One of these days we'll get it right. We usually do an updated look at digital consoles in the January issue of FOH and last year (Or was it the year before? They're all kind of running together…) we tried to do something called "Digital Consoles for the Rest of Us" and to focus on products that you could afford even if you were not doing national tours and high-profile corporates. But, as we quickly learned, there just weren't any to be found in the price range we set. So this year, we tried again. We set the price limit a bit higher and announced a look at digital consoles under $80K. So what happens? At first, it all looked good as we found that nearly every company that made a digital desk had at least one model under that price point. Success, right?
Then we got a call from a manufacturer who does not make a model under that price point. (Hold on, hold on, I'm really not caving to our corporate overlords. . .) While this manufacturer is one of just two or three who did not make an affordable desk, they made a good point. At this time, the digital landscape has changed so much that there are only a few models above that price point. Why leave them out when we are only talking about a small amount of space? Does that actually serve the reader?
It's a good point, but we did not want to be comparing a desk that lists for around $50K with one that carries a price tag six times that. So, a compromise. Below you will find not one, but two charts. The first is just the desks under that $80K mark, and the second only the ones above that. It is interesting to note that the $80K call still appears to be a good one. When you look at the charts, you will see that there is not a gradual slope up in price above $80K but rather a very sharp spike. It is not a few thousand dollars that separate the affordable from the luxury models; it is a few tens of thousands at the least.
One other side note: When you start with a price limitation and ask marketing types for input they will do cartwheels to make their product fit under the limit. It's not their fault, they appear to have been born that way. Which leads to the "stripped syndrome." Like when you go to buy a car listed at a certain price only to find out that it does not include some items you think it ought to. ("Oh, you wanted a transmission with the car? That's extra.") Just keep that in mind when looking at the "Under $80K" chart.
With the continued downward price pressure in this segment, next year watch for three charts: the high ticket jobs, the midmarket and the entry level — which I am guessing will look more like an "under $20K" group. Either that or you will be able to get one free when you fill up your gas tank at participating stations…
Allen&Heath
ilive-digital.com
Model/Frame Sizes: iLive 28-36-44
Outputs: 32 Out
Input Location: On Stage box, inputs also
available on control surface
Control Surface Config.: Up to 44 faders
Preamp Gain range: +10 to +65dg ( pad out) -15 to
+40 ( pad in)
External Inserts: Yes
Metering: Full
Channel EQ: 4 band fully parametric
Channel Dynamics: Gate limiter, comp, deesser
Onboard FX: Reverbs and Delays
Plug-ins: No
Digital Interface: EtherSound
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): Full audio control if using back up
Internal PSU: Yes and external backup
Dimensions: 3.5 feet long, 2.3 feet deep, 1.14
feet high
Weight: 94lbs
Price: From $49,999.00
Cadac Electronics plc
www.cadac-sound.com
Model/Frame Sizes: 16 channels modular
Outputs: 16 Out
Input Location: On unit or stage box
Control Surface Config.: Banks of 16
Preamp Gain range: +10dB to +60dB
External Inserts: No
Metering: Inputs/Outputs on software, and on RM16 remote unit
Channel EQ: 4-band parametric, high and low pass filters
Channel Dynamics: Gate, compressor, delay
Onboard FX: None
Plug-ins: No
Digital Interface: MADI Direct, from the mic pres, otherwise analog
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): Possible to switch to back-up computer
Internal PSU: Yes
Dimensions: 6U 19" rack
Weight: 13 Kg
Model/Frame Sizes: D1: 25 Faders; D5: 41 Faders
Outputs: 36 Aux & subgroup busses and 8 matrix busses
Input Location: Remote racks, up to 56 inputs and outputs per rack, up to 4 racks/console
Control Surface Config.: 16 or 24 input faders, grouped in sections of 8 with 6 user-definable fader banks per section
Preamp Gain range: -20dB to +60dB
External Inserts: Yes. On every channel and every
output.
Metering: 30-segment LED
meterbridge.
Channel EQ: 4 band fully parametric 2-Hz-20kHz
EQ with dedicated high and low pass
filters
Channel Dynamics: Compressor / Limiter
and gate with sidechain
Onboard FX: 6 digital FX processors, reverb,
modulation effects, delay, dynamics
and 12 x 28-band graphic eq's.
32 processing channels (16 on
D1) provide 510ms delay, 6-band
parametric EQ and a comp/lim
which can be applied to any input
or buss.
Plug-ins: N/A
Digital Interface: MADI, Optocore
(standard on D5,
optional on D1).
Other options include
Ethersound &
Aviom.
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): Audio continues uninterrupted during
reboot with no loss of control.
Internal PSU: Dual hot-swappable
PSU's supplied as
standard on surface
and racks
Dimensions: D1 (WxDxH, mm): 1128 x 864 x 458
Weight: D1: 91.5Kg/D5: 125Kg
(weights quoted with
dual PSUs)
Price: D1: from $55,188 D5: from
Digidesign
www.digidesign.com
Model/Frame Sizes: VENUE: Up to 128 channels banked on up to 56 faders
Outputs: Up to 96 on stage, additional
28 on local rack at
mix position
Input Location: Up to 96 mic pres on stage;
30 additional inputs on local
rack at mix position
Control Surface Config.: Varies with configuration,
from 8 to 56 faders,
with four banks
Preamp Gain range: +10 dB to +60 dB in 0.1 dB
steps, full recallable
External Inserts: Yes
Metering: Input and output,
with multiple clip
points per path
and user-defined
threshold
Channel EQ: 4 band fully parametric, digital or analog
emulation modes, separate HPF,
plus plug-ins
Channel Dynamics: Compressor/Limiter and Expander/Gate, plus plug-ins
Onboard FX: Digidesign ReVibe and Reverb
One, Bomb Factory vintage EQ and
dynamics emulations, TrooTrace
Audio Analysis Bundle, Focusrite
EQ and Compressor
Plug-ins: Over 100 TDM plug-ins from Digidesign
and third parties such as Sony Oxford,
Waves, TC Electronic, Eventide, McDSP,
Serato, Troodon Technologies, Cranesong,
Digital Interface: AES/EBU
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): No loss of audio. DSP backup mode
provides full control of faders, mutes,
VCA, Mains, banking and metering.
Internal PSU: Yes, fully redundant,
auto-switching w/
user notification in
event of failure
Dimensions: D-Show Main & Sidecar (HxWxD):
13.7" x 78.3" x 35.5". D-Show Profile
Weight: D-Show Main & Sidecar:
194 lbs D-Show Profile:
90 lbs
Price: D-Show Main & Sidecar System:
$69,995. D-Show Profile System
Innovason USA, Inc.
www.innovason.com
Model/Frame Sizes: Sy48 (48 Fader Frame)
Outputs: 40 Busses (Up to 144
physical outputs)
Input Location: Mixing = 72. Up to 144 physical
inputs local & remote
(Remote via Coax, Fiber or
Ethersound Cat5)
Control Surface Config.: Up To 48 (all faders
freely assignable as
I/P (mon-stereo), O/P,
Group, Aux, Matrix,
Monitoring and Masters.
Preamp Gain range: -27 to + 63dB
External Inserts: 16 Discrete Line IN x 16 Discrete
Line OUT
Metering: 48 LED ladders (All
Faders/Busses)
Channel EQ: 4 band parametric on I/P, 8 Band Parametric
on Outputs + 16 additional
floating processes. (32-band graphic
soon)
Channel Dynamics: Comp / Gate / Limiter
Onboard FX: Soon
Plug-ins: Soon (Waves & VB Audio)
Digital Interface: 64 chan Ethersound,
AES and Midi
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…):40 sec reboot (audio will pass)
Internal PSU: Yes (auto redundant
external available)
Dimensions: 45" x 29 x 8.5"
Weight: 106 lbs
Price: Packages Starting at $63k
Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.
www.yamaha.com/ca
Model/Frame Sizes: Yamaha LS9-16, LS9-32
Outputs: LS9-16 1-8, LS9-32 1-16
Input Location: 32 and 64 in console
Control Surface Config.: 100mm motorized
Preamp Gain range: -62 +10db
External Inserts: Additional 1 or 2 16 or 32 channels
of processing power ready to
receive audio via the Mini-YGDAI
expansion slots
Metering: Virtual
Channel EQ: GEQ and effect rack offers easy access
to built-in graphic equalization
Channel Dynamics: Onboard
Onboard FX: Yes
Plug-ins: Yes
Digital Interface: Yes
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…):
Internal PSU: Yes LS9-32: 170 W,
Dimensions: LS9-32: 884 x 220 x 500, LS9-16:
Weight: LS9-32: 19.4kg, LS9-16:
Price: LS9-32$10,999 and LS-9 16
Model/Frame Sizes: M7CL-48 and 32
Outputs: 1-16 Omni, 2 AES/EBU
Input Location: Console
Control Surface Config.: 100mm motorized
Preamp Gain range: -62 +10dB
External Inserts: 3
Metering: Optional
Channel EQ: On board graphic, 31 bands
Channel Dynamics: On board
Onboard FX: Built-in
Plug-ins: Yes
Digital Interface: AES/EBU, Ethernet
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…):
Internal PSU: Yes
Dimensions: M7CL-32: 1,060 x 286 x 701, M7CL-
Weight: M7CL-32: 42kg, M7CL-48:
Price: 32-$19,999 and 48-$24,999
Model/Frame Sizes: PM5D, PM5D-RH: 130 inputs
Outputs: Matrix 1-8, Mix Out 1-24,
Insert Out 1-48
Input Location: On console 48 XLR manual
mix pres, PM5D-RH 48 XLR,
recallable mic pres
Control Surface Config.: 1-48, stereo 1-4
Preamp Gain range: -62 +10dB
External Inserts: 4 mini YGDAI
Metering: Yes
Channel EQ: 12 GEQs, 4 band each ch.
Channel Dynamics: 110 typ. DA Converter
Onboard FX: 500-scenes of total recall. Plus you
have the equivalent of several
racks full of first-rate processing
gear onboard (56 Gates, 92 Comps,
97 Delays, 12 GEQs and 8 units of
SPX2000 class multi effects).
Plug-ins: Yes
Digital Interface: 2 AES/EBU, 1 Coaxial,
CobraNet
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…):
Internal PSU:
Dimensions: W x D x H (mm) 1551 x 950 x 283
Weight: PM5D: 98 kg PM5D-RH:
$80,000 and Up
Cadac Electronics plc
www.cadac-sound.com
Model/Frame Sizes: S-Digital: Min configuration
is 1 x input frame (72
inputs, can control up to
144), 1 x output (up to 72
busses), 1 x Central Control
Module
Outputs: 66 mix busses and 3 stereo
listens = 72
Input Location: Stage box
Control Surface Config.: 18 x 4 banks in min
configuration
Preamp Gain range: 10-60dB
External Inserts: Yes
Metering: Yes
Channel EQ: 4-band parametric, swept high and
low pass filters
Channel Dynamics: Gate, compressor, limiter
Onboard FX: Delay
Plug-ins: TBC
Digital Interface:
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): Full redundancy of DSP, control surface
and PSU, plus additional backup
second computer
Internal PSU: No, external
Dimensions: Control surface = 2088mm wide
Weight: TBC
Price: approx. $400,000
Euphonix
www.euphonix.com
Model/Frame Sizes: From 8 Faders upwards
Outputs: 48 mix, 48 group, 24 aux
Input Location: Stage box
Control Surface Config.: From 8 upwards
Preamp Gain range: -12 dB to 72 dB in 0.5 dB increments
External Inserts: Yes
Metering: High res TFT displays
plus stereo
metering next to
each fader
Channel EQ: 4 band fully parametric
Channel Dynamics: Compressor and expander/
gate
Onboard FX: Dynamics and EQ
Plug-ins:
Digital Interface: MADI internal, AES/
EBU, SDI, Analog
XLR, ADAT Optical,
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): Distributed Processing so individual
units can fail without interruping
program. 100% failover availble for
DSP and Audio Patchbay as an option.
Internal PSU: Dual Power Supplies
for all main units
Dimensions: Depends on system
Weight: Depends on system
Price: From US$140,000
Gamble DCX Consoles
www.gambleboards.com
Model/Frame Sizes: DCX-40: 40
DCX-60: 60 channels
Outputs: Master Out, Mono Out, 8
stereo matrices, 16 stereo
auxes, center bus
Input Location: On console
Control Surface Config.: 40 (DCX-40) or 60
(DCX-60), 8 stereo subs
Preamp Gain range: Up to +65 dB
External Inserts: Yes
Metering: Peak/Average per
channel, sub, etc.
Channel EQ: 4 band, -40 dB cut on low-mid/hi-mid
w/graph
Channel Dynamics: Compressor/Gate
Onboard FX: No
Plug-ins: Through insert
Digital Interface: TCP/IP
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): Mix file saves every three minutes.
Internal PSU: Yes
Dimensions: 35" H x 60" W x 28" D
Weight: 200 lbs
Innovason
www.innovason.com
Model/Frame Sizes: 63' x 35' x12.5"
Outputs: 48 Busses (up to 144 physical Outputs)
Input Location: Mixing = 104. Up to 144 physical i/p local & remote
Control Surface Config.: 80 faders all freely assignable as i/p (mon or
stereo), Grp, Aux (LCRM), Master (LCRM), Matrix, VCA, Monitor, Cross fade
and SmartFad deployment zone (no banks)
Preamp Gain range: -27 to +63dB
External Inserts: 16 Discrete line IN x 16 Discrete OUT as inserts or I/O.
Metering:82 LED ladders (all Faders/Busses/Monitoring)
Channel EQ: 4 band parametric on I/P, 8 band parametric on outputs + 16
additional floating processes (32 band GEQ soon)
Channel Dynamics: Comp / Gate / Limiter
Onboard FX: Summer 2007
Plug-ins Summer 2007 (Waves & VB Audio)
Digital Interface: 64chan Ethersound, AES, Midi Cntrl (Aviom, MADI & ADAT in
April 07)
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): 40 sec reboot (audio will pass)
Internal PSU: Dual auto redundant on consoles, Stage & Mix box as well as
DIOCore (Ethersound) Stage Box
Dimensions: 65" x 34" x 16.5"
Weight: 207 lbs
Price: Packages starting at $153k but may be much less
Midas
www.midasconsoles.com
Model/Frame Sizes: XL8: (96) input control
channels + (16) mic/line
returns. The board can
address up to (400) XLR
inputs, (720) input and output
XLRs max
Outputs: 51 main outputs, 120 additional
pool outputs for
directs, inserts, multing,
Input Location: Either
Control Surface Config.: (24) phyical input
control channels in (3)
bays of (8) (96) input
control channels total
Preamp Gain range: From -22.5 to +65dB analog
gain split 3 ways (separate
analog pre for FOH, Monitors,
and Recording) -20 to + 20
digital gain trim on each digital
console split (2)
External Inserts: Yes, on all inputs, aux sends, matrix,
main, and mono outputs with
automatic delay compensation
ensuring frame accurancy and
phase coherence on all channels
input to output regardless of the
number of inserts
Metering: Channel level, gate
and compression
on all inputs
Channel EQ: Properly interpolated (4) band parametric
with (3) types of shelving on
bands 1 and 4
Channel Dynamics: (4) styles – Corrective,
Adaptive, Creative, Vintage
Onboard FX: Yes – (16) stereo effects
Plug-ins: Managed thru control of external computer
Digital Interface: AES 50, AES 3
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): No single component failure can
cause loss of audio. All components
including cabling are redundant
with automatic switchover. System
will continue in last cue for up to ten
minutes while out of contact with
control center surface. Reboot of
individual bays on surface or entire
surface cause no loss of audio. Loss
of screens cause no loss of control.
All bays have separate PS. All bays
can take control from any other bay,
Internal PSU: Five in control surface.
Dimensions: Control surface is 73.82" wide,
41.51" deep, 16.57" high
Weight: 354 lbs
Soundcraft
www.soundcraftdigital.com
Model/Frame Sizes: Vi6: 64
Outputs: 64 Stage & 32 local
Input Location: Stage & local
Control Surface Config.: 32 per bank
Preamp Gain range: 65 dB
External Inserts: Yes
Metering: LED Bargraph
Channel EQ: 4 band fully parametric
Channel Dynamics: Gate/limiter/compression
Onboard FX: 8 stereo Lexicon
Plug-ins: No
Digital Interface: MADI, AES/EBU
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…): None
Internal PSU: No
Dimensions: 37.8" H x 71.7" W x 19.3" D, Local
Rack: 37.4" H x 23.6" W x 26.4"
D Stagebox: 37.4" H x 23.6" W x
Weight: Control Surface: 286
lbs., Local Rack: 110 lbs.,
Stagebox: 88 lbs.
Yamaha
www.yamaha.com/proaudio
Model/Frame Sizes: PM1D: 48 or 96
Outputs: 48 Mix outputs, 24 matrix
outs
Input Location: Outboard
Control Surface Config.:
Preamp Gain range:
External Inserts:
Metering:
Channel EQ: 4 Bands of EQ per channel
Channel Dynamics: 6 per channe
Onboard FX:
Plug-ins:
Digital Interface:
Oh, Crap! (in case of power loss…):
Internal PSU:
Dimensions: 13.9" H x 38.6" D x 75" W
Weight: l 260 lbs.
