Soundcraft updates Vi console software

Soundcraft has announced a substantial new software update for Vi2, 4 and 6 consoles. The result of wide-ranging market feedback, the Version 4.8 software contains a number of significant new features, with stage monitor applications in particular set to benefit.

The most significant of the new features is the upgrade of the bussing system on Vi2, 4 and 6 to allow all 32 of the console’s mix busses to work in stereo mode when required – without stealing any other busses – to allow use as in-ear mixes. This doubles the stereo mix capability of the Vi2, 4 and 6 consoles, whilst the number of mono mixes remains at 32.

Another benefit for monitor engineers is a new source selection switch. This allows each individual aux or group bus send from channels to be sourced from four different points in the signal path – post-fade, post-EQ and dynamics, pre-dynamics but post-EQ, and pre-EQ and dynamics.

A further enhancement takes the form of a significant improvement to the Aux VCA functionality. Allowing the VCA master faders to control the aux sends of their member channels only for the currently selected monitor mix when the mix is on the faders has now been made switchable on a per-VCA basis. This allows the VCA to remain as the global channel VCA at all times if required. Also, a new post-fade option for the channel insert point has been added, making it possible to work more effectively with inserted automixer units such as the popular Dugan units.

For FOH applications, a much requested improvement is the addition of Stereo capability for matrix busses. With Vi1 and Vi2, 4 and 6 consoles with only two-DSP cards, this feature allows mono matrix busses to be linked into stereo mode, giving a maximum of four stereo matrix on Vi1 and eight on Vi2, 4 and 6.

In order to benefit from the new audio features, Vi2, 4 and 6 consoles must have at least three DSP cards fitted to the local rack. Consoles with only two DSP cards fitted will require the purchase of a third DSP card in order to benefit from the new features. In order to have both 96 inputs and the new audio features a fourth DSP card will need to be purchased.

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