kHz ADC and DAC converters for outstanding audio performance
• Industry-leading design by Bentley* Motors Designer
• High-performance aluminium and high-impact steel structure
• Rack mount brackets included for ultimate flexibility
• 40-bit floating point digital signal processing
• 8 DCA and 6 mute groups
• 8 digital signal processing effects engines
• 17 MIDAS PRO motorized 100 mm faders
• Daylight viewable 5” full colour TFT display screen
• 32 x 32 channel USB 2.0 audio interface
• DAW remote control emulations of Mackie Control and HUI protocols
• Optional wireless remote control with MIDAS Apps for iPhone and iPad
• Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply
• 10-Year Warranty Program
Soundcraft Vi1000
The Vi1000 digital mixing console is the combination of groundbreaking achievements and rich feature set
offered by Soundcraft’s acclaimed Vi Series. The new Vi1000 is the most compact member of the Vi-000
family—at just 86cm x 81cm (34” x 32”) in size—yet it retains all the mixing and processing power of its
two larger siblings, the Vi2000 and 3000. Its reduced footprint makes it ideal for smaller touring
projects, rental companies, corporate AV applications, as well as music venue, theater and HOW
installations in search of a versatile digital mixer.
Main Features include:
• 96 input channels with 24 mono/stereo mix busses, plus LRC master busses
• Vistonics II proprietary ‘knobs-on-glass’ functionality; key to the console’s streamlined, intuitive
operational interface and widely praised as the easiest-to-use digital console on the market
• SpiderCore integrated DSP engine ensures superior audio performance
• Soundcraft Fader glow color coding illuminates the fader slots according to function
• Integrated Dante interface facilitates instant connection to industry standard Dante audio networks.
• Two double-slot expansion slots for Stagebox connection or option card installation.
• Built-in Lexicon world-class reverb, delay, and pitch effects from the industry’s leading brand.
• Onboard BSS DPR901ii dynamic EQ digitally modelled after the original, industry-standard BSSanalog
unit.
• Integrated microphone monitoring for AKG, Shure, and Sennheiser wireless systems.
• Included vMIX automatic microphone mixing for two groups of up to 16 mics in conference or theatrical
applications.
• Proven electronic and mechanical design delivers the performance and reliability Vi Series consoles are
known for.
Yamaha CL5
With a three-section fader layout for efficient hands-on control, the CL5 is the ideal choice for a
diverse spectrum of live sound systems. Furthermore, in CL5 the colors are used more creatively and screen
brightness are greatly improved to make onscreen navigation far easier and faster than its predecessors.
Main Features include:
• 72 mono and 8 stereo input channels
• 16-fader left section, 8-fader centralogic section, 8-fader right section and2-fader master section
• Built-in meter bridge
• Aluminum stay for iPad support
• Creative console for expressive engineering
• Efficient, enjoyable operation
• Scalable, versatile network capabilities
• Creating the ideal natural sound platform
• Prodigious quality and creative potential
• Digital approach to acclaimed analog quality
• Centralogic at the heart of an evolved interface
• Every detail designed for optimum operating feel
• Newly designed faders
• Editable channel names and colors
• Direct access to the parameters
• Harmony in form and function
• Dante for fast, flexible networking
• Up to eight I/O rack units
• Simple setup
• Redundancy for reliability