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Allen & Health | GLD Series
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QSC | TouchMix (left) & Roland | M-5000 (right)
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Soundcraft | Vi5000 and Vi7000
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SSL L500 Plus with Version 3 Software
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Cadac | CDC six
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Studer | Vista V (left) & Yamaha | TF Series (right)
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Mackie | DL32R (left) & Midas | M32 (right)
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PreSonus | StudioLive AI Mix Systems
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Behringer | X32 (left) &
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Calrec | Summa (left) & Digico | S21 (right)
One of the best things about tech—other than the technology itself—is that it tends to come down in price, and fast. And as prices drop, performance either remains the same or, in many cases, it's enhanced.
As a product category, audio mixing consoles are no exception.
For churches, this addresses several of primary concerns: the desire to deliver high quality, sophisticated audio while practicing responsible stewardship. What used to be considered bells and whistles—or features that only the coolest of the cool kids had access to—are now standard fare. But while manufacturers have focused much of their attention on bridging the gap between price and performance, they haven't neglected usability, and A-list concert tours are no longer the only place you'll find A-list equipment. As most tech managers will attest, this comes in handy when you're reliant on volunteer operators with varying degrees of technical know-how. It also provides a solid training ground for when your growth has reached the point that it's necessary to pull out all the stops ... and upgrade to the next level.
Allen & Health | GLD Series
Designed to be user-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable, Allen & Heath’s GLD Series—based on the manufacturer’s digital iLive Series—has made considerable traction in the house of worship market. A larger version of the GLD-80, the GLD-112 mixer features an extra bank of eight control strips, boosting the channel count to 28 fader strips in four layers. The system features 48 input processing channels, eight stereo FX returns, 30 configurable buses, 20 mix processing channels, as well as DSP. Apps, software, and personal monitoring solutions are also available.
Avid | Venue S6L
Featuring seamless Pro Tools integration without the need for a separate audio interface, Avid’s Venue S6L is a networked system capable of interfacing with a number of network and I/O formats, including Ethernet AVB, Dante, MADI, and Thunderbolt (option cards sold separately). The touchscreen was designed to provide “immediate, intelligent” control, providing more efficient workflows, better ergonomics, and “unmatched” visual feedback, according to the manufacturer.
Behringer | X32
Priced under $3,000 (U.S.), Behringer’s X32 digital mixer gives users 40 input channels, 25 buses, and 32 Midas-designed programmable mic preamps. The console features 25 automated, motorized faders, 16 XLR outputs (with an additional six line in/outputs), and two connectors for headphones, with a talkback section that can be used with an integrated or external mic. All channels feature individual and dynamic LCD Scribble Strips designed to facilitate channel assignment and distinction.
Cadac | CDC six
Cadac’s CDC six brings ergonomics to the forefront, with a “touch and swipe” 23 ½-inch HD touchscreen user interface similar to those of standard smartphones and tablets. Stereo metering is located to the left of each of the motorized faders, with an individual OLED display that display the channel name and color-coding above each fader. At the right of the main screen, an additional 6 ½-inch LCD touchscreen provides speedy access to advanced system controls and automation. The CDC six is a 64-input channel, 48 assignable bus design with 20 touch-sensitive motorized faders, Cadac mix preamps, and 24-bit/96 kHz Delta Sigma AD/DA converters.
What used to be considered bells and whistles— or features that only the coolest of the cool kids had access to— are now standard fare.
Calrec | Summa
Calrec’s Summa console, available with either 128 or 180 channels, is designed for broadcast. Intended for those who don’t need the larger channel count of the original model, Summa with 128 channels is controlled via a 17-inch touchscreen, again similar to a tablet interface. Summa 128 offers ease of operation, according to the manufacturer, enabling easy access to controls and simplified workflows.
Digico | S21
At just under $7,000.00 (U.S.), the Digico S21 was designed specifically as an entry-level console that offers high-end performance, ergonomics, and style. (According to the company, its research and development team were tasked with constructing a console that gave users “all the same sensations they would get” when operating the company’s SD7.) Built on Digico’s FPGA-based Stealth Digital Processing technology, the S21 (with 24 mic line inputs and 12 analog outputs) features aluminum extrusions, RGB switch encoders with Hidden Til Lit (HTL), polycarbonate overlays, and two multi-touch screens.
Mackie | DL32R
The DL32R was conceived to provide operators with flexibility. Controlled via the company’s Master Fader iPad app, users are no longer restricted to a fixed FOH position, and can also do away with the need for an analog snake. The wireless control enables multiple engineers to work from a single DL32R using their own IOS devices, including monitor engineers and/or performers who wish to control their own monitor mixes. And, for you control freaks out there, note that the lead engineer can limit others’ access to the system, preventing multiple users from messing up the mix.
Midas | M32
Priced at $5,000, the Midas M32, with 40 input channels, 32 mic preamps, and 25 mix buses, is designed for both live and studio applications. AES50 networking enables up to 96 inputs and 96 outputs, and the system’s open architecture is scalable to allow for 96 kHz operation. The manufacturer has addressed user friendliness and ergonomics with a combination of tactile controls, motorized faders, and a number of LCD and TFT displays.
PreSonus | StudioLive AI Mix Systems
For under $7,000, PreSonus offers two StudioLive AI Mix Systems, in 48- and 64-channel models.
StudioLive AI Mix Systems are comprised of two cascaded StudioLive AI consoles, a joining bracket that locks them together, a PreSonus PRM1 Precision Reference Microphone, and, for those who like to keep things clean, a custom dust cover. The system works as one mixer; every channel is routed through the bus outputs of the master mixer, through which the global settings are controlled as well. Users may connect each mixer to a wireless router for remote control via an iPad or iPhone. Users can obtain wireless control with included USB Wi-Fi LAN adapters.
QSC | TouchMix
TouchMix digital mixers offer "big mixer" features in a compact, user-friendly form factor. The series includes the TouchMix-8 and the TouchMix-16—both feature a Simple Mode, which is similar to the “auto” function on a DSLR camera; an Advanced Mode that gives users complete control over all of the mixer’s parameters; plus wizards and preset libraries to simplify channel set-up and effects selection. Features include four-band parametric EQ and a variable high-pass filter, gate, and compressor on all input channels; four stereo DSPs with digital effects; and multiple monitor mixes (including the ability to drive in-ears directly). TouchMix comes with a USB Wi-Fi adapter, and free iPad and iPhone apps are also available.
Roland | M-5000
Roland’s M-5000 Live Digital Mixer is the first to incorporate the manufacturer’s O.H.R.C.A. platform, which is built on the philosophy of “Open,” “High Resolution,” and “Configurable Architecture.” The console allows for 128 assignable audio paths, support for current and future digital audio protocols, native 96 kHz audio quality throughout the system, and user-definable workflows. The M-5000 is at the heart of an integrated digital audio system that includes a large selection of digital snake options, multi-channel recording and playback solutions, as well as Roland M-48 Personal Mixers, which are all controlled from the console.
Soundcraft | Vi5000 and Vi7000
Soundcraft’s new Vi5 Series offers a choice of compact control surfaces, with local rack and active breakout box hardware. The systems deliver simultaneous mixing of up to 128 inputs and 32 mono/stereo buses, with up to 384 inputs and outputs in the I/O system, including unlimited record feeds from all channels. The consoles are designed for rapid configuration with new encoder assign functions and shortcut keys. A new extension to the Vi’s VM2 radio microphone status monitoring feature, with Shure ULXD systems now recognized, as well as AKG’s DMS800 and WMS4500 systems. Both models feature 3D Vistonics II and FaderGlow interfaces, as well as improved ViSi Remote iPad control.
SSL | Version 3 Software
SSL has recently performed a number of upgrades and introduced new Version 3 software that has resulted in over 40 new software and hardware features for its SSL Live console range. The L500 is now the L500 Plus, with an increase in mix paths from 192 to 256. The L300 has also grown from 128 to 192 mix paths. SSL’s V3 software delivers a number of new features including Super-Q for streamlined workflow, an optional Dante interface card, remote control software, a console expander mode, as well as a number of features designed for those who broadcast their productions.
Studer | Vista V
Studer’s new 52-fader Vista V is based on the Quad Star technology of its predecessor, the Vista X, but in a compact form factor. The console features a built-in meter bridge, motorized faders, and a Dynamic Automation system with DAW remote control. The Vista V comes with VistaMix, the Studer’s automated mic mixing algorithm. VistaMix removes the need for operators to manually adjust all the faders, leaving the mics of talking participants open while closing those of silent participants to minimize spill and background noise. The console can be integrated into most networks used in broadcast, such as Dante, LiveWire, and AES67.
Yamaha | TF Series
The TF Series Digital Consoles target both new users and experienced engineers interested in saving time with features such as fast, accurate gain set-up, single-step compression and EQ, and mic-specific presets. The series includes the TF5, TF3, and TF1 compact consoles, featuring 33, 25, or 17 motor faders respectively, along with 32, 24, or 16 rear-panel analog inputs. Each console includes recallable Yamaha D-PRE preamps to facilitate live set-up where changes need to be made on the fly. TF stands for TouchFlow Operation, which combines elements of Yamaha’s user interfaces with an advanced touch panel system.
