The Soundcraft Signature series features the company’s iconic Ghost mic preamps, taken from the most powerful consoles in the family, delivering carefully crafted quality with high dynamic range, resolution and clarity. EQ comes courtesy of the Sapphyre Asymmetric EQ, which gives us plenty of room to balance every vocal and instrumental element in the mix. Add the finishing touches of Lexicon effects and GB audio routing, a system well known in a large number of venues around the world.
An Overview
Soundcraft is one of the most important names in the world of mixing systems, known for its refined British pedigree. As technology and user needs evolved, many console manufacturers moved into DAW systems, giving their consoles interfaces that can be managed with and for the computer (recording systems).
A rugged analog console in a sturdy chassis provides solutions for live sound and small gigs and events, and it can also be used in the studio (or for recording live shows) if it has an interface (USB, FireWire or Thunderbolt, depending on budget). That way we can go back after a performance to review what happened and how we sounded, and reuse or make the most of the session material to work on it in the studio at a more relaxed pace.
The Signature series was introduced in 10-, 12-, 16- and 22-channel formats, adding (from the 12 up) two USB ports on the included DAW interface. As we noted at the start, one of the advantages of Soundcraft is that it belongs to the Harman Group, which provides the consoles with dbx dynamics processors and high-quality Lexicon effects.
;Build and Architecture
The mixer has a metal chassis, is rugged, and comes ready to be mounted in a 19" rack (accessories sold separately). The power connection is on the bottom (rear), which leaves the top panel free. With 60 mm faders, reasonably solid for the price of the whole package, there is enough space per channel considering its compact format. That very design is what makes it appealing for tight desks, clubs, DJ booths or events where we need to travel light.
Configuration 1
The unit has 12 channels configured as 6 mono channels, 7/8 and 9/10 stereo, plus two more inputs in RCA format. All 12 inputs and the left and right main mix outputs are routed to the built-in DAW interface (14 outputs, 12 inputs), with the outputs returned to their respective channels via the USB RTN switches on each channel (located below the gain knob).
The XLR inputs supply 48V phantom power and feed the Ghost preamps (renowned at Soundcraft). Clarity and a wide dynamic range go hand in hand with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. On the first two channels, the preamps are followed by dbx limiters (perhaps intended to keep vocals well under control, for example). Channels 5 and 6, meanwhile, have a Hi-Z switch, ideal for accepting guitars, basses and other instruments.
Configuration 2
Except for channels 11/12, we find 100 Hz high-pass filters and the three-band Sapphyre Asymmetric “British” equalizer. With the EQ we can work with good quality, making small cuts to the highs and lows and adding small boosts where certain bands need lifting. We also have reasonable control of the midrange frequency, giving us plenty of flexibility to handle a powerful mix that keeps its original musicality.
Channel routing is handled by GB audio routing. It features pre/post switching and individual outputs on the three aux buses, plus dedicated outputs for the subgroups. Aux 3 goes to its own output as well as to the input of the Lexicon effects (12 in all). The Lexicon return, meanwhile, feeds AUX 1 and 2 through individual sends to the main mix (via its own fader).
For live use, we control the mix with the master fader, and we can easily switch the input source by going through each of the channels, our main mix, or by firing off MP3 players, music from the computer, etc.
Configuration 3
For studio use, or live as a recording system, you’ll find the USB port (below the RCA inputs). The USB input above the effects section powers the unit. Naturally, we’ll need to install the appropriate ASIO/WDM drivers (Windows/Mac) on our computer. Although the unit works with any driver-compatible software, we can download Lexicon MPX-L and Ableton Live 9 Lite (and the drivers themselves, of course) for free from the Soundcraft website.
That way we can send all the input signals to our computer, record them and process them. Live, we can also fire off our own recordings and handle them from the desk as backing tracks for our live sets.
Configuration 4
Conclusions
In our lab we have a compact, small-format unit (the Soundcraft Signature 12) with an approximate cost of 350 €. That’s a tight budget when you consider you get a metal-chassis mixer with 12 channels, dbx dynamics, Ghost preamps and Lexicon effects. The addition of the interface brings the analog desk closer to the new generation by giving it digital recording tools, and even saves money on other interfaces for our studio, which, by the way, at 12 channels and with preamps like these would probably cost considerably more.
Professional-quality preamps, effects and dynamics for small events of up to 12 channels, plus a DAW.
The DAW side may be more refined on fully digital consoles with motorized faders, FireWire, Thunderbolt and so on, along with control over the signal pre- and post-gain, and the mix. Even so, in our opinion this is a powerful set of tools at a competitive price, since it’s perfect for handling our signals both out in the field and “at home.”
What more could you ask for at 350 €?
* Estimated average street price
Specifications
8 mono inputs
3 stereo inputs
3-band EQ with parametric mids
2 mic channels with DBX compressor/limiter
3 auxes
Solo/Mute switch
Lexicon effects
Peak LED per channel
Built-in power supply
60 mm faders
2-channel USB interface (includes Ableton Live 9 Lite software)
Dimensions: 113 x 380 x 388 mm
Weight: 5.66 kg
Average price: 350 €
Optional 19" rack-mount kit
Phantom power
Parametric EQ
