Soundcraft
| File:Soundcraft logo.png | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Professional audio equipment |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | Phil Dudderidge, Graham Blyth |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Mixing consoles, professional audio products |
| Owner | Samsung Electronics |
| Parent | Harman International Industries |
| Website | www |
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Soundcraft is a UK-origin company specializing in the design and import of mixing consoles and various professional audio products, previously involved in manufacturing. It operates as a subsidiary under Harman International Industries, which itself is owned by the South Korean conglomerate Samsung Electronics. The company was established in 1973 by sound engineer Phil Dudderidge alongside electronics designer Graham Blyth.
History
Soundcraft gained initial recognition with the release of the Series 1, notable as the first mixing console integrated into a flight-case. This model featured either 12 or 16 input channels and included four outputs: a main stereo pair, a post-fader ‘echo’ send, and a pre-fader foldback. Each channel was equipped with a four-band fixed-frequency equalizer. Additionally, the Series 1 incorporated a multi-pin connector that interfaced with a multi-channel microphone snake, facilitating signal routing between the stage and a mixing position located within the audience area.
In 1975, Soundcraft enhanced the Series 1 by launching the Series 1S, which introduced their signature four-band EQ design featuring two sweepable mid-range controls. This updated version also added a second foldback send and was offered in configurations up to 20 channels.
The same year marked the debut of the Series 2 console, designed for both live sound reinforcement and recording applications. The Series 2 helped solidify Soundcraft’s reputation for producing high-quality desks embodying the classic British audio character. Initially released as a four-bus console, it was subsequently made available with eight buses. Channel counts began at 12 and 16, later expanding to include a 24-channel variant. Its architecture employed a semi-modular design with individual channel modules. The master section comprised modules for echo return, group output, cue master, and monitoring functions. Input channels came in two EQ configurations: fixed-frequency standard and swept EQ versions. The swept EQ models also featured switchable inputs between microphone and line levels, commonly used for multi-track recorder playback. Every channel offered stereo panning and four cue send buses configurable as pre- or post-fader sends, enabling individual monitoring through a pre-fade listen (PFL) feature. Signal routing options included direct assignment to the left-right mix bus or distribution to odd/even pairs of sub-mix buses.
Models
Available analog mixing console models:
- Live series: GB2, GB2R 12/2, GB2R 16, GB4, GB8, Live8, LX7ii, LX9
- Broadcast series: RM100, RM105
- Versatile use: EFX, EPM, FX16ii
- Recording and post-production series: M Series
- Signature Series: Signature 10, Signature 12, Signature 16, Signature 22
- Signature MTK Series: Signature 12 MTK, Signature 22 MTK
Available digital mixing console models:
- Ui series: Ui12, Ui16, Ui24R
- Si Impact
- Si Expression series: Si Expression 1, Si Expression 2, Si Expression 3
- Si Performer series: Si Performer 1, Si Performer 2, Si Performer 3
- Vi series: Vi1, Vi2, Vi4, Vi6
- Advanced Vi series: Vi2000, Vi3000, Vi5000, Vi7000
References
External links
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